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Valerian

Valerian-400x266Sometimes described as nature’s tranquilliser, valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) grows wild in North America and Europe although it is also cultivated for medicinal purposes. The name valerian is thought to come from the Latin ‘valere’ meaning ‘to be well’.

The erect, fluted stems can grow as tall as 2m, with indented leaves forming a rosette around the base of the plant. Throughout summer it boasts umbrella-shaped clusters of pinkish flowers that grow from a tuberous rootstock or rhizome, which contains its active ingredients. These are harvested in autumn after the leaves have died back.

History of Use

Valerian was used as early as the fourth Century BC recommended by the Greek physician Hippocrates. Both the Greeks and the Romans used valerian medicinally mostly for digestive problems, nausea, liver complaints and urinary tract disorders. It has a distinctive, rather unpleasant smell and was aptly called ‘phu’ by the Greek physician Galen who was the first to write about valerian’s use as a treatment for insomnia.

In Medieval Europe valerian was credited with tranquilising properties that could cure or at least treat epilepsy. It was also used during this period as a remedy for stomach upsets and as an antidote to the plague.

Since April 2014, all herbal medicines for sale in the UK and Europe must be approved by the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) having been rigorously checked for safety and quality. They must also display the Traditional Herbal Registration ‘THR’ logo on their pack.

Use of valerian for insomnia and nervous conditions became more common in the 1500s and since the 1700s has been widely taken as a sedative, as a remedy for nervous disorders, trembling, headaches and heart palpitations.

The following products contain Valerian