Home

theriacardia

Valerian

Sat, 05/31/2008 - 15:36 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Valeriana officinalis

Zones:
most
Other Names:
garden valerian, garden heliotrope, all-heal, wenderot

Garden valerian, or garden heliotrope (no relation to heliotrope) is native to Eastern Europe.

Propagation:

Valerian is happy in most situations provided it has fertile, weed-free soil and enjoys partial sun. It is best grown from shoots or by division as seeds do not germinate reliably. You should not allow valerian to dry out.
If you are growing to harvest the root later, it is best to cut off the flowers as they appear.

History and Folklore:

The Latin valere from whence the common name of this plant originated means "to be strong or healthy" and it may refer to the healing applications of the plant or it may refer to its strong odor. Indeed the ancient Greeks called this plant "Phu" (like phew!).
It was believed that this plant had the properties of turning anything bad into good.

Harvesting & Storage:

Harvest valerian roots in autumn of its second or third year after the leaves have died back. Wash them and then dry them quickly and put in the oven at 120 degrees until they are brittle. Store in an airtight container.

Household Use:

Cats love the smell of valerian and find it quite intoxicating. It is useful stuffed inside cat toys.

Magical Attributes:

Valerian root is associated with the planet Jupiter and the element of water. It is also useful in Samhain and Yule celebration rituals.

Valerian root is useful in spells related to ending guilt and negative self talk and developing self acceptance. It is also useful in animal magic, especially cat magic and evoking animal spirits. Also, transformation spells, for turning bad situations around into positive ones.

Healing Attributes:

Valerian has a sedative action useful against insomnia, anxiety, and stress. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal pain and irritable bowel.

However, valerian is reported to be a mutagen so it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Culinary Use:
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Syndicate content