12-06-2006, 03:51 PM
Cats & Rats!
By Melissa Chiasson, MD and Julie Dickson, MD
Valerian root has been used for centuries in Europe and Asia as a sedative/hypnotic agent. It is claimed that Valerian root decreases the time it takes for a person to fall asleep and that it also improves sleep quality. However, there are many other purported uses for this plant. Unfortunately, most of these do not have any scientifically proven merit.
Valerian root has a distinctive unpleasant odor which is only present in the dried form. The fresh root has no odor. In the drying process, components in the root hydrolyze to form isovaleric acid. It is this compound that causes the offensive odor. This odor is said to be attractive to rats. According to legend, the Pied Piper used Valerian root to lure rats from the village of Hamlin.
BGnR
By Melissa Chiasson, MD and Julie Dickson, MD
Valerian root has been used for centuries in Europe and Asia as a sedative/hypnotic agent. It is claimed that Valerian root decreases the time it takes for a person to fall asleep and that it also improves sleep quality. However, there are many other purported uses for this plant. Unfortunately, most of these do not have any scientifically proven merit.
Valerian root has a distinctive unpleasant odor which is only present in the dried form. The fresh root has no odor. In the drying process, components in the root hydrolyze to form isovaleric acid. It is this compound that causes the offensive odor. This odor is said to be attractive to rats. According to legend, the Pied Piper used Valerian root to lure rats from the village of Hamlin.
BGnR