My Herbal Wellbeing - Herbal Tea Database - Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

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Valerian
Common Name	Valerian
Scientific Name	Valeriana officinalis
Valerian is also called Garden Heliotrope, All-Heal, Setwall, Capon's Tail, Phu, Vandal Root, and St. George s Herb. While the flowers of this herb are pleasantly fragrant, the rest of the plant is not. Herbalists Galen and Dioscorides aptly called it "phu," because of its pungent, unpleasant aroma. Cats and rats, however, delight in valerian's odour. It is suggested this herb was the secret power the legendary Pied Piper of Hamelin used to rid the town of its rats. Herbalists have recommended this tranquillizing herb for all nerve related ailments-migraine headaches, hysteria, vertigo, anxiety, insomnia, hypochondria, and nervous convulsions. The name valerian is believed to come from the Latin valere, meaning "to be powerful" or "of well-being." Native to Europe and Asia, it is represented nearly throughout the world by related species. CAUTION: The sedative qualities of this tea make it a time-honoured antidote for insomnia when taken in small doses. However, if more than 1 or 2 cups are drunk daily, in large or frequent doses, the herb is dangerous, producing reverse effects-nervous agitation, vertigo, muscle spasms, even hallucinations. It should be used sparingly.
Plant	Perennial. The short, tuberous root sends up a round, hollow, grooved stem with light green leaves that grow in pairs and that are further divided into eight to ten pairs of narrow leaflets. In June, white, pink, or lavender-blue flowers appear in clusters at the ends of the stems. Their strong scent is like that of heliotrope. Because of its high phosphorus content, valerian attracts earthworms, making it a favourite plant to place near the vegetable garden.
Height	4 feet.
Soil	Somewhat heavy, moist, rich.
Exposure	Full sun or partial shade.
Propagation	By seeds planted in spring or fall during the third or fourth lunar phase. Just press them into the soil, don't cover. They are slow to germinate. Also by root (rhizome) division in spring or fall.
Care	Space plants about 2 feet apart. Because valerian s creeping roots spread quickly, divide the plant every other year. Enrich the soil with manure before replanting.
Part used for Tea	Root, harvested in fall.
Taste	Soothing, strongly scented.
How to Brew	BY INFUSION: 1/2 teaspoon of ground or powdered dried valerian root in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes or to taste. Strain. Flavour with honey or an aromatic spice -mace is a good one.