At 10 drops of valerian root oil from China (this is the only kind I've tried, different countries of origin have oil that varies in effects) the following effects are apparent (especially if taken with German chamomile and cinnamon bark oil as inhibitors):



* Closed eye visuals: dream-like, similar to those of harmaline.

* Open eye visuals: unlike anything else I know of. Objects seem to flash a little. I don't know how to really describe it well.

* An LSD-like electric euphoria and body feel.

* Mental cross-association or new-association effects like that of LSD. For example, looking at a chair, you might get the mental impression that the chair looks like a woman, which never occurred to you before, but it doesn't actually morph into a woman, it just reminds you of a woman, it still looks like the same chair. Or the lyrics in a song might suddenly take on new meaning to you, brining to mind thoughts of a very different nature.

* Lack of mental focus. You can easily lose your train of thought. This is very beneficial if you're trying to sleep, but annoying if you're trying to perform complex tasks.

* Slightly increased emotional reaction to emotional stimuli in a way reminiscent of LSD.



NOTE: These references to LSD are based on SWIM's take of valerian, not my own. I have never used LSD because doing so would be illegal.



I get no sedation at all from it if I take it with inhibitors. Otherwise I might get a little sedated.



Oh, I should mention that you should not mix valerian with alcohol. Valerian inhibits alcohol metabolism, making alcohol much worse for your liver.