VALERIAN ROOT      Valeriana

Since ancient times it is well known, that Valerian Root is a very effective healing plant. Its name stems from the Latin word "valere" that means "well being". In the Middle Age  Valerian Root was the most common used remedy to strengthen the nervous system. It was the healing plant for hysteria. It's good reputation makes it still very popular in naturopathic circles, even though its smell is pretty offensive.

Valerian blossoms are collected from July through August, the roots are harvested in October.

Cats loooove the smell of the valeriana. If you want to see your cat go berserk, try  to make her/him sniff the valerian tincture. It is suspected, that the scent contains cat specific aphrodisiac molecules, that put the cat into a love spell immediately.  

The rumor that it would work likewise on humans was never verified.

TEA
For Valerian  Tea take valerian roots, that have been cut and dried.
1 tablespoon of valerian roots is scalded with 1 pint of boiling water. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, strain,  and drink it up to three times a day. This tea  is soothing on the nerves,  mainly in menopause.


TINCTURE
It takes fresh or dried  valerian roots, and 50 % clear schnapps or 75 % grape-essence. First the  roots are filled into a glass jar until it is full, then the blossoms are soaked with hard liquor. This mixture should be left with a closed lid for 2-3 weeks at a sunny place. From time to time the glass should be well shaken After the 2 or 3 weeks the thus generated valerian tincture will be strained and filled into a brown glass bottle.

Internal use: This is a good remedy for the nerves.
Take it up to 6 times a day 20 drops.

BATH
A valerian root bath, that should be taken best in the evenings before going to bed, takes 2 handful of valerian roots and 1 handful of valerian blossoms. They are scalded with half a gallon of hot water.
Let this mixture sit for about 2 hours, strain, and add to the water in the bathtub. Take a bath for 20-30 minutes at a comfortable temperature.

VALERIAN WINE
A Nerve Potion, like Valerian Wine should be found in every homes medicine chest. It soothes the nerves just like the tincture, but it is much more pleasant to take.

It takes fresh or dried  valerian roots, candied lemon and orange peel (or use fresh peels that the wine is not too sweet) and wine.   First the  roots are filled into a glass  jar until it is half full, then the jar is filled up with white wine. This mixture should be left with a closed lid for 3 weeks at a sunny place. From time to time the glass should be well shaken. After 3 weeks the  generated valerian wine will be strained and filled into a brown glass bottle. At all kinds of stress or before sleeping you may take one little shot glass full.

VETERINARY MEDICINE
Valerian root has a calming effect on all animals - except cats. You may apply the tea, the diluted tincture or crushed roots.

GARDEN ADVICE
Valerian is best planted near vegetables, because it is a soil healing remedy. It loves damp grounds, sunny spots, and can be raised easily in your own garden.