Cypripedium pubescens, C. calceolus, Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens.   Lady's  slipper, Nerve root, American valerian   Family: Orchidaceae          
PART USED: Rhizome
TASTE: Bitter and pungent.  ODOR: Characterisitc, similar to Valarian.
ACTIONS
1. Sedative.[1,2] Mild hypnotic.[1,2] Nervine.[2]
2. Spasmolytic.[1,2]
3. Thymoleptic.
INDICATIONS
1. Insomnia,[1,2] connected with anxiety. Anxiety states.[1,2] Hysteria. Emotional Tension.[1,2]
2. Headache.[2] Neuralgia.[2]
COMBINATIONS
- Anxiety neurosis- use with Avena sativa- Oats or Scutellaria lateriflora- Scutellaria.
- Depression and insomnia- use with Avena sativa- Oats.
PREPARATIONS:
Dried rhizome and root  2-4 g, or by infusion.[1,2]
Liquid extract 1:1 in 45% alcohol  2-4 ml.[1,2]
ORIGIN: USA and Canada. Cultivated widely.
PART USED: Rhizome. About 6 cm in length and 0.5 cm in diameter, reddish-brown, with numerous cup shaped bud scars and a few buds on the upper surface, and many slender, matted roots on the lower surface. Fracture, short.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents
Volatile oil.[1,2] Resins.[1,2] Glucoside.[2] Tannins.[1,2]
References
[1] British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983 Published by the British Herbal Medicine Association ISBN 0 903032 07 4.
[2] Drogenkunde, 8th Ed. Heinz, A., Hoppe. Pub. W. de Gruyter (1975) Berlin

Research