Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis)
All-heal, setwell, garden heliotrope, great wild
valerian
Description:
Valerians have similar appearances. They all form upright stems,
1-3 feet tall, with one or more sets of opposite leaves along
the stem. The compound leaves are strongly divided and pinnate.
The lower ones are toothed and have a pea pod scent. The pale
pink to rose or whitish flowers have a honey scent and grow
in tight clusters. The calyx, when in flower, becomes a feathery
pappus at the top of the fruit. Found in temperate parts of
the world.
EDIBLE,
Medicinal: The musky root is used in stews, and perfumes.
It is a antispasmodic, calminative, nerve tonic, and sedative.
Root preparations are used to help induce sleep, give a calming
effect on stomach spasms, epileptic fits, hypochondria, depression,
nervous headaches, hysterics, and restlessness. A tea of the
root, 1/2 cup, used in the bath or vapor bath encourages restful
sleep. Externally, it is used for ulcers, eczema, wounds. Do
not take continuously or in large doses.
