Valerian  Valeriana officinalis 

Valerian is a perennial herb growing up to about five feet in height. The leaves have wavy margins and are carried in pairs along the stem. The fragrant flowers are pale pink and born in large flattened heads in June of its second year. The seeds contain small fluff at the top which often mats when in seed. And a nose placed to the ground will often be enough to gather the perfumed body odor smell.

Seed-Starting: Valerian can be grown from seed, just be sure to plant the seed right on the top of the soil – they need light to germinate. Seeds are best planted in early spring or late summer and should emerge in two weeks. The seed is short lived so it should all be planted within one year.  

Site: Plants themselves should be planted about two feet apart, in an area that gets at least six hours of direct light. I would amend the soil around the plant by adding compost when planting. The plants also will appreciate supplemental watering during our dry summer months.

Harvest: : Dig the roots of the plant in the spring or fall. Most sources say to harvest the plant in the second year. It is possible to divide the plant by root cuttings too, so that you can use most of the root for medicine and put a start back in the earth. It is easy to lift as the roots are like spaghetti going every which way. The biggest challenge here is cleaning the roots! They break off so easy and the volatile oils are right on the surface of the plant! I tincture dirt with my root knowing that I can strain the medicine through cloth afterwards.

Medicine: Is a great sleep herb for many people. It helps quell a spinning mind that won’t listen to the body and turn off. It can help soothe the nerves during anxious states. In addition, the herb is an effective remedy for sleeplessness or insomnia induced by fretfulness or excessive stimulation. Valerian also loosens up excessively spasmodic muscles and is beneficial for shoulder and neck stress, asthma, muscle contractions, colic and PMS.