Book excerpt: Valerian, is an up-to-date treatment of all aspects of this very important genus of plants, used in the traditional medicine of many parts of the world, particularly as a sedative. It includes material written by experts dealing with a variety of aspects including the ethnobotany, chemistry, pharmacology, cultivation, analysis and commercial aspects of Valeriana. This book will be of interest to all those concerned with the study and use of medicinal and aromatic plants and provides a comprehensive and contemporary overview of the status of this particular genus.