Valerian may have sedative qualities and the ability to relax the central nervous system along with smooth muscle groups. It has long been used as a sleeping aid for hundreds of years. Valerian may also provide relief for abdominal cramps due to nervousness for uterine and menstrual cramps. It may help relieve dysmenorrhoea and it may be helpful for migraine and rheumatic pain. Applied locally it may assist with cramps and other muscle tensions.