Valeriana officinalis Valerian (Valerianaceae)

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Valeriana officinalis
Valerian
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The Valeriana officinalis plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Valerianaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Valerian.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Valeriana officinalis
Common Name:  Valerian
Family:  Valerianaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  It is said that prolonged medicinal use of this plant can lead to addiction[9]. A course of treatment should not exceed 3 months.

Mature Height:  1.5   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Grassland, scrub, woods etc, on dry or damp soils[9, 17]. Avoids acid soils.

General Uses: The plant yields about 1% of an essential oil from the roots[7, 238]. It is used in perfumery to provide a 'mossy' aroma[57, 61, 238], though the scent is considered to be disagreeable by many people[207]. The dried roots are also placed in linen cupboards and clothes drawers in order to scent the clothes[4]. The dried root attracts rats and cats, it can be used as a bait to lure them away from other areas[100]. An ingredient of 'QR' herbal compost activator[32]. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost[K]. The plant can also be used to make a very good liquid plant feed[14, 18, 201]. It attracts earthworms[14, 18]. The leaves are very rich in phosphorus[201].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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