I discovered valerian around August of last year during my worst anxiety attack of my life.

It didn't help my anxiety really, in fact I had panic attacks within the first 5 minutes every single time (I do have a fear of any meds). But it did work wonders for my stress! I would be fuming at a point where I was almost swearing (I never swear) at work almost every day because the guests were horrible and the management was so much worse. I was around drugs and creepy men all night almost every night (worked in a hotel) and management never backed me up when it came to the creeps. So I'd drink a cup of valerian root and be so calm and mellow the whole time.

I used the tea though (get it at any vitamin store) and would use one bad, 3 packets of sugar and 1-2tbs of honey. I'd have to chug it because it tastes like it smells. And I haven't drank any of it in about 5 months but on occassion my husband smells it on me, for some reason now when my feet sweat they smell like valerian, I had to throw out my shoes I had during my valerian phase because of the smell.

I would use it again in a heart beat if I needed it though. Come to think of it... I never used it for anxiety, when I was anxious I was always too afraid to drink it. So it might work for anxiety IDK, but I know if works great for stress.