Valerian.

Date: Mon, 21 Aug 1995 23:11:53 GMT
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: Paul Iannone <p_iannone.POP.COM>
Subject: Re: valerian and damiana

: Valerian is used mainly for nervous tension, insomnia and headaches.

Valerian is a somewhat rare quantity: a Warm-quality aromatic. Because aromatic property generally speaking Disperses Qi, herbs possessing that property will relieve the Stagnation aspect of depression, and may ease insomnia due to Stagnation.

The caution flows from the Warm property, though. If the user is suffering from Qi Stagnation depression or insomnia DUE TO HEAT, which is VERY common, valerian will exacerbate the health imbalance even as it relieves some of the symptoms.

Peppermint is almost always a better choice, when in doubt.