Valerian
Valerian is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia.
Buy Valerian Herb
Buy Valerian Essential Oil
Scientific Name: Valeriana officinalis
Parts Used: Root, Rhizomes, Essential Oil
Cautions:
Healing Properties
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
Buy Valerian Herb
Buy Valerian Essential Oil
Scientific Name: Valeriana officinalis
Parts Used: Root, Rhizomes, Essential Oil
Cautions:
- Attracts cats in the garden.
- Valerian can have an adverse effect on some people (restlessness, etc).
- Extremely large doses can cause vomiting, dizziness, depression, paralysis and weakening of the heartbeat.
- Should be used occasionally, not permanently, as it can create dependency. Don't use for more than 3 weeks at a time.
Healing Properties
- Anti-bacterial, anti-dandruff, antispasmodic, carminative, depressant (central nervous system), diuretic, hypnotic, nervine, regulator, warming sedative
- A good sedative that relaxes the muscles and induces dreaming and good REM sleep
- Used for high blood pressure, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, IBS, anxiety, muscle cramps and migraines
- Sometimes used to help with epilepsy
- Used to treat various heart conditions, menopausal symptoms, menstrual issues, dysmenorrhea, bronchial issues
- Good for colds, dry coughs, smoker's coughs, coughs that linger and coughs that get worse at night
- Used for intestinal colic, rheumatism, cholera, backaches, stomachaches, ulcers, gas pains and skin complaints/sores
- Fresh plant has more sedating effects; Dried plant has more anti-tumor effects
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
- Add fresh or dried ground herb to food and beverages.
- Can be taken in store-bought capsule or extract form.
- Essential Oils: Apply externally
- How to Dry Herbs
- How to Make Herbal Teas/Infusions/Decoctions
- How to Make Herbal Vinegars
- How to Make Herbal Syrups
- How to Make Herbal Tinctures & Glycerites
- How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
- How to Make Herbal Ointments & Creams
- How to Make Herbal Poultices & Compresses
- How to Make Herbal Electuaries & Oxymels
- How to Make Herbal Lozenges, Gummies, Capsules
- How to Make Herbal Suppositories & Pessaries
- How to Make Herbal Baths, Steams & Hair Rinses
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
- Buy Valerian Seeds
- Harvest in late fall or early spring before the shoots come up
- Hardy to zone 4
- Soil pH: any
- Rich, moist soil
- Full sun to partial shade