Valerian, American
Botanical: Cypripedium pubescens (WILD.), Cyprepedium parviflorum
Family: N.O. Orchidaceae
---Synonyms---Lady's Slipper. Cypripedium hirsutum. American Valerian. Noah's Ark. Yellow Lady's Slipper. Nerve-root.
---Part Used---Root.
American Valerian is one of the names given to the Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium). The roots of several varieties, the principal being Cypripedium pubescens and Cyprepedium parviflorum, are employed in hysteria, being a gentle, nervous stimulant and antispasmodic, less powerful than Valerian.
American Valerian is official in the United States Pharmacopoeia for the production of a fluid extract. Cypridenin is a complex, resinoid substance, obtained by precipitating with water a concentrated tincture of the rhizome.
---Preparations and Dosages---Powdered root, 1 drachm. Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm. Cypripedin, 1 to 3 grains. Solid extract alc., 5 to 10 grains.
