Traditionally effective

Valerian

Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, was already well-known in Norse mythology. It was said that the strong scent that emanates from the valerian root kept evil – in the form of witches, ghosts and the Devil himself – at bay. Valerian’s harmonising and calming effect was first mentioned in the Lorsch Pharmacopeia in 800 CE.

A member of the Valerianoideae subfamily of plants (now classed as part of the honeysuckle family), valerian thrives in damp, loose and moderately nutritious soils. It’s most commonly found on the banks of rivers and brooks and in meadows and forest glades.

The essential oils in the valerian root act on the nerve cells to influence the body’s metabolism. Taken during the day, valerian has a calming effect without causing drowsiness. It boosts concentration and performance levels and lifts the spirits, which in turn makes it easier to deal with the symptoms of everyday stress.

Taken in the evening, valerian reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. Quality of sleep is also improved – without you waking up groggy the next morning. Quite the contrary: you’ll feel refreshed.

Valerian can be taken in various ways, for example as a tea, extract, tincture or in homeopathic remedies. It’s often combined with other plants such as hops, melissa, lavender and/or passionflower.

Health

Sleep disorders: Meaning, causes and treatment

Do you suffer from sleep problems? Then you’re not alone. Eight per cent of the population of Austria alone suffered from chronic sleeplessness in 2021.

When your body tenses up

What a wonderful feeling it is to wake up in the morning ready to jump out of bed and seize the day. But then you feel your stiff neck.

What you need to know when you catch a cold

A mountain of used tissues, countless spoonfuls of cough syrup, copious quantities of tea, lozenges, chest rubs and hot baths spring to mind when you think about colds, don’t they?

Who hasn’t had a wart at least once in their life?

It’s mainly children and the elderly who’ll notice these small, round growths on the surface of the skin. But what causes warts and how do you get rid of them?

Raw materials

Melissa

Melissa, or Melissa officinalis, is certainly one of the oldest and best-known medicinal herbs of our time.

Primrose

Primula veris (= the first small fruits of spring) has been valued as a medicinal plant for centuries.

Valerian

Valerian not only improves the quality of sleep, but alsoreduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep.

Hay Flowers

Apart from the wonderful scent that the hay flower (Graminis flos) exudes, the essential oils it contains have a positive effect on the body.