Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Family: Valerianaceae
Creeping herbaceous perennial. Native to Europe and temperate
Asia. Probably the strongest herbal cerebral sedative, Valerian serves
to put one to sleep, and as long as the dosage is correct, also allows
one to awaken refreshed, willing and able to get on with the day.
The extract is best made of the fresh root, and the fresher it is the more
reliable the activity. Combine with Passionflower to keep the dreams
pleasant. Cultivation: Extra care. Sow the seed on or
very near the surface of the flat. Keep seed continuously moist.
Germinates in 10-16 days. Allow to grow several sets of true leaves
before transplanting to the garden or field at 1 foot spacing. To
direct seed, sow very early in the spring, taking advantage of moist soils
and spring rains. The seedlings are frost-hardy. Valerian is
a heavy feeder and will do well with a side-dressing of compost rich in
nitrogen and phosphorous. Flowers in the second year to a height
of 5 feet. More information on use, cultivation and processing of Valerian
may be found in Richo’s publication “Middle Earth -- Cultivation of Medicinals
from the English Tradition.”
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