I have valerian seedlings. I believe I also have tumeric, but I will have to check the viability of the rhizones...if I don't have them, I have a friend that does.

First, let me remind you that there is really very little difference between a conventional medication and a herbal one. When using either of them, you need to consider that both can have unwanted side-effects, both have contraindications, interactions with other herbs/drugs etc. One is not necessarily safer than the other. I strongly suggest you consult a professional herbalist. Which does NOT mean a person standing on the other side of a serving counter handing out commercially-produced bottles of this and that! As with conventional medication, you need a herb and a dosage that suits YOU! The usual dosage for Valerian is: 300-500mg in capsule or tablet form one hour before bedtime for insomnia. 30g root per 600ml water as infusion. Take up to 3 cups per day. Tincture: 5ml taken before bedtime. Warning: Unpleasant side-effects (headaches, muscular spasms and palpitations) can occur with long-term use or with excessive doses. In extreme cases, it has been known to cause coma or even death. Poisoning may result if large amounts of the tea are taken for more than 2-3 weeks. Do not boil the root. Consuming large amounts of valerian may cause headache, giddiness, blurred vision, restlessness, nausea. It can act as a narcotic in large doses and can become addictive. Seek expert advice before using and use ONLY under expert supervision. I suspect that Valerian is not the herb you need for your anxiety and stress. I doubt it will do you any favours. Before you start popping pills (herbal or otherwise) consider other aspects of your life. Are you eating a good, healthy, balanced diet? Are you getting enough physical exercise? Are you getting enough natural sunlight on your skin? All these things (or lack of them) can affect both your mind and your body. Perhaps you could discuss with a herbalist safer and gentler herbs such as Hops, or Scullcap, or Catnip, or Passionflower, or Rose, or Lavender, or Chamomile. If using Lavender, drink a cup of the tea every second day, but you can always use it (fresh, dried or the essential oil) as aromatherapy. Try to increase your intake of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. These are valuable minerals that can be depleted by stress. (Foods high in these minerals include Apricots, Asparagus, Avocados, Bananas, Broccoli, brewer's yeast, Brown Rice, dried Fruits, Figs, Fish (especially salmon), Garlic, green leafy vegetables, legumes, raw nuts and seeds, Soy products, whole grains, and yoghurt. Avoid foods that contain caffeine such as coffee, strong tea, chocolate, colas and other soft drinks that contain caffeine. You could also take vitamin B6 and thiamine daily. I sympathise with your situation. For 10 years I worked a full-time job, raised 2 children, and spent my evenings as a student at university. In between times, I had housework/lawn-mowing, and assignments and parental duties to attend to. I know how hard it can be. I survived on an average of 3-4 hours of sleep per night - but I think what kept me going was eating properly, and keeping physically active.

The roots are planted rather shallowly - just below the surface of the soil. The rootlets spread out like fingers just under the soil line. FataMorgana

I sort of like the image of you sleeping blissfully, spent, dewey and sated in your beddies. I trust there're grains of truth in the humor; I've read about such pleasures, and admit to having tasted them in a former life. :) Idee, I just read about the 5-HTP and am curious to know more. I have a leaky mitral valve that might stop me from trying - I don't know. Need to do more reading. Thanks for the info. Squirrel, I have some melatonin and I should try it again. I've heard that people take it in the evening, an hour before bedtime.