Valeriana officinalis

Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. In the summer when the mature plant may have a height of 1.5 metres (5 ft), it bears sweetly scented pink or white flowers that attract many fly species, especially hoverflies of the genus Eristalis. It is consumed as food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) species including the grey pug. Other names used for this plant include garden valerian (to distinguish it from other Valeriana species), garden heliotrope (although not related to Heliotropium), and all-heal (which is also used for plants in the genus Stachys). Red valerian, often grown in gardens, is also sometimes referred to as "valerian", but is a different species (Centranthus ruber) from the same family and not very closely related.

Description

The plant has been used as a fragrance in perfumes. The root has a pungent odor that many find unpleasant. The flowers are frequently used as a medicinal herb, used in herbal medicine since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Its therapeutic uses were described by Hippocrates, and in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. In the 16th century, it was used to treat nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations.

Uses

In the 19th century, valerian was considered a stimulant that caused some of the same complaints it is thought to treat and was generally held in low esteem as a medicinal herb. In medieval Sweden, it was sometimes placed in the wedding clothes of the groom to ward off the "envy" of the elves. In modern herbalism, valerian is used as a mild sedative to calm restlessness and as a sleep aid.

Cultivation

Valerian is cultivated as a medicinal plant, for use in herbal teas, tinctures, and topical treatments. Its roots are used in the traditional medicine of many cultures. Roots are prepared in a variety of ways, including infusions, decoctions, tinctures, extracts, and capsules.

See also

• Herbalism
• Medicinal plants
• Traditional medicine

External links

• Valerian at PubMed Health
• Valerian at Drugs.com

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