The Valerian Herb – An Overview of History, Growing, and Uses

The Valerian herb is sold as a natural sleep aid, anxiety remedy and stress-reliever.

Its therapeutic use dates back to ancient Greece when Hippocrates described the medicinal benefits of the plant.

Several studies have evaluated the benefits of this herb for the treatment of insomnia and as a sedative. Results have shown that mid- to long-term use of Valerian extracts causes a decrease in insomnia symptoms with reports of fewer side effects than prescription sleeping drugs.

Research continues into the mechanisms of action for this herbal treatment as well as in identifying the active compounds within Valerian components.

Valerian Root

Herbal Supplement

Calmness

Mood

Sleep Onset

How It Works:

• Helps alleviate stress & anxiety
• Promotes better sleep & daytime alertness
• Boosts relaxation by enhancing GABA signalling

Dosage:

Between 300 - 900 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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The Valerian Herb

Valerian is a well-known garden herb which is native to both Europe and Asia. It has also been introduced to certain parts of the US.

It usually stands about 2 feet (0.6 meter) in height but can grow to over 3 feet (0.9 meter) with a 1 foot (0.3 meter) dimension. It usually produces white or pale pink tinged flowers.

Valerian comprises around 150 species. In the UK it is Valeriana Officinalis and Valeriana Dioica which are indigenous, but only Officinalis which is used for medicinal purposes.

Throughout Europe and Asia, this herb is commonly seen growing wild. In many regions, the uncultivated plant is considered to be a weed. Much of the Valerian extract bought today is grown commercially where it can undergo stricter quality control.

The better quality Valerian is known to be produced in the regions in and around Derbyshire, England. Here, the quality of the rhizomes could historically command prices over 4 times the average market rate.

Although Dioscorides is said to have first remarked on the medicinal qualities of Valerian, this may not be accurate. Dioscorides was more concerned with the aromatic qualities of the plant.

It was Galen and Hippocrates who first remarked upon its beneficial effects from a medicinal perspective. Galen was the first person to bestow the plant with the name ‘Phu.’ This is said to be attributed to the foul smelling root and is the founding of our word ‘phew’ today.

Valerian Herb and Oil Extract

Despite the fact that when growing wild, Valerian is found in many marshy, fertile areas, such locations do not provide for the best results. The plant does better when grown in a dry stony soil and it is claimed that roots claimed from such locations result in a higher yield of oil.

Unlike the root, the leaves of the plant can be harvested all year round. They can be used with other complementary herbs to induce relaxation as an infusion. An additional benefit is to place leaves externally on aching joints or limbs to provide pain relief.

It is the oil itself which serves best medicinal purpose. It is also the component which gives Valerian its most unpleasant smell. The oil also is very acidic and should not be tasted undiluted. To use it as an extract it must be mixed with either water or alcohol. The oil also becomes more pungent as it ages.

Many traditional recipes exist for using Valerian herbal extracts as an infusion for both general relaxation and ailments. In 1649 Culpepper provided a recipe to assist those suffering from a cough. He claimed that Valerian root boiled with raisins, aniseed and liquorice, would produce beneficial results for the afflicted.

Valerian History

The herb is not only known for its beneficial medicinal effects but also for attracting the attention of a variety of animals including cats.

The perfume of the Valerian Herb has similar qualities to that of Catnip otherwise known as Cat Mint.

Historical anecdotes relating to animals finding the plant attractive have even been included in folklore and legend. The Pied Piper of Hamelin is said to have attracted the rats from the town not only by playing his pipes, but also by carrying Valerian.

The science behind this is well founded. The chemical component many animals find irresistible has been identified as actinidine. This is a pyridine derivative which is contained in the oil of the Valerian root.

Actinidine has a similar effect on cats as the compound nepetalactone which is found in Cat Nip or Cat Mint. It is said that if a cat is not attracted to Cat Nip then it will be attracted to Valerian if the plant is crushed or bruised.

Gardeners can put Valerian to good use by planting the herb some distance away from plants of a more delicate nature. Cats will then be attracted to the Valerian and leave more valued plants alone.

Today, the beneficial properties of Valerian have been put to good use by the pet industry and it is possible to buy both drops and tablets for dogs and cats. These are said to be useful in situations where pets might feel stressed or anxious. In particular drops might be used on bedding when animals are afraid of thunderstorms.

Tablets may be utilized when pets are afraid of being left alone and showing symptoms of anxiety complex. They may also be given prior to journeys if they are poor travelers.

Valerian – What’s in a Name?

The sheer volume of names attributed to the Valerian herb over the centuries becomes very confusing. Back in the 14th century it was known as Amantilla. This is a name which is sometimes still used today.

Other medieval names are Marinella, Terdina, Theriacaria and Genicularis. To make matters even more confusing we still see variants of names that are used today such as Setwall, Setewale and Capon’s Tale.

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