Psychotria nervosa vs Tibetan Valerian

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Psychotria nervosa

Nervine

Valeriana officinalis subsp. tiliifolia

Nervine

Psychotria nervosa

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Tibetan Valerian

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Florida native Rubiaceae; leaves used by Seminole in folk medicine; related to psychedelic Psychotria.

A calming sedative herb used in Tibetan medicine for sleep disorders and nervous conditions.

Active Compounds

purine alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins

valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, valepotriates, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

fever, headache, fatigue, nervous conditions

insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension, headache

Modern Uses

antipyretic, stimulant (mild), nervine

sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant

Adult Dosage

3-5g leaf tea 2x/day

300-600mg extract nightly

Contraindications

pregnancy

operating machinery, sedative medications

Side Effects

mild stimulant effects, GI upset

morning drowsiness, vivid dreams

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E