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Valeriana sambucifolia (1 Page of 5) The Valeriana sambucifolia plant species is found in Europe. It is a member of the Valerianaceae family. Some home gardeners know the variety as V. officinalis sambucifolia. (Mikan.f.)Celak. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Valeriana sambucifolia Family: Valerianaceae Author: Mikan.f. Known Hazards: It is said that prolonged medicinal use of this plant can lead to addiction. A course of treatment should not exceed 3 months. Mature Height: 1.5 Mature Width: Habitat: Damp shady places[50].
Medicinal Information: Valerian is a well-known and frequently used medicinal herb that has a long and proven history of efficacy. It is noted especially for its effect as a tranquilizer and nervine, particularly for those people suffering from nervous overstrain[4, 222]. Valerian has been shown to encourage sleep, improve sleep quality and reduce blod pressure[254]. It is also used internally in the treatment of painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome etc[238, 254]. It should not be prescribed for patients with liver problems[238]. Externally, it is used to treat eczema, ulcers and minor injuries[238].
The root is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant[4, 7, 9, 14, 21, 46, 147, 165, 192, 218]. The active ingredients are called valepotriates, research has confirmed that these have a calming effect on agitated people, but are also a stimulant in cases of fatigue[222]. The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn once the leaves have died down and are used fresh or dried[4, 9, 238]. The fresh root is about 3 times as effective as roots dried at 40° (the report does not specify if this is centrigrade or fahrenheit), whilst temperatures above 82° destroy the active principle in the root[240]. Use with caution[21, 238], see the notes above on toxicity.
For further Valeriana sambucifolia gardening information click on one of the blue links below 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'. View their bibliography

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