Botanical Name
Valeriana officinalis
Common Names
Valerian Root, Blessed herb,
Vandal root, Capon's tail, English Valerian,
Heal-all, Heliotrope, Setwall
Valerian is also known as garden heliotrope
and is a perennial herb growing up to
five feet in height. Valerian prefers
moist soils and is often seen growing
along riverbanks. Valerian has pink, white
or purple-white flowers and a hollow stems
bearing large-toothed, dark green leaves.
Its underground roots are harvested and
dried to make healing preparations. The
roots have a strong aroma and are short
and thick.These dried roots has a strong
odor which many find unpleasant.
Valerian is one of the most important
herbal sedative. It is valued for its
many believed medicinal uses. Valerian
is a non-addictive tranquilliser that
is used against treating panic attacks
or nervous tension, sleeping disorders
and restlessness. It is a marvelous remedy
for fevers. Will often clear a cold overnight.
Valerian have long been used to treat
a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders
such as stomach cramps, colic and diarrhea.
Valerian can also be used as a herbal
tea and in pharmaceutical preparations,
which can be used as an enema for pin
worms and tape worms and externally as
a wash for sores, wounds and chronic skin
diseases. Valerian is used as a fragrance
component in soaps and fragrances. It
is also used as a flavor ingredient in
liqueurs, tobacco and as an apple flavoring.
Valerian has a curious effect on some
animals.
