Family Name: Valerianaceae
Botanical Name(s): Valeriana officianalis
Popular Name(s): English Valerian, German Valerian, Great Wild
Valerian, Vermont Valerian, Vandal Root, All-heal, Setwall, American
English Valerian, Garden Valerian, Phu, Valerian.
Parts Used: Root and Rhizome.
Habitat: Valerian is a perennial flowering plant native to
Europe and Asia.
Description: It is a perennial erect plant, which can be 4 feet
high. It has a short, conical, erect yellowish rootstock with multiple
long thin roots. Only one stem usually grows from the root. It is round
and hollow, with hairs near the base.
Uses: It is used as a sedative for insomnia or other sleeping
disorders, to smooth the nervous system, and to slow the heart rate. For
all these reasons the dried roots of the plant are taken to prepare teas
or tinctures.
