Valerian

Valerian’s proper name Valeriana Officinalis and sometimes called God's Valium!
It is a mild sedative and is extracted from the root of Valerian, a tall, fernlike plant.

The mechanism by which it works is believed to be by stimulating the neurotransmitter GABA, which dampens the brain's arousal system.

Valerian is often combined with other mildly sedating herbs such as hops, lettuce, lemon balm, passion flower(passiflora), and chamomile to give a synergistic effect.

Valerian can be used for mild anxiety or stress, as a muscle relaxant, or to help you relax or to sleep.
It can be taken in tablet, capsule or tincture form.

The tincture it seems to work quicker. 10 drops in half a cup of warm water for anxiety or relaxation and 30 drops in water to aid sleep.
The usual dose is 150 to 500mg of a standardised valerian extract about half an hour before bedtime.

There are few if any minor side effects. Most common side effects are occasional stomach upset and headache, nausea and restlessness if large doses are taken.
However they are extremely rare.