Valeriana officinalis

Valerian, Fragrant Valerian

These are rhizomatous plants reaching to about 1m tall with slightly hairy stems. The mid green leaves are divided into lance shaped leaflets in pairs of six to ten which are 5-7cm long. Small, fragrant, tubular, pale flowers with a pink tinge are borne in summer.

Uses

The root is used as a medicinal herb. It stimulates the cerebrospinal system but should be used with caution as it can have many unwanted side-effects including dizziness, agitation and convulsions. Extracts of valerian root are also used as a sedative promoting sleep and as an axiolytic to calm symptoms of anxiety. It is the sesquiterpenoids and valerenic acid which appear to be involved here.  

Properties: Sedative, anxiolytic, stimulant, antispasmodic..

Culture

They can be grown in fairly moist soils but will also fare well on dry sloping sites.  Most soils are fine but rich, moist soils are preferable. Grow in full sun to part shade.

Propagation

No information available at this time...