What may be less well known is that it is a plant that grows wild in Britain, usually on more calcareous (chalky) grassland. I have seen it mostly in Scotland and North East England, but it does grow throughout. It is a very beautiful plant, flowering in late Spring/early Summer, with masses of white-pinkish flower heads, that can be slightly fragrant and lots of green leaves, comprising narrow leaflets. Do be aware that if you are trying to identify this plant in the wild that there is another plant that is commonly referred to as Valerian, which is perhaps more widespread now than its namesake - this is the 'Red Valerian' (Catharanthus roseus), an altogether different plant, which should not be used medicinally - an object lesson, if ever there was one, in the proper naming and identification of plants - never trust the common names, always check the Latin and look it up in a good botany reference book.
Valerian is another standard herb in the medical herbalist's dispensary and it is used for a wide variety of applications. It is one herb, however, where quality of the product and dosage is important. When both of factors are right, it is, as herbalist Julian Barker has said 'unquestionably the supreme remedy in all cases of nervous trouble, either on its own or as part of a more complex prescription'.
It is often used to help with insomnia and in many restless states, such as where there are heart palpitations of nervous origin, nervous headaches and exhaustion. It has an unusual action in that although it is a good anxiolytic herb, it should not detract from concentration or focus when taken.
It is not one for everyone, however and depending on dose and how and with what it is used, it can be idiosyncratic in its effects. It is said that one in ten people find it stimulating, rather than calming and sedative and I can attest to this, being one of these. I find that it promotes an alert wakefulness in me, whereas I have patients who, almost at one sniff of the pungent aroma, fall gently into the arms of Morpheus.
It is sometimes used in combination with other herbs such as Lime flowers (Tilia x europea) in herbal medicines for high blood pressure, especially where there is underlying 'tension' to the condition. It is also sometimes part of remedies for intestinal colic may be used, again with herbs such as Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis).
Some of the research that has been conducted into Valerian seems to confirm the oft-cited advantages of whole plant medicine, its effect being thought to be due to the complex interaction of compounds within the plant, rather than its individual constituents alone.
Valerian will actually grow easily in most gardens, it is fairly tolerant of position (it will tolerate some shade) and is a pretty, if somewhat invasive herbaceous plant. From one plant I innocently bought some years ago, I now have many from division and self-sown seedlings. It is the root which is used medicinally and if you ever have cause to dig one up, you will perhaps realise why - even on its exhumation freshly from the soil it emits a strong musty odour and as it drys, this becomes more even more intense. It is one of those herbs that tastes as it smells, so be warned!!
My cat (who, as you know has an interest in herbal substances - see catmint blog) is also a fan of Valerian. When I dig it up, he rubs his head in the newly disturbed roots and purrs with delight, the more it dries the more he loves it, as it seems that the isovalerianic acid, which gives it its characteristic 'tom cat' smell is a breakdown product not in the living plant. It is thought that cats are also attracted to a similar chemical (actinidine)found in Valerian, to that which is found in catmint. They are unlikely to share their secret with us, however.
My newest discovery is that foxes perhaps like it, although it has only been this year that I have noticed several plants have been dug up in the garden and the roots eaten. I cannot think that this is a cat as the hole is too deep and too big and the most likely candidate I would think would be an urban fox, but I can only guess at what creature has been dosing itself with my Valerian.
Sources:
Barker, J. (2001), The medicinal flora of Britain and Northwestern Europe. Kent, Winter Press
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source.
Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine