Term: Valeriana officinalis

Pronunciation: (vuh-LEER-ee-a-nuh uh-FIH-sih-NUH-lis)

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, Mexican valerian, Pacific valerian, valerian, and Valerianae radix.