Valerian

Valerian is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow from seed and well suited to the UK climate. Seed can be sown in spring in pots or trays under cover, or sown directly into its final growing position once the soil has warmed up in late spring or early summer.

Sow the seed on the surface of the compost and gently press it down; do not cover with soil, as the seeds require some light to germinate. Keep the compost consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes around 10–20 days, and can be quicker in warm, settled weather.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into individual pots and grow on until well established before planting out. Valerian forms a substantial clump over time, so allow a spacing of around 45–60cm between plants. If sowing directly, thin seedlings to the same spacing once they are established.

Valerian grows best in moisture-retentive soil and is particularly happy in damp or fertile ground, though it will tolerate a wide range of conditions. It will grow in full sun or partial shade, and once established is very hardy and low maintenance. In dry periods, watering will help plants establish well in their first year.

Plants usually produce leafy growth in the first year, followed by tall flowering stems in subsequent summers. Valerian readily self-seeds if allowed to flower and set seed, so remove flower heads if you want to limit its spread, or leave them in place if you’re happy for it to naturalise.

Roots are typically harvested in the autumn of the plant’s second or third year, once the plant has fully established. As with many perennial medicinal herbs, patience is rewarded with stronger, more resilient plants over time.

Valerian is an ancient remedy used in modern times for overexcitement and sleeplessness. Interestingly its name is derived from the Latin ‘valere’ which means ‘to be strong, powerful, healthy’, and valerian was traditionally most valued as a tonic, especially in convalescence. Valerian root has been used as a sedative in Europe since the 16th century and was a prescription medicine as such in the 19th and early 20th centuries across much of the world. In the 20th century, valerian became known as a ‘nervine’, implying that it could calm, while also acting as a tonic to nourish and improve the function of the nervous system.

Over 130 phytochemical compounds have been found in valerian including aromatic Terpene Valepotriates and Valerenic acid . As none of them in isolation have the characteristic Valerian-like effects, it appears they work together synergistically to bring about their benefits. Scientific research is now showing us that some of these constituents may bind to GABA receptors to regulate activity in the central nervous system. Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is a neurotransmitter that sends chemical messages through the brain and the nervous system, and is involved in regulating communication between brain cells. The role of GABA is to inhibit or reduce the activity of the neurons or nerve cells playing an important role in behavior, cognition, and the body’s response to stress and fear.

So its no surprise that valerian is primarily used to encourage a healthy sleeping pattern. Its heavy and grounding properties make it useful in any condition dominated by tension and anxiety, helping fidgetyness and restless leg syndrome. Also being an antispasmodic it can relax tense muscles and may be used for tension headaches, intestinal cramps and palpitations associated with tension in the chest and diaphragm. Its warming and soothing properties make it useful for pain and anxiety associated with menstruation.

For some people however the tonic reputation of valerian can translate into a stimulating effect. If you feel anything like this stop the valerian and start it again to be sure. You can see this stimulating effect in cats. Valerian contains a similar volatile component of the essential oil also found in catnip. This is why cats love the smell of valerian as well. Store it carefully.

The fresh roots are harvested at the end of their second or third year. They will need a good wash to remove the earth. Then slice into longitudinal strips for drying somewhere the smell will not overpower. Do this over a radiator or in a dehydrator at 40C for 12-16 hours.

The fresh roots tincture well as do the dry roots at 50-60% alcohol.

If you make a tea use a teaspoon of the dried root (approx 2g) infused in a covered cup of freshly-boiled water for 10 minutes. Add a little licorice and chamomile or some honey to ease some of the bitter-sweet astringency. You can also make a tea with the fresh flowers for a dreamy summer afternoon.