Valerian Facts
Valerian Facts
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| Interesting Valerian Facts: |
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| Valerian produces numerous erect, grooved and hollow stalks that can reach 2 to 4 feet in height. |
| Valerian has thick yellowish-brown rhizome that is covered with numerous tubular roots that form beard-like structure around rhizome. |
| Valerian develops pinnate leaves composed of 7 to 10 pairs of lance-shaped leaflets during the April. Leaves are covered with prickles and arranged in the form of rosette. |
| Valerian produces white-pinkish trumpet-shaped flowers arranged in the form of multi-branched clusters (cymes) on top of the flowering stalks. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). |
| Valerian blooms from June to August. Flowers attract bees, flies and beetles, that are responsible for the pollination of this plant. |
| Fruit of valerian is small dry capsule. It contains one oblong seed. Fruit is equipped with feathery pappus (hairy structure) which facilitates dispersal by wind. |
| Valerian propagates via seed and division of the root and rhizome. |
| Valerian was used as condiment for stews and soups in the past. Essential oils obtained from the leaves and root of valerian are still used for the flavoring of ice-cream and baked goods. |
| Flowers of valerian were used for the preparation of perfumes during the 16th century. |
| Dry root of valerian contains foul smelling substances (odor resembles the smell of stale sweat). Dry root is used for the manufacture of products designed to lure coyotes and to repel deer. |
| Valerian produces substances that attract cats, rats and mice. It can be used for the preparation of traps for mice. |
| Valerian is best known for its healing properties. Ancient Greeks have been used it in treatment of nausea, flatulence, urinary tract disorders and insomnia. During the Middle Ages, valerian was used as diuretic and remedy for epilepsy and menstrual and abdominal pain. |
| Valerian was popular and often used during the WWII in England to alleviate stress from the constant bombing from the air. |
| Roots and rhizome of two-years-old valerian plant are used in treatment of insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, headache, fatigue, persistent cough and bronchial spasms today. This plant is ingredient of numerous commercially available dietary supplements around the world. It can be consumed in the form of tea, tinctures, extracts and capsules. |
| Valerian is perennial plant which means that it can survive more than 2 years in the wild. |
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