Valerian
Valerian officinalis

The picture in the middle was taken May 8/99, before Valerian flowers into the tall and lacy tendrils shown on the right one month later in June. The picture on the left is a close up of the flowers, about actual size...so sad you can't smell the picture.

The species name officinalis indicates that a plant was once medicinally used, or "of the apothecaries."  Until synthetic tranquilizers were fabricated, roots of valerian or garden heliotrope were made into an effective sedative, allaying pain, calming nerves and promoting sleep with narcotic side effects. In the garden, the lacy umbels of valerian produce much of the same airy effect as baby's breath or coral bells and flood the air with fragrance. The scent is a little musty but evocative. The hardy valerian grows in any soil and spreads, but not too quickly. The shallow spaghetti-like runners are easily pulled back if they threaten to grow out of bounds. A tall herb (to 5 feet), valerian is well suited to the back row. One plant is plenty for most gardeners. Cats are very fond of the odour of valerian and may tear the plant to pieces and roll in it. They are said even to dig up the roots and devour them.

Medicinal Part: Root Solvents: Water Uses: Valerian is one of the best herbs for someone with a cold, nervous condition. It is tranquilizing, calming and sedating, thus relieving pain, cramps, spasms and nervous disorders such as nervous excitement, sleeplessness and palpitations. It is grounding while alleviating dizziness, fainting, nervous headache, menopause nervousness, emotional disturbances.

Dose: Infuse 1 ounce herb  to 1 pint water; drink 3 cups tea/day;
or 1 tsp tincture to one half cup of water taken as needed or  10-30 drops frequently; 3-9 gm in formula.

Precaution: can cause cardiac palpitations in sensitive individuals