Growing Valerian herb in your garden

Valerian

Valerian is most commonly known for its sedative and calming qualities and as such is frequently used as a successful remedy for insomnia.

Valerian is a perennial herb and is native to North America, Europe and Asia.

It has an unpleasant smell as it contains valeric acid which is present in human perspiration.

Growing Valerian

It is difficult to germinate valerian from seed but you can divide the roots and successfully plant.

Initially, the branches of the valerian plant will end in a flower and these flowers will shoot aerial roots that will create new plants when rooted in soil.

When growing valerian for the use of its roots and rhizome (the section of the stem just above the surface of the ground), you should remove the flowering stems as soon as they appear. This will encourage the roots of the valerian to grow and thicken.

Young valerian plants will probably not flower for the first couple of years but they will still produce dense foliage and give a good sized rhizome and root in the autumn.

Conditions for growing Valerian

Valerian can grow almost anywhere from damp areas to rocky high ground.

Valerian Foliage

The leaves of valerian are a rich green and the plant has tight pale pink clusters of flowers which will bloom from June to September.

Valerian is a tall herb with the stems growing up and out from the middle of the plant. The flowers grow on one central stem and can grow up to 1.5m in height.

Medicinal Uses for Valerian

As mentioned previously, valerian can be used successfully and safely as an aid to sleep. It is a non addictive option for those who suffer from insomnia and therefore is widely embraced and will not leave you with the ‘groggy’ feeling the next morning.

• Boil valerian root in water, cool and use as a wash for sore skin.

• Valerian has also been used with some success in helping relieve symptoms of certain types of epilepsy.

• Use valerian to reduce nervous tension, restlessness and anxiety.

• Valerian can also be used to help relieve stomach cramps and digestive system disorders as valerian has antispasmodic properties.

• Positive results have also been obtained when using valerian to combat diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome.

• Other known successes include are St Vitus’s Dance and neuralgia.

• The oil of the valerian plant has been used as a remedy for cholera, in the form of cholera drops.

• Valerian Root and Insomnia

Valerian has proven to be a very effect measure in combating insomnia and sleeplessness due to its calming and sedative properties.

Domestic Uses for Valerian

Cats are attracted to a chemical in valerian which has an effect on their nervous system. They find valerian irresistible and will roll in the plant if the leaves have been disturbed or bruised, releasing the scent.

Rats are also attracted to valerian in the same way, so much so, that valerian is used by rat catchers to lure their prey into the rat trap!!

Harvesting and Preserving Valerian

The roots of the valerian plant can be dug up and dried out for use in the various ways mentioned above.