Valerian, Official

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

Botanical Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family)

Botanical Description

Valeriana officinalis is a tall perennial growing 1-1.5 meters in flower. The pinnate leaves have 7-10 pairs of toothed leaflets. Clusters of small, sweetly fragrant, white to pink flowers appear in summer. The root – the medicinal part – has a distinctive, strong odor often described as “dirty socks” that develops upon drying and that cats find irresistible.

Medicinal Actions

Primary actions: Sedative, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, hypnotic.

Traditional uses: Used since ancient Greek and Roman times for insomnia and nervous conditions. The name may derive from the Latin “valere” (to be strong/healthy). Was used during WWI and WWII to treat shell shock and nervous stress.

Modern research: Multiple studies support use for insomnia, though results vary. Appears to work on GABA receptors. Effects may take 2-4 weeks of regular use to manifest fully.

Body Systems Affected

Nervous: Primary affinity – promotes sleep, reduces anxiety, calms nervous tension.

Musculoskeletal: Antispasmodic for muscle tension, cramps.

Digestive: Calms nervous digestive complaints.

Safety Information

Generally safe for short-term use (4-6 weeks).

Paradoxical reaction: A small percentage of people experience stimulation rather than sedation.

Morning grogginess: High doses may cause morning drowsiness.

Drug interactions: May enhance sedatives, anesthetics, and other CNS depressants.

Driving: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Pregnancy: Avoid due to lack of safety data.

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Zones 4-9. Very cold hardy.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Rich, moist soil.

Sowing: Sow fresh seed in autumn or cold-stratified seed in spring. Surface sow – needs light.

Spacing: 60cm apart.

Cat protection: Protect drying roots from cats – they will roll in and destroy them!

Harvesting

Part used: Root and rhizome.

When to harvest: Autumn of the 2nd year, after tops die back.

Drying & Storage

Wash roots and slice. Dry at 40°C (104°F). The characteristic odor develops and intensifies during drying. Store in airtight containers (to contain the smell!) for up to 2 years. Keep away from cats.