A slightly hairy, tufted herb with thick horizontal rootstocks that contains a sweet smelling essential oil.

Indian valerian is prescribed as a remedy for hysteria, hypochondria, nervous unrest and emotional troubles. It is also used as a carminative and forms an ingredient of a number of ayurvedic recipes. The drug contains a group of iridoid or monoterpenic derivatives, known as valepotriates which are useful as tranquilizers and sedatives. An iridoid ester glycoside designated as valerosidatum (isovaleryl glucoside) has also been isolated. The essential oil of the root and rhizome is having antibacterial property.

Used in Mentat (MindCare), Mentat syrup, Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Anxocare.