Plant Profile: Valerian

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Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis)
(I have tried and TRIED to fix the strange colors that have appeared here and they just keep coming back!!) 



Family: VALERIANACEAE

Parts Used: Root

Energetics: Warming. Drying. 

 Taste: Pungent. Slightly bitter. 

Systems Affected: Heart. Liver. Nervous system. 

Preparations: Infusion (due to high volatile oil content). Tincture fresh in 70% alcohol. in a 1:2 ratio. Dosage 2-5ml per day. 3-9g dried root per day. 

Key Components: Alkaloids (actinidine, valerine & others), B vitamins, Calcium, Choline, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Magnesium, Sesquiterpenes, Sterols, Tannins, Volatile oils (borneol, caffeic acid, camphene, isovalerianic acid, pinene, valerianic acid), Volatile alkaloids.

 Actions: 

 Foundational: Aromatic. Bitter. 
Primary: Hypotensive. Carminative. Nervine. Sedative. Hypnotic.
Secondary: Antispasmodic. Anodyne

Uses:
  • Gas pain
  • Menstrual Cramps
  • Migraines
  • Nervousness
  • Pain relief
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Calms a spasmodic cough
  • Stagnant digestion
Insomnia, Stress (gabanurgic, supports Gaba), nervousness, menstrual cramps. Can help in blends for some seizure disorders. Relaxes skeletal & organ muscles & can help relieve many types of pain from menstrual/post labor to migraines. Emotional dyspepsia, stomach hyperacidity/ulcers. Said to counter the effects of alcohol. Emotionally induced high blood pressure. Nervous heart palpitations (slows & strengthens the heartbeat). Lack of concentration in tense people. Dry spasmodic cough, grounding & balancing to emotions.


Contraindications: Generally regarded as safe, though as with anything, it does not agree with some people and can have a irritating and stimulating effect instead of a relaxing effect. Avoid large doses for prolonged period. Best to take in moderate doses for 2-3 weeks then take a week off and begin again. 

Personal Experience:

Growing: Can grow as far north as zones 3 or 4. Valerian germinates easily and thrives in rich, moist soil with partial shade. 

Harvesting: Harvest roots in the fall 


Studies: 

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