Valeriana officinalis 'Valerian'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Valerianaceae: slender upright, usually unbranched perennial to 1.5m. Grows in grassy wayside places, beside rivers and woodland, happy on both dry and damp soils, but growing tallest in damp locations. The flowers are 3-5mm long, funnel-shaped, pale pink, arranged in dense, terminal umbels 4-7cm across, blooming from June-August. The seeds are oblong, with a feathery pappus, and drift on the wind. The leaves are lanceolate, toothed, in opposite pairs. Widespread and locally common. Native to Europe, including Britain but excluding the extreme north and south, temperate Asia to Japan.

USES:

Valerian is a well-known and frequently used medicinal herb that has a long and proven history of efficacy. It is noted especially for its effect as a tranquilliser and nervine, particularly for those people suffering from nervous overstrain. Valerian has been shown to encourage sleep, improve sleep quality and reduce blood pressure. It is also used internally in the treatment of painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome. It should not be prescribed for patients with liver problems. Externally, it is used to treat eczema, ulcers and minor injuries. The root has antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, and hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant properties.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds spring in a cold frame, only just cover the seed because it requires light for germination. A Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions in the summer if sufficient growth has been made.

HARVESTED: 2021*

APPROX. 100 SEEDS