Dandelion Isn't an Animal, It's a Medicinal Plant

Valerian (lat. Valeriana officinalis) is a medicinal plant from the valerian family (lat. Valerianaceae). Valerian is also known by the folk names common valerian, cat's root, or all-heal. You can encounter valerian in the wild, where it grows most abundantly in moist forests, clearings, wet meadows, and ditches. It occurs throughout the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. Valerian is cultivated for its rhizome, which contains many medicinal substances.

Valerian doesn't have four legs and horns on its head...

Valerian is a perennial herb that can grow to a height of approximately 70-150 cm. The stem is upright, hollow, and unbranched, with several pairs of opposite pinnate leaves growing from it. The rhizome most commonly grows to a length of about 5 cm. In addition to the rhizome, valerian absorbs nutrients and moisture through light brown wiry roots. The flowers are small and asymmetrical. Individual flowers form dichasial cymes. The color of the flowers is white to pinkish. The fruit is an achene with feathery bristles.

Growing Valerian

Growing valerian is not complicated; in nature, it survives even without human care. It's enough to plant it in a suitable location. Valerian most appreciates a partially shaded location with plenty of moisture. However, it will also survive in a moister sunny location. Sandy-loamy soil with neutral pH is ideal. Valerian won't turn down nutrient-rich soil either. Valerian seeds are sown just before the arrival of frost (approximately October and November). They should not be covered, as they need light to germinate. Seedlings will germinate in spring. Additional fertilizing or special maintenance is not necessary. If you don't have a moister location in your garden, it's good to water the valerian occasionally during dry periods.

Harvesting the Rhizome

The most suitable time for harvesting rhizomes with roots is in the second year after planting, in September and October. Some prefer harvesting even before flowering, because at that time the content of active substances is highest. Dug-up rhizomes are cleaned of soil and carefully washed in cold water. Subsequent drying should proceed gradually; the temperature must not exceed 35°C. Very thick rhizomes can be cut before drying. Since the rhizomes are very aromatic, they must not be dried near other herbs, as they would transfer their typical scent to them. The rhizome has a sweetish, spicy taste, later becoming bitter. Rhizomes dry at approximately a 4:1 ratio.

Medicinal Effects of Valerian

Valerian root contains many active substances, thanks to which it has a wide spectrum of medicinal effects. Tea (decoction) and tincture are most commonly prepared from the rhizome. Their effects have been proven by centuries of practice and are widely used in modern medicine today. Valerian is considered one of the most effective herbs for insomnia and overall calming. In addition to these two main effects, valerian is also used for cardiac neurosis manifesting as anxiety and heart palpitations. Valerian is an antidepressant. It helps with nervous exhaustion, migraines, and insomnia caused by excessive strain. Using valerian can soothe pain, relieve cramps, and reduce muscle tension. Valerian can also be used for problems with bloating, nausea, and thyroid disorders. Valerian works against these ailments in any form. For women's ailments, irritability, nervous shocks, and morning sickness in pregnant women, valerian is best administered in the form of a decoction (tea). The tincture, known as "Valerian drops", is used to suppress epileptic symptoms, for cramps caused by various stimuli, and for heavy menstruation. They also find use in relieving headaches, nervous agitation, and overwork. Valerian drops are taken 3 times daily, 8 drops at a time. The uses of valerian are truly very broad, so it can also be used in treating hysteria, fatigue, and general weakness. It even helps with heartburn. You can also reach for valerian root for toothache. Other herbs can be added to the valerian decoction to deepen its effects. Combinations with St. John's wort, lemon balm, passionflower, hops, or lavender are beneficial.

Warning!!!

Although valerian has many beneficial effects, its use should not be overdone. In small doses it heals and calms, but higher doses can cause significant depression of the central nervous system. Long-term use is also not recommended, as valerian can cause digestive problems, nausea, headaches, and heart problems. Valerian should not be used for longer than three weeks at a time.

Interesting Fact

The folk name "cat root" is derived from the fact that valerian strongly attracts and excites cats, which like to roll in it during drying.