Who has used valerian root before? How does it compare to other sleep aids or relaxing herbs?
I have tried it and it's VERY relaxing. It actually puts me in a different headspace altogether! I literally feel high from it for some reason. There is a noticeable change in color perception and sleepy relaxed sedation. It's hard to describe but it's more than just a sleep aid. I'm guessing it's relaxing effects and visual changes are caused by the GABA activity of the active ingredient.
Now, valerian root smells like stinky socks so I made an extract of 2 ounces and scraped up the goo. I then mixed some sugar in to make the goo malleable and to make sure it doesn't stick to everything (the extract is one sticky sob). Then I pop one sugar/extract ball with a diameter of about 1/4 an inch (since I can't think of anything to compare the size to lol). I HIGHLY recommend this to insomniacs; hell, it might even ease withdrawal symptoms of some drugs with it's sedating effects. Let me know your experiences!
Some day I hope to send some of you a few of my extracts to try out. This is one of the ones I want to share with everyone, the effects are just so profound for me.