Valeriana officinalis Valerian from the family Valerianaceae
"Valerian is a well known sedative, and is often used as a remedy for insomnia. The scent of the flowers is deliciously fragrant, but the freshly dug root - the medicinal part - literally stinks! It is the valerian root, however, that is a sheer elixir to cats, and it's said that the Pied Piper of Hamelin carried valerian root to entice the cats to eat the rats. " Jekka McVicar
Valeriana officinalis, Valerian is sometimes, understandably, confused with Centranthus ruber, Red Valerian, because of the similarity between the common names.
To help clear up this confusion, both varieties are pictured below:
Valeriana officinalis, Valerian
Centranthus ruber, Red Valerian
Valeriana jatamansii, Himalayan Valerian, is another variety of special interest...
Valeriana jatamansii looks entirely different to Valeriana officinalis,and has a height of 10-25 cm, and a spread of 45cm.
It's a popular medicinal herb in India, as the roots are used to treat hysteria, hypochondria, and as a tranquilizer. An essential oil is extracted from the sweet smelling roots for use in perfumery.
Valeriana jatamansii, Himalayan Valerian
For clarity's sake - this page is all about Valeriana officinalis, Valerian, which is also sometimes known as All heal, Set all, Garden heliotrope, Cut finger and Phu.
Valeriana officinalis, Valerian, is a native herb
Valeriana officinalis is a hardy herbacious perennial, that can grow up to 1.5m high with a spread of 1m.
Valeriana officinalis is indigenous to Europe and West Asia, and is now naturalised in North America. You will find it in grasslands, ditches, damp meadows and close to streams.
This herb has clusters of small, sweetly scented white flowers, which are often tinged with pink in summertime.
The leaves of valerian are mid-green, deeply divided and toothed around the edges. The root stock is short and conical, and exudes a strong, rather unpleasant aroma when broken.
Valerian roots are said to make good companion plants, to plant near vegetables: the roots release phosphorus and stimulate earthworm activity.
Propagation
Seed: Sow seeds in spring, into prepared seed or module plug trays, using a standard seed compost. Press the seeds into the soil, and cover with perlite. Do not cover with soil as this will delay germination. Place in a cold frame or cold greenhouse. Germination takes 3-4 weeks. Plant out when large enough to handle, 60cm apart.
Division:Divide established plants in the autumn or early spring, using two forks back-to-back, replanting into a well-prepared site.
Garden Cultivation: Valerian roots prefer to remain cool and damp in summer, so plant in an area of soil that doesn't dry out in high summer, in sun or partial shade.
Valerian root is extremely seductive to cats, so remember: if you have to move the plant, the scent of the broken roots will attract every cat in the neighbourhood!
Container Growing: Valerian can be grown in a container, but make sure it's large enough to accommodate the root system. Use a soil based potting compost, and position the container in partial shade so the soil doesn't dry out. Water regularly throughout the growing season, especially in summer. Divide valerian plants each autumn as this will prevent the roots from rotting in pots during wet winters.
Harvesting: Dig up the roots of a second or third year valerian plant. Wash, and remove the pale fibrous root. Cut the root into manageable slices for drying.
Valerian is a powerful medicinal herb, and should not be taken for an extended period, or during pregnancy.
Uses:
Medicinal: Valerian has been used for thousands of years as a sedative and a relaxant. The dried roots are prepared into tablets, powder, capsules or tinctures which are then used as a relaxant to reduce nervous tension and anxiety, and to promote restful sleep.
This is an extremely useful herb for treating anxious or restless pets: Jekka treats her dog, Hampton, with a few drops of diluted valerian tincture to help him to relax on car journeys; and her cats also benefit before cleaning wounds from a cat fight, or before taking them to the vet for treatment. Cats are notoriously fussy about their food, but adore valerian, which they find soothing.
To make a decoction to treat dogs and cats (only dogs and cats - human beings must always consult a qualified herbalist):
Crush one teaspoon (5 ml) of dried root, add to 1 litre of cold
water, and leave for 24 hours. Strain the decoction into a clean sterlized bottle. This will keep for 48 hours in the fridge. For a medium sized, stressed or anxious cat, add 3 drops of the decoction to a small amount of water, which they will drink with relish.
Other Uses: An infusion of the root sprayed onto soil is said to attract earthworms. The root has also been used as a bait in rat traps, and to catch wild cats. Add the mineral-rich leaves to the compost heap.
