Herbalationist
Seth:
I have to mention that you can get into a lot of trouble taking herbs while at the same time taking psychotrophic drugs. Since you say that you are bi-polar, there are deeper, congestive conditions that should be given attention in order to get more than a symptomatic relief. In other words, there are other conditions needing attention that, up front, may seem totally unrelated, but which are necessary in order to have a longer, more effective treatment. As long as you're on a pharmaceutical medicine, I can't begin to recommend an herb. I'm not suggesting you get off the drugs; I'm suggesting you don't mix different types of remedies.
D.Quiote:
While valerian certainly has its place, it should be noted that it is a medium strength remedy with moderate chronic and cumulative toxicity and doses must be strictly adhered to. This root may actually cause mild dependency and eventually create the same symptoms that is initially relieved. From my own experience, it should be kept to conditions of Qi constraint and Yin deficiency and NEVER given to those with full heat, fevers, or inflammation.
Let's be safe out there.
The Herbalationist