Valerian officinalis – Garden heliotrope
Valerian is Natures answer to Valium. This miracle, healing plant assists with sleeping disorders, anxiety and depression.
Valerian roots are Edible – its delicious seeds can be roasted and used as you would nuts and seeds.
Its Medicinal – The roots are dug up, cut into small pieces, dried and stored for use.
Here is THREE BIG Reasons why this medicinal herb could be included into your garden.
Insomnia:. Reports include: getting to sleep faster and longer without waking AND awakening refreshed without residual dowsiness. Valerian can become habit forming, so only use when needed.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks: The roots have a Calming effect on people with panic and anxiety disorders.
Depression and OCD: The root improves symptoms when used in small doses. In larger doses it can have the opposite effect.
Harvesting Valerian officinalis:
Cut the flowering tops off as they appear. This enables a better development of the root. In the first year, many young plants do not flower but produce a crop of luxuriant leaves.
HARVEST Roots in Autumn: Dig deeply to get the entire root system, planting some back for future harvests. Slice root into small sections and dry for future use.
WARNING: In ordinary doses Vaerian acts as a quieting, soothing influence upon the brain and nervous system, however in large repeated doses, it can produce pain in the head, heaviness and stupor. It can become addictive.
DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY.
Much of the wisdom written on this page was discovered through reading a fabulous book called The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies written by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D & Claude Davis.