Indian Valerian vs Hawthorn Chinese Small

The Himalayan valerian used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine as a potent sedative and antispasmodic; considered superior to European valerian in some traditions.

Small-leafed Chinese hawthorn species used similarly to C. pinnatifida in rural Chinese folk medicine for digestive and cardiovascular conditions.

Valerenic acid, Valtrate, Isovaltrate, Kessyl glycol

vitexin, hyperoside, proanthocyanidins, ursolic acid, flavonoids

Insomnia and sleep disorders, Nervous debility and hysteria, Epilepsy and convulsions

Digestive conditions in rural Chinese folk medicine, Cardiovascular conditions, Digestive food stagnation, Hypertension folk treatment

Sleep aid, Anxiety and stress relief, Antispasmodic

Digestive, Cardiovascular protective, Antihyperlipidemic, Antioxidant

1-3g powder at bedtime

6-12g dried fruit in decoction daily; fresh fruit as food

Avoid with CNS depressants, Do not operate machinery

Anticoagulants, Diarrhea conditions

Morning grogginess, Headache, GI disturbance

Heartburn, Nausea