Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
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Ancient herb used by Hippocrates and the Anglo-Saxons. Perennial growing 3ft high with hollow stems and clusters of small, tubular pink or white flowers, smelling of Vanilla � dainty and pretty! Flowers June to July. Found in the wild in marshes, damp meadows, riversides, ditches and woods.
There are two possibilities pertaining of the name of the plant � from the Latin �valere�, to be healthy, because of its healing properties; or it was named after the ancient herbalist, Valeris, who was the first person to use its medicinal properties.
Valerian attracts bees, moths and small flies. Food plant of the Valerian Pug and Lesser Cream Wave moths. Cats react to it in the same way they when in the vicinity of Catmint � in a fashion a bit like being drunk! Indeed, due to its appeal not only to cats but to rats as well, the Pied Piper is alleged to have carried Valerian root on him when he led the rats out of Hamlin. The dried root can also be used as a moth repellent. Rhizomes and roots are collected in the second year for modern drug use. German women used to use the plant as a coffee substitute. Was used as a perfume in the sixteenth century.
Tincture of Valerian was used in World War I to treat shell-shock. It is also used in flavouring ice-cream, beer and tobacco. Valerian has also been used since antiquity for treating nervous disorders, sleeplessness (supposed to be very good for inducing sleep) and headaches. It is also a powerful anti-spasmodic and stimulant, and is used for treating St Vitus� Dance, menstruation pain and neuralgia. Galen used it to treat epilepsy. Drink Valerian tea an hour before going to bed for a few days to encourage natural sleep. Don�t take regularly, though, for too long because it can lead to lethargy and headache.
Plant in moist soil, sun or shade. Plant dies down in winter.
Valerian is a useful companion plant � planted near vegetables, it boosts their growth because it stimulates phosphorous production and the appearance of earthworms.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*