Valerian
Parts Usually Used
Dried root, rhizome
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Valerian is a tallish plant with clusters of pink or, less commonly, white flowers. A perennial grows to 4-5 feet. Leaves strongly divided, pinnate with lance-shaped leaflets; lower ones toothed. Tiny, pale pink to whitish, tubular flowers, grow in three-forked terminal heads in tight clusters; each flower has a small, inrolled calyx at the base; as the fruits form, calyces become feathery parachutes.
Blooms June to July. V. officinalis bears pinkish-lavender or pinkish-white flowers; V. rubra, red; V. cocinea, deep red. Partial shade. Zones 4-9. Other varieties: Native Americans used 2 different herbs that were both called valerian. Valerian: tobacco root (V. ” And valerian (V. septentrionalis) the Blackfeet used as a hot drink from the roots for stomach trouble.
Where Found
A native of damp woods, roadsides, and riversides. Quebec, Maine to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio to Minnesota. Native of Europe. Do not confuse valerian with Lady’s Slipper which is often called American valerian, although both herbs are said to produce similar therapeutic action.
Medicinal Properties
Calmative, antispasmodic, nerve tonic, nervine, sedative, anodyne, and carminative, aromatic, emmenagogue
Biochemical Information
Active components are called valepotriates. Valerianic, formic and acetic acids, essential oils, resin, starch, a glucoside, and 2 alkaloids (chatrine and valerianine).
Legends, Myths and Stories
Like many botanicals, valerian has a long history. Named the “Valium of the 19th century,” although chemically unrelated to Valium, is recognized worldwide for the relaxing effect it has on the body. Often, in Europe, it is prescribed to treat anxiety. Valerian does not taste very good, but it has few unpleasant side effects and is not addictive; unlike prescription drugs in the United States such as Valium and Xanax.
When Valium is taken together with alcohol, the 2 drugs tend to greatly exaggerate each other’s effect on the body. Valium is a synergistic drug in that respect and tends to exaggerate serious side effects as well. For centuries valerian has been the treatment of choice by herbalists when treating panic attacks or nervous tension. Valerian has a curious effect on some animals. Cats become frisky on smelling it, and an oil prepared from valerian and aniseed is used by gypsies to quell unfriendly dogs.
Horses, too, are known to like its scent, as are rats and mice, for whose benefit it was once used as a bait in traps. The common name of valerian is heal-all, which comes from the Latin word valere, meaning to be well. It is believed valerian is the spikenard referred to in the Bible as a perfume brought from the East. Valerian has a distinctive, rather unpleasant smell, and was aptly called phu by the Greek physician Galen.
In recent years, it has been well researched, with chemicals called valepotriates developing in valerian extracts. These seem to depress the nervous system, and the fresh plant is more sedating.
Uses
Historically, herbalists recommended valerian as a nerve tonic to address nervous headaches, irritability, restlessness, and insomnia, as well as emotional stress, despondency, and mild spasmodic affections. Traditional practitioners also administered it for physical tension, such as muscle cramps, stomach cramps, gas pains, colic, palpitations, and menstrual cramps. In older domestic medicine, preparations of the root were employed to clear phlegm from the throat and chest, alleviate colds, fevers, shortness of breath, and wheezing, and to expel intestinal worms.
Externally, herbal traditions utilized it as a wash for sores, wounds, and various skin conditions.
How Sold
Valerian roots are grown commercially and used in proprietary medicines in Europe. Other valerians are not generally used in herb medicine.
Warning
Valerian should not be used for more than 2 to 3 weeks at a time, as it may then be harmful or become addictive. Large doses or extended use may produce symptoms of poisoning. In extremely high doses, it may cause paralysis and a weakening of the heart. Take the tea twice daily, for no more than 2-3 weeks at a time without a break, as continual use or high doses may lead to headaches and palpitations.
Do not exceed the recommended dose. Use under medical supervision. Valerian enhances the action of sleep-inducing drugs, so avoid if taking this type of medication. Do not confuse with the garden plant, red “American” valerian (Centranthus ruber) which has no medicinal properties.
Bibliography
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