Term: Mexican valerian

Pronunciation: (MEK-sih-kun vuh-LEER-ee-un)

Description:

A plant whose roots are used as a sedative and to treat certain medical conditions. It is being studied as a way to improve sleep in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Also called garden heliotrope, garden valerian, Indian valerian, Pacific valerian, valerian, Valeriana officinalis, and Valerianae radix.