The majority of patients (70–90%) in these studies rated the tolerability of the preparations as good … Avoid using valerian with small children, and for those over 65, start with very small amounts. At one time, primary uses included addressing respiratory conditions and even treating the plague. Place valerian in your shoes to protect against the flu, and drink valerian tea when in need of purification. Results from multiple studies indicate that valerian — a tall, flowering grassland plant — may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better. ), In magic, it was used in love potions, and in sleep pillows. [1], Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. You can read more about making poultices using dried and fresh herbs here. The mineral-filled leaves can be added to your compost, too. I also tincture the root in a vegetable glycerin at about a 75% glycerin and 25% water for families who chose not to consume alcohol. Valerian has been on the banned list of some equestrian competition associations. The Valerian Plant. A decoction of the root was also used for facials. Valerian is said to be the spikenard referred to in the Bible. ), apparently from feminine singular of Latin adjective Valerianus, from the personal name Valerius (see Valerie); but Weekley writes, "some of the German and Scand. The Celts believed hanging it their homes would keep lightening from striking. It is native to Europe and western Asia, but has escaped gardens and locally naturalized in the northern U. S. and Canada. Some folks believe that the stronger the smell, the stronger the constituents of the plant, and by damaging the roots, the aromatics may be compromised. [22], Although valerian is a common traditional medicine used for treating insomnia, there is no good evidence it is effective for this purpose. Here is the recipe of Valerian root and Passion flower for a better sleep. The parts used include the root and the rhizomes. Many feel the Pied Piper must have been familiar with valerian and put it in his pockets or rubbed himself with it. Just a note here on alcohol for tincturing: Historically, vodka was made from potatoes, brandy from grapes/fruits, and gin from juniper berries. Some years, I’d put it on the invasive list! valerian (n.) plant of Eurasia, cultivated for its medicinal root, late 14c., from Old French valeriane "wild valerian" (13c. Its Latin name Valeriana derives from the Latin “valere”, meaning “well-being”. In the middle ages, valerian was used as a condiment and was considered a staple food. I like to harvest valerian on warm fall day, after the first frost. Over the years valerian has been used to treat just about every malady under the sun, and the Finnish name of the plant is a reference to epilepsy. Historically, ointments and salves were used for skin problems, rashes, bruising, and for sore muscles. Other common names for valerian include: garden valerian, all-heal, cut-finger, and garden heliotrope. Known compounds detected in valerian that may contribute to its method of action are: Because of valerian's historical use in traditional medicine for diverse purposes, such as for sedation or pain relief, laboratory research has been directed at the GABAA receptor, a class of receptors on which benzodiazepines act. For the past few years, I have experimented with tincturing fresh valerian flowers, a gentler approach for addressing anxiety. Remember one of the common names for valerian is cut finger? ). [5][6], The seventeenth century astrological botanist Nicholas Culpeper thought the plant was "under the influence of Mercury, and therefore hath a warming faculty." But it has also described as a nervine, hypnotic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, nervous system tonic, sedative, stomachic, expectorant, mild anodyne, and a smooth muscle relaxant. Because the compounds in valerian produce central nervous system depression, they should not be used with other depressants, such as ethanol (drinking alcohol), benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiates, kava, or antihistamine drugs. I was taught not to boil the root, but to “simmer it hard.” You can pick up dried valerian here. Name meaning: The genus name comes from the Latin “valere”, which means “to be strong” or “to be healthy”, in reference to the plant’s medicinal properties. Please add your email address below and click "Submit" to add yourself to our mailing list. In addition to a sleep aid, valerian has been used for anxiety, stress, to treat addictions, convulsions, gas, pain, hyperactivity, intestinal cramping, migraines, aggression, nervous exhaustion, coughs, epilepsy. The branching stems carry opposite leaves, the lower leaves are stalked and upper leaves stalkless, and all are are pinnate with 6 to 11 lanceolate, blu… You can easily propagate valerian by root divisions in the spring or fall, but it often escapes from the garden and will self-seed with abandon. Crude extract of valerian root may have sedative and anxiolytic effects, and is commonly sold in dietary supplement capsules to promote sleep. He recommended both herb and root, and said that "the root boiled with liquorice, raisons and aniseed is good for those troubled with cough. [16][17] Valeric acid[clarification needed] which is responsible for the typical odor of mostly older valerian roots, does not have any sedative properties. 1 : any of a genus (Valeriana of the family Valerianaceae, the valerian family) of perennial herbs many of which possess medicinal properties. Red valerian, often grown in gardens, is also sometimes referred to as "valerian", but is a different species (Centranthus ruber), from the same family but not very closely related. Seeds of Centranthus Jupiters beard plante… [28][29], Valerian root is a cat attractant in a way similar to catnip. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. It is good for music, growth, and expansion. In addition to a sleep aid, valerian has been used for anxiety, stress, to treat addictions, convulsions, gas, pain, hyperactivity, intestinal cramping, migraines, aggression, nervous exhaustion, coughs, epilepsy,  and the flu. Avoid giving valerian to pregnant or nursing mares. Valerian is a perennial to zone 4, and prefers sun or partial shade. To make a valerian bath, I put the herb in an old sock and toss it in the tub. [31][32], As an unregulated product, the concentration, contents, and potential contaminants in valerian preparations cannot be easily determined. [4], John Gerard's Herball, first published in 1597, states that his contemporaries found Valerian "excellent for those burdened and for such as be troubled with croup and other like convulsions, and also for those that are bruised with falls." The ancients Greeks would hang bundles of valerian in their homes, especially in their windows, to keep evil entities from entering. Avoid using it if you are competing at a level where your horse may be tested until you check the banned list for your breed and sport. Like most herbs, the secrets to success are well-draining soil and plenty of bright sunlight. Then check your email to find a welcome message from our Herbal Academy team with a special link to download our ", Making Herbal Preparations 101 Mini Course, Herbs for ADHD, Cognition, and Focus Intensive. Its stalks can also be used for making flutes. This variation in quantity may be determined by location; a dry, stony soil yields a root richer in oil than moist, fertile soil. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. Valerian flowers are quite different than yarrow or Queen Anne’s lace in appearance, and … 1. any of a genus (Valeriana) of plants of the valerian family, with clusters or spikes of white, pink, red, or purplish flowers 2. a drug made from the dried rhizomes and roots of the garden heliotrope, formerly used as a sedative and antispasmodic (Keep an eye on the shelf life of glycerin tinctures.). I like to harvest valerian on warm fall day, after the first frost. Just be aware, in case you’re one of the approximately 5 – 7%. It was regularly added to soups and stews, and the dried root was made into flour. Because of this uncertainty and the potential for toxicity in the fetus and hepatotoxicity in the mother, valerian use is discouraged during pregnancy. I also tincture the root in a vegetable glycerin at about a 75% glycerin and 25% water for families who chose not to consume alcohol. [18] Valerenic acid in valerian stimulates serotonin receptors as a partial agonist,[19] including 5-HT5A which is implicated in the sleep-wake cycle. Our ancestors would make a wash from the root and use it to clean out wounds. Valerian combines well with skullcap, passion flower, hops, In my foot soaks, I usually add a bag of marbles, including a few “shooters.”, A poultice made from the root has been known to draw out splinters. GMOs are banned in Sweden; therefore, I have chosen to tincture using alcohols from Sweden or use an expensive U.S. brandy. Valerian is also available in capsule form, alone or with other similar herbs. Just be aware, in case you’re one of the approximately 5 – 7%. The Latin valere from whence the common name of this plant originated means “to be strong or healthy” and it may refer to the healing applications of the plant or it may refer to its strong odor. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. In the Victorian era, flowers were primarily used to deliver messages that couldn’t be spoken aloud. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia but also grows in North America. (The stag’s bridle was said to be made of hops. This action likely does not contribute to the herb's possible sedative effects, which would be expected from an agonist, rather than an inverse agonist, at this particular binding site. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. [2] It is consumed as food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) species, including the grey pug. I generally make only simples and combine them later. Its powers were believed to be love, sleep, purification, and protection. It symbolize readiness, and awareness of what is to come. [21] The volatile oils that form the active ingredient are pungent, somewhat reminiscent of well-matured cheese. Some people claimed that if valerian was thrown where people (especially a couple) were fighting, they would cease immediately! Description. In my foot soaks, I usually add a bag of marbles, including a few “shooters.” Rubbing your feet over the marbles hits many of your reflexology points. one month). It is consumed as food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) species, including the grey pug. When standardized, it is done so as a percentage of valerenic acid or valeric acid. [clarification needed], Valerian also contains isovaltrate, which has been shown to be an inverse agonist for adenosine A1 receptor sites. Rats love the smell, and it may have been the valerian, not the music, that enticed the rats to follow him! When hung in the home, it can guard against lightning strikes and powdered and sprinkled along the … Valerian has been used for horses in colic, for nervous horses, moody mares (as a decoction), and in a. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae) is a hardy perennial flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers which bloom in the summer months. Valerian is believed to be able to turn any bad situation into a good one. Believe it or not, valerian has been used in perfume! Also, it is of special value against the plague, the decoction thereof being drunk and the root smelled. This is when it’s easiest to find wild valerian. Ingredients: Dig plants that are at least two years old in the spring or fall. This is tricky, but it can be done. Here is a look at some of the more common uses of valerian root: The stem is hollow, and the flowers are small and pinkish/white with a sweet smell. [23] Valerian is not helpful in treating restless leg syndrome[24] or anxiety. The Nordic goddess Hertha is said to have used valerian as a whip to encourage the stag she rode to greater speeds! A perennial to Zone 4, valerian thrives in sun to partial shade, is easily propagated, and requires little care. Be careful not to damage the roots as you dig. It seems to help nearby plants by stimulating phosphorus and earthworm activity. Alternative practitioners believe that valerian root can treat a variety of health conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, headaches, digestive problems, menopause symptoms, and post-exercise muscle pain and fatigue. For spring and summer color and ease of care, add red valerian plants (also known as Jupiters beard) to the full sun herb garden or flower bed. Valerian is an herb. The most important part of the valerian plant is the root itself, which what is used for teas, tinctures, ancient sleeping potions, valerian baths, and general brewing. Dig plants that are at least two years old in the spring or fall. Take some time and read the labels; many of our old standbys are now made from grains, and many of the grains in the U.S. are GMO grains. Check with your vet prior to administering valerian. I don’t know of anyone who considers the plant as food now, but it is available in a survival situation. Rose With its beautiful flowers and its deadly thorns this is another plant which symbolizes deadly beauty. In a sort of silent dialogue, flowers could be used to answer “yes” or “no” questions. Valerian definition, any plant of the genus Valeriana, as the common valerian V. officinalis, having small, fragrant flowers of white, lavender, or pink and a root that is used medicinally. The name comes from the Latin “valere,” meaning to be strong or to be healthy. Common Valerian flowers are 4 to 5mm long. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. He says that the dried root was valued as a medicine by the poor in the north of England and the south of Scotland, so that "no broth or pottage or physicall meats be worth anything if Setewale [Valerian] be not there". In the wizard world of Harry Potter, valerian was believed to have soporific qualities and was given in teas to encourage sleep. The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. It was known as the ~all-heal~ plant in mediviel times, which comes from the Latin word ~valere~ meaning to ~be well.~ Mediaeval herbalists called it ~Capon's Tail~ in reference to its spreading head of whitish flowers. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. [26], The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the health claim that valerian can be used as a traditional herbal medicine to relieve mild nervous tension and to aid sleep; EMA stated that although there is insufficient evidence from clinical studies, its effectiveness as a dried extract is considered plausible.[27]. It is one of the best gentlest ways to find sleep when used properly. [34], Valerian is considered an invasive species in many jurisdictions, including the US state of Connecticut where it is officially banned,[35] and in New Brunswick, Canada where it is listed as a plant of concern. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. [25] There is insufficient evidence for efficacy and safety of valerian for anxiety disorders. Valerian has a high calcium content and is also high in selenium, tin, aluminum, chromium, iron, and magnesium. And the list goes on and on. Valerian is more than a garden beauty, however. The meaning of valerian lies in the idea of being strong, and being prepared. To get more root production, deadhead the flowers during the summer. Other common names for valerian include: garden valerian, all-heal, cut-finger, and garden heliotrope. And you can get the Valerian Root here: Valerian Root More info on Passionflower Passionflower is used for sleep problems (insomnia), gastrointestinal (GI) upset related to anxiety or nervousness, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and relieving … Medicine is made from the root. The name comes from the Latin “valere,” meaning to be strong or to be healthy. Passion flower 260 mg taken 30 minutes before dental surgery, or passion flower 1000 mg taken one hour before surgery has also been used. Valerian combines well with skullcap, passion flower, hops, lemon balm, and lavender. Cautions –  Valerian should only be used for two to three weeks, followed by a break of the same duration. Be careful not to damage the roots as you dig. Another caution: In a small percentage of the population, valerian has the opposite effect – it can cause agitation, giddiness, restlessness, and sleeplessness. Valerian is a tall flowering plant, reaching as much as 6 full feet (1.82 m), with many thin but sturdy stems, and small white flowers. [7][8] Other names used for this plant include garden valerian (to distinguish it from other Valeriana species), garden heliotrope (although not related to Heliotropium), setwall and all-heal (which is also used for plants in the genus Stachys). Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. Flower Meanings – List of Flowers With Their Meanings And Pictures. Valerian makes a great garden plant. Valerian would an herb with many uses. For the past few years, I have experimented with tincturing fresh valerian flowers, a gentler approach for addressing anxiety. A “yes” answer came in the form of flowers handed over with the right hand; if the left hand was used, the answer was “no.”. Medical Definition of valerian. In Germany, valerian is used in more than 100 over-the-counter tranquilizers and is the number one nonprescription sedative in Europe. Some people claimed that if valerian was thrown where people (especially a couple) were fighting, they would cease immediately! If you want to try using valerian for your horses, observe the following cautions: Sign up for the Herbal Academy Newsletter, and we'll send you a free ebook. [20], The chief constituent of valerian is a yellowish-green to brownish-yellow oil present in the dried root, varying in content from 0.5 to 2.0%. Valerian baths were particularly popular among those suffering from rheumatic pain. Most of us have heard the tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Germany who played his flute and led the rats out of town forever. I generally make only simples and combine them later. Sit and relax until the water is no longer comfortable. This plant has more than 2000 years of documented use! 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. forms of the name point rather to connection with the saga-hero Wieland." See more. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. It is also claimed to, In the wizard world of Harry Potter, valerian was believed to have. Valeriana symbolism: Valeriana represents health and strength. Oral forms are available in both standardized and unstandardized forms. It is also claimed to tame the wildest of beasts. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Valerian is a flowering plant, the root of which is dried and used as an herbal remedy. Valeriana officinalis, commonly called garden heliotrope, common valerian or all-heal, is a clumping perennial with scented leaves, stems, flowers and roots. Believe it or not, valerian has been used in perfume! Valerian is mostly known for its calming properties, but this herb also has another meaning. Compresses of a heavy decoction or tincture, were used to relax cramping. It … In my last article, I wrote about the lovely aroma of elder flowers. [28][29][30] Although no liver problems are normally encountered with valerian use, there have been case studies in which hepatotoxicity has been observed in apparently hypersensitive individuals following short-term use (e.g. Of the many valerian species, only the carefully processed roots of the Valeriana officinalis have been widely studied. Flowers are one of the most wonderful creations that mother nature has ever gifted to mankind. Avoid using valerian with small children, and for those over 65, start with very small amounts. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Please add your email address below and click "Submit" to add yourself to our mailing list. alerian should only be used for two to three weeks, followed by a break of the same duration. In addition to the valerian, I generally add some mint for circulation and a teaspoon or so of ground yellow mustard, since I feel it helps to open the pores. This article focuses on V. officinalis, which is likely a native of Britain and Northern Europe, including Scandinavia. Another caution: In a small percentage of the population, valerian has the opposite effect – it can cause agitation, giddiness, restlessness, and sleeplessness. Valerian’s use as a medicinal plant dates to antiquity, but with very different indications over time. Several large post-marketing studies have been done on valerian preparations and preparations of valerian in combination with hops, lemon balm, and/or passion flower. The third cautions for those who show their horses. Have a towel handy to dry off your feet. There are more than 200 varieties, which grow in Britain, Northern Europe, China, and South and North America. Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. The evidence supporting these claims is generally mixed. The plant can reach five or six feet tall, has opposite compound leaves with seven to ten leaflet pairs. Continual use can cause depression and headaches in some people. Selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions", "Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria)", "USDA PLANTS Database – Connecticut State-listed Noxious Weeds", Serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors, 4'-O-β-D-Glucosyl-9-O-(6''-deoxysaccharosyl)olivil, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Valerian_(herb)&oldid=991267662, GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica with Wikisource reference, CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from January 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 29 November 2020, at 04:53. Plant it in the back of your garden, though, since it can grow up to six feet tall! [1] 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. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a lovely garden plant with pinkish-white aromatic flowers. Reed The reed symbolizes flexibility, rapid growth, and expansion. A poultice made from the root has been known to draw out splinters. Botanically called Centranthus ruber, Jupiters beard adds tall and bushy color in the landscape and is ideal as an easy-care background border plant. Some folks believe that the stronger the smell, the stronger the constituents of the plant, and by damaging the roots, the aromatics may be compromised. (Keep an eye on the shelf life of glycerin tinctures.). Valerian has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating sleep problems (insomnia). It was regularly added to soups and stews, and the dried root was made into flour. An upright perennial plant, Common Valerian spreads via stolons (underground runners) as well as by means of seeds. The young leaves were eaten in early spring. Where do the magic sleep potions end and the tincturing begin? Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Valeriana officinalis can grow up to 2m tall, producing deep pink buts that open into fairly loose clusters of pink five-petalled flowers, the petals joined at the base to form a trumpet-like corolla. Passion flower is used to cure a number of problems including Blood Pressure, inflammation insulin levels etc. You can easily propagate valerian by root divisions in the spring or fall, but it often escapes from the garden and will self-seed with abandon. Its scientific name comes from the Latin word valere, meaning ’to be strong’, which is a reflection of the faith that was shown in the plant. Tincturing with fresh valerian root is best, but dried valerian will also work when the fresh root is not available. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Caprifoliaceae) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Caprifoliaceae) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Valerian is a perennial to zone 4, and prefers sun or partial shade. (Valerian is in the Valerianaceae family, not the Heliotrope family.) A decoction made from the roots and sprayed on the ground will attract earthworms. It is a powerful sedative, and can be used to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Valerian and Passion Flower for Sleep: Valerian and Passion flower is also a great approach towards having a fine sleep. Put all of  this in a basin that holds both of your feet, and add water as warm as you can tolerate. Baths and foot soaks were more popular a hundred years ago, but they appear to be making a comeback. What can be more pleasing than beholding the scenic beauty of roses, the lilies, the violets, the tulips, the orchids and the list goes on! Centranthus ruber, also called red valerian, spur valerian, kiss-me-quick, fox's brush, devil's beard and Jupiter's beard, is a popular garden plant grown for its ornamental flowers. The tincture, if made using clear alcohol, turns a lovely golden color. [3] In the 16th century, the Anabaptist reformer Pilgram Marpeck prescribed valerian tea for a sick woman. Answer From Brent A. Bauer, M.D. A Truly Complete List of Flower Names and Their Meanings. Indeed the ancient Greeks called this plant “Phu” (like phew! In medieval Sweden, it was sometimes placed in the wedding clothes of the groom to ward off the "envy" of the elves. To get more root production, deadhead the flowers during the summer. When you clean the roots, take care not to rub, scrub, or scrape them to avoid damage. The parts used include the root and the rhizomes. Jupiters beard plant can be propagated from cuttings in summer and often re-seeds the same year. In midsummer, valerian produces clusters of tiny white flowers. It was generally regarded as a feminine element. Closeup of inflorescence. Standardized products may be preferable considering the wide variation of the chemicals in the dried root, as noted above. Although valerian is most commonly grown outdoors in a herb garden or flower bed, growing valerian as a houseplant is no more difficult than growing it outdoors. In the middle ages, valerian was used as a condiment and was considered a staple food. The easiest way to prepare valerian is by decocting the root and sipping the tea as needed. Valproic acid, a widely prescribed anticonvulsant is a derivative of valeric acid. Valerian is valued for its many culinary and medicinal uses. Here is a list of flower names along with their symbolic meanings. Then check your email to find a welcome message from our Herbal Academy team with a special link to download our "Herbal Tea Throughout The Seasons" Ebook! * Be careful of long-term use of valerian, as it can become addictive. The green herb being bruised and applied to the head taketh away pain and pricking thereof."[6]. 2 : a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) that is used as an herbal remedy and is held to be beneficial in treating nervousness and insomnia. (Valerian is in the Valerianaceae family, not the Heliotrope family.) You can read more about making tinctures here. When most people think of valerian, the first thing they often think of is sleep – for falling asleep, a good night’s sleep, and for waking without the usual grogginess of other sleep aids. Valerian has been used for horses in colic, for nervous horses, moody mares (as a decoction), and in a salve for bruising. [36], 19th-century illustration of Valeriana officinalis. When most people think of valerian, the first thing they often think of is sleep – for falling asleep, a good night’s sleep, and for waking without the usual grogginess of other sleep aids. Though some people remain partial to the earthy scent, others find it unpleasant, comparing the odor to that of unwashed feet. [33], Valerian is unusual in having flowers with "handedness", that is, having neither radial nor bilateral symmetry. Valerian flower extracts were used as a perfume in the sixteenth century. I was taught not to boil the root, but to “simmer it hard.” You can pick up. The easiest way to prepare valerian is by decocting the root and sipping the tea as needed. Hippocrates described its properties, and Galen later prescribed it as a remedy for insomnia. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is on the other end of the fragrance spectrum. You can read more about making poultices using dried and fresh herbs. It is used for many different … Driving along on back roads, you can spot their telltale flowers. Pliney (23 AD – 79 AD) recommended valerian for pain relief; Dioscorides (40 AD – 90 AD) used it as a diuretic; John Gerard (1545 – 1611) touted it as an aid for chest congestion, convulsions, and bruises; Culpepper (1616 – 1654) claimed it was useful against the plague, but also for coughs and wounds; century Eclectics used it as a calmative and for epilepsy; During World War I and II, it was used as a nervine for shell shock and for calming nervous citizens (, It was in the U.S. Pharmacopeia from 1820 – 1942; and it was. Continual use can cause depression and headaches in some people. The name of the herb is derived from the personal name Valeria and the Latin verb valere (to be strong, healthy). Valerian definition: any of various Eurasian valerianaceous plants of the genus Valeriana, esp V .... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples The tincture, if made using clear alcohol, turns a lovely golden color. (I’ve often wondered if you can call a plant that you love “invasive.”). Included in the National Formulary until 1950. Find out how to use the language of flowers to express deep-felt emotions like love, longing, anticipation, jealousy, hope, and so on. Illustration of V. officinalis from Atlas des plantes de France, 1891. species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family Caprifoliaceae, Although many sources list "catinine" as an alkaloid present in extracts from the root of, CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (, "Competition for pollinators and intra-communal spectral dissimilarity of flowers", Latin definition for: valeo, valere, valui, valitus, "Biomedically relevant chemical constituents of Valeriana officinalis", "Valerian extract and valerenic acid are partial agonists of the 5-HT5a receptor in vitro", "European Medicines Agency - Find medicine - Valerianae radix", "Herbal medicines. A long time ago, someone told me a good herbalist not only knows twenty herbs, but also knows twenty uses for one herb. Hydrophilic extractions of the herb commonly sold over the counter, however, probably do not contain significant amounts of isovaltrate. If worn by a woman, it is said that men would “follow like children.”. If you are gluten intolerant or have allergies, this could present a problem. Personally, I like to use a valerian salve on my feet, a gentle relaxant that helps me sleep. Although some people like the smell of valerian (I’m one of them), many say that it reminds them of  “dirty sweat socks.” Dioscorides and Galen must have felt the same way, since they referred to valerian as “Phu.”. Cats love valerian, so you can expect every feline in close proximity to join you during your harvest. Valerian Magical Meaning | Valerian Magical Properties – Valerian is powdered and used in sachets for protection and purification, and can be placed under the pillow as a sleep aid.