Valerian has a long history for relieving pain and other problems such as stomach ache. It also has been known to treat epilepsy and in some cases cure it. But what I want you to know is that it can be an alternative for chronic back pain. I myself have tried this and put my cousin and her boyfriend on this rather smelly herb an I can say it really works.
Valerian works as a tranquilizer affecting the central nervous system and so it is more a psychological drug than a physiological.
In large doses Valerian may cause stupor, vomiting, and dizziness. Long term use may even cause depression.
Using Valerian, I myself prefer capsules. But some herbalist recommend an infusion of one teaspoon of the root in one pint of water an should be drunk cold. 1 cup through out a day or a cup an hour before bed.
