Valerian (herb) mild nervous tension and to aid sleep; EMA stated that although there is insufficient evidence from clinical studies, its effectiveness as a dried extract is considered plausible. In the United States, valerian extracts are sold as a nutritional supplement under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. Oral forms are available in both standardized and unstandardized forms. Standardized products may be preferable considering the wide variation of the chemicals in the dried root, as noted above. When standardized, it is done so as a percentage of valerenic acid or valeric acid. Because the compounds in valerian produce central
Alternative treatments used for the common cold cold. There have been reports of children being badly burned by accidentally spilling the water used for steam inhalation. Evidence does not support a relationship between cold temperature exposure or a "chill" (feeling of coldness) and the common cold. Zinc is tentatively linked to a shorter length of symptoms. Alternative treatments used for the common cold Alternative treatments used for the common cold include numerous home remedies and alternative medicines. Scientific research regarding the efficacy of each treatment is generally nonexistent or inconclusive. Current best evidence indicates prevention, including hand washing and neatness, and management of symptoms. Many believe that