Valerian is a flowering perennial distributed throughout Europe, the Americas and northern Asia. The herb is also known as garden heliotrope today, but has many common names of antiquity. Herbalists of the 15th and 16th century referred to the plant as Setewale, Amantilla, Capon's Tail and Phu, the latter bestowed by Galen in reference to the odorous root.

A common tea or tincture of valerian root is sometimes made in combination with hops, skullcap or catnip.