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Valerian
Valerian has been used for nervous system conditions since the Greeks and Romans. It makes a cheery addition to the garden, even if the blossoms smell a bit like a baby diaper.
Valeriana officinalis
Family: Valerianaceae – valerian
Parts used: root (most potent), blossoms, leaves
Antispasmodic
Analgesic
Antiseptic
Carminative
Diuretic
Nervine
Sedative
Stimulant
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Warming
Pungent
Nervous
Uses
Nervous systems disorders
Blossoms cleanse, purify, and enliven the nerves.
Tension, stress, anxiety, depression, hysteria, and sleeplessness.
Pain relief, headaches, migraines
Tremors, cramps, muscle spasms and pain.
Chronic fatigue, ADHD
Painful, spastic, or unproductive coughs, croup, etc.
Palpitations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure.
Use modest doses for 2-3 weeks, take a week break, resume 2-3 weeks, one week break, and so on.
Tea (make a decoction, although not very tasty – stinky sock flavor)
Powder, capsules
Extract
Bath, foot soak, compress
Care/Harvesting
A natural woodland plant that can be purchased at a nursery or sow seeds in early spring, giving 12” spacing.
Prefers part share in moist conditions with rich soil. Moderate to heavy water.
Harvest leaves and blossoms anytime for a mild potency.
Roots are harvested in the fall of the first year or spring of the second. They begin to deteriorate in quality by the fall of the second year.
Safety
Not recommended if taking pharmaceuticals, or kava kava.
