Newsgroups: alt.pagan
From: tinne@eskimo.com (Susan Profit)
Subject: Re: Menstrual Pain
Date: Sat, 25 Feb 1995 03:19:57 GMT

Valeriana officinalis, otherwise known by many common names. It is a 
moderately attractive plant in the garden with mild-lightly fragrant 
flowers, grows well in part shade and likes moist roots. The roots, 
must be aged for a full year when gathered, as use when fresh can have 
some deleterious effects. It smells like a cross between dirty socks and 
swamp muck that has been carefully aged by 'gators. It goes down better 
if masked by pleasant tasting/smelling herbs and lots of sweetener. 

Many people burp 'swamp gas' after drinking/taking capsules of this. Some 
herbals warn of a chemical dependency that can occur when this is taken 
on a regular basis. It can have rather nasty side effects when used in 
large quantities or at high dosages. Many cats find it almost as 
irresistible as catnip, so be certain to store where they cannot smell it. 
Some people have reported false positives for valium in urine samples 
after drinking this, but some have also reported false positives for 
barbiturates.

It is supposed to have an effect on smooth muscle tissues, vascular 
systems and some women find it helpful for menstrual cramping. 
 @}->- ;) Tinne   Laughter Heals :D -<-{@