Valerian - medicinal properties of a plant and instructions for use

This perennial plant has been known since ancient Rome. Valerian still hasn't lost its relevance in terms of a sedative. It is successfully grown in a summer cottage, using rhizomes and roots as medicinal raw materials. How to grow and use valerian, we will consider in the article.

Collection and storage

The plant is harvested to create medicines. Valerian root has healing properties. This part of the plant is harvested in late summer or early autumn.

When collecting raw materials, you should carefully inspect the collection sites and the proposed plant. The fact is that valerian can be easily confused with other herbs, for example, with a medicinal gusset. If such a plant is found nearby, you should be careful, because if its rhizomes are intertwined with valerian roots, it can be dangerous. With such a neighborhood, the root of the root can even take on the smell of valerian, which can mislead an inexperienced herbalist.

After the valerian roots have been dug out, they should be rinsed in cold water and dried in the sun. Then they are dried in special dryers, in the attic or under a canopy.

Store them in a glass jar or paper bag. Shelf life is 3 years.

Probably everyone knows the weakness of cats for the smell of this plant, so you should take care that animals do not spoil the raw materials.

Description of Valerian officinalis

Valerian officinalis is a perennial herb, reaches a height of 1.5 m.

Valerian rhizome is short, thick (up to 4 cm long, up to 3 cm thick). Numerous thin adventitious roots extend from the rhizome on all sides. The stem of valerian is erect, fistulous, furrowed, branches closer to the inflorescence. Several stems develop on one bush.

Valerian leaves: lower and middle - long-petiolate, upper - sessile, opposite, sometimes alternate or collected 3-4 in whorls, pinnately dissected.

Valerian flowers are fragrant, small, up to 4 mm in diameter, bisexual, with a double perianth, white, pale purple or pinkish, collected in large inflorescences. Valerian blooms from the second year of life almost all summer.

For medicinal purposes, the rhizome and roots of the plant are used. Valerian is used as a sedative and antispasmodic. It also has a choleretic effect, increases the secretion of the gastrointestinal tract, dilates the coronary vessels.

Valerian officinalis inflorescences.

Composition and medicinal properties

The medicinal properties of valerian are due to its complex composition. The plant is rich in essential oils. It contains alkaloids, vitamins, minerals (for example, selenium, iron). The root contains tannins, saponins, sugars.

Due to the presence of essential oil, the rhizome has a specific smell, probably familiar to everyone. According to the description, it is a deep, woody-balsamic scent with a slight tea tint. It has a positive effect on the human nervous system, soothes, reduces nervous irritability, is effective for insomnia and hysteria.

Valerian eliminates tachycardia, increased anxiety. Breathing in its aroma and using it in various forms is excellent soothing.It is also considered an antidote to alcohol and nicotine, and acts as a detoxifier for the body.

The first studies on valerian were carried out by ancient scientists. They described it as a plant that can affect the nervous system. On the basis of the tincture, drugs were created that helped with nervous disorders. Similar research continues in our time. So, Japanese scientists at Osaka University came to the conclusion that valerian contains a complex of substances that prevents the development of immunodeficiency... Also, this plant is an effective tranquilizer created by nature itself.

Botanical reference

The valerian community includes about 100 species that grow in South and North America, Europe and Asia. The family includes 13 genera and more than 400 plant species. The Russian valerian family contains 5 genera and more than 70 species of various plants.

Plants of valerian, valerianella (used in a number of countries as a plant for preparing salad), patinia (has medicinal properties) and centrantus (refers to ornamental plants) are of current value. From a number of plants of this family, various odorous additives are made, which are used in cosmetology and pharmacology.

Use in cosmetology

In cosmetology, oil is used for facial skin care, it is used for neurodermatitis. The essential oil is effective for rashes and hypersensitive skin. Women will be interested to know that the oil of this plant smoothes wrinkles and has a lifting effect.

Complementary oils are rosewood oil, myrtle, patchouli, lavender, petitgrain.

Very often people behave unfairly towards the smell of this oil, calling it "the smell of female anxiety." In fact, when combined with complementary oils, valerian is capable of creating the most exquisite compositions. True, it belongs to relaxants - a group of essential oils that calm the nervous system, so you should not inhale the scent of valerian oil if you need to concentrate on something. But this aroma relieves neuralgia, migraines, normalizes the rhythm and heart rate.

Bathing in a relaxing bath with valerian

For a relaxing bath, add 10 drops of valerian essential oil to cream or honey. The resulting emulsion is poured into a bath and immersed in it 15 minutes before bedtime.

Bathing in a valerian bath effectively reduces the excitability of the nervous system, relieves convulsive spasms.

Valerian for face

A valerian face mask will help to relax and bring order to the skin. The rhizome of the plant, crushed into powder, is poured with boiling water and mixed thoroughly. When the mass acquires a homogeneous consistency, it should be applied to the face with a thin layer. After that, the face is covered with gauze folded in several layers. After 15 minutes, the mask is washed off with warm water.

Valerian root juice is used to relieve redness from the skin of the face, as well as to get rid of acne or irritation. To obtain a more pronounced result, the juice is frozen in ice molds, after which the skin is rubbed with ice cubes. It also helps to get rid of sunburn and flaking. Fresh valerian juice can also be used, but the results are less dramatic.

Among other things, an infusion based on this plant in cosmetology is used to brighten the skin of the face, remove age spots and freckles. To prepare it, you just need to brew valerian and use it as a cleanser.

Benefits for hair

Valerian is also used as a hair care product.An infusion is made from it, combining with other medicinal herbs, and clean hair is washed with the resulting product. We suggest that you take note of several recipes for preparing effective infusions and masks with valerian for hair.

• If you are worried about dandruff, an infusion of oak and valerian will help get rid of it. To prepare it, you need to mix twenty-five grams of oak bark powder, as well as a tablespoon of chopped valerian root, pour all this with boiling water in an amount of one liter and insist for ten minutes. When the product is ready, use it to rinse your hair after shampooing.
• In order to speed up the hair growth process, you need to use the following infusion: mix a tablespoon of finely chopped orange peels and the same amount of rosemary, add a spoonful of valerian root and fill it all with vodka in the amount of two hundred milliliters. Infuse the product for seven days, and then start rubbing into the scalp a couple of hours before washing.
• Brittle and split ends require constant care. It can be provided with an infusion of several types of herbs, applying it at least twice a week. And you can prepare the product this way. One large leaf of aloe must be grated on a fine grater, add a tablespoon of calendula flowers and half a glass of fresh cream. Send a spoonful of grated valerian root there and mix the mixture well until smooth. Apply the resulting product to the hair roots, spreading along the entire length, and leave for half an hour, after which the mask must be washed off with warm water.

By using these products regularly, you will be able to provide your hair with proper care, making it look better and grow faster..

Features of the

Let's continue the description of valerian officinalis. The plant blooms in June or July, reproduction is carried out by seeds. The plant is among the hardy:

• Despite the fact that it prefers high humidity, it also perfectly tolerates prolonged drought.
• The optimum temperature for growth is + 20 ... + 26 ° С, but the seeds are able to germinate even at + 5 ° С.
• The plant survives well being in the shade.

In nature, the plant can most often be found on the banks of rivers and lakes, in marshy lowlands, much less often a representative of the flora is found in arid places or mountains.

Cooking applications

In cooking, valerian is used to prepare some dishes. As a spice, it can be added to the main dishes of European cuisine. Young leaves are put in salads, soups, fish dishes and stewed vegetables.

One of the popular salad recipes: chop 250 grams of leaves, add an onion, several boiled eggs. The salad is seasoned with vegetable oil. This is a great springtime dish as young valerian leaves are high in vitamin C.

Valerian is also suitable for preparing an original strawberry salad. To do this, boil 4 quail eggs, as well as about 16 shrimps. After that, eggs and shrimp are peeled and mixed with leaves of valerian, lettuce, arugula. Strawberries, about 8 pieces, are cut into wedges and placed in a salad bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Next, prepare a dressing from a mixture of orange and lemon juice, vegetable oil, tabasco. Stir the salad carefully so as not to damage or crush the ingredients.

A popular valerian drink is a relaxing tea. To do this, pour boiling water over a few teaspoons of dried valerian and leave to infuse. This tea can be drunk with jam or honey. Tea goes well with valerian honey, which only increases the effectiveness of the drink. Tea has a good therapeutic effect. It
cleanses blood vessels, circulatory and lymphatic system... In order to diversify such a drink, you can add strawberry leaves, St. John's wort, jasmine flowers, hawthorn flowers, raspberry leaves, mint leaves to it - this tea is known as "Spring on Elena". The name refers to the island of Peter the Great Bay, the largest and most picturesque bay in the Sea of ​​Japan, which is famous for its unique flora.
The ear in Spanish is also not complete without valerian leaves. Fish trimmings are thoroughly cleaned, cut into thin pieces. Then they are poured with cold water, carrots are added and cooked over low heat for 15 minutes. Peel the tomatoes and cut them into quarters. Shallots (about 4 onions) cut into small pieces and sautéed in butter. Then the fish broth is filtered, mixed with stewed onions, tomatoes are added and boiled for another 10 minutes. Then a little flour is diluted with milk, a pinch of spices is added and poured into the ear. 400 grams of pickled shellfish are warmed up in the ear. Shake two yolks with cream and a few tablespoons of fish soup. The ear is removed from the stove and the yolks are poured into it. Before serving, finely chopped leaves of valerian, rosemary, lungwort are added to the dish.

In America, valerian is added to the production of liqueurs. The plant sap is also included in the well-known non-alcoholic drink “Olympia.

Distribution area

The Valerian officinalis plant, the photo of which is presented below, has a fairly wide area of ​​distribution. You can meet this representative of the flora in different parts of the world:

• In the European part of Russia, also in the territory of Eastern Siberia and the Far East, in the Crimea.
• In Ukraine (there are several rare but very valuable species here).
• Temperate and subtropical regions of the Mediterranean.

The plant feels most comfortable on forest edges, green meadows, woodlands, grass and peat bogs, grows sparsely, rarely where you can find valerian thickets.

Valerian benefits and treatment

The benefits of the plant are known to folk and official medicine. On the basis of this herb, many infusions, decoctions, herbal preparations are prepared. For example, from migraine a decoction from a tablespoon of dry raw materials, filled with a glass of cold water, helps perfectly. The mixture is left to infuse for 12 hours, and then filtered. Take the remedy for 1 tbsp. l. 4 times a day. An alcoholic tincture is considered to be no less effective. It is prepared from dry raw materials infused with alcohol. The tincture is diluted with water and taken orally with fears, nervous breakdown as a sedative.

Like any other herbal remedy, valerian is characterized by a cumulative therapeutic effect. In this regard, the plant is most effective when taken regularly. At the same time, it is not recommended to take decoctions of the plant for a long time, as it can cause irritation and excessive excitement. Scientists who have conducted research on the effect of valerian on the human body have come to the conclusion that when taken internally, the plant is not as effective as when taking baths or inhaling essential oil vapors... Baths soothe the heart, cramps, are recommended for sleep problems, spasms, neuroses.

Valerian juice is also often used. It reduces the excessive excitability of the nervous system, helps with mental stress. The juice is obtained from fresh grass in the spring. Take such a remedy should be 1 tsp. with honey.

Valerian is an excellent remedy for headaches. In order to get rid of migraines, an infusion is prepared on the basis of this plant, after which a clean cloth is moistened in it and applied to the forehead and temples, making a compress.

Speaking about the benefits of valerian, one cannot fail to notice that the plant has a diuretic and choleretic effect, therefore infusions based on it are used for hypertension to lower blood pressure.

Valerian can help relieve stress and relieve tension in the nervous system.Also, with the help of this plant, diseases such as epilepsy, tachycardia, pain in the heart and joints, and some stomach diseases such as gastritis have been treated more than once. Nowadays, valerian is used in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD), as well as in various diseases of the organs of the reproductive system. Uterine tone, menopause, painful periods - these are indications for the use of valerian infusion.

In diabetes mellitus, the use of valerian-based products helps to improve the work of the cardiovascular system, improve blood circulation, expand blood vessels, and eliminate muscle spasms. But it is best to combine traditional methods with medication and visit your doctor regularly to control your blood sugar levels.

For children and babies (babies)

For children, infants, or toddlers, valerian root can also be beneficial when brewed for bathing. In this way, you can relieve irritation, calm the baby's nervous system. In order to properly brew valerian, you need to do the following:

• Take three tablespoons of valerian root and cover with two liters of hot water.
• Leave the liquid to infuse for an hour and a half, after bringing the mixture to a boil.
• Strain the broth and cool so that it is not hot, then add the liquid to the bath.
• The bathing procedure for children should take no more than fifteen minutes, as valerian can dry out baby skin.
• After bathing, it is necessary to apply a baby nourishing cream to the baby's skin and wrap the baby in a warm blanket.

In addition to valerian, for bathing, you can use a mixture of dry herbs, which may include thyme, chamomile, motherwort, etc. Before that, be sure to make sure that the baby is not allergic to plants by dripping a little solution on the skin. If it turns red, it is best not to use herbal teas.

Insomnia fees

Valerian is a herb that is an essential ingredient in helping with insomnia. Let's get acquainted with some of the most effective collections from the piggy bank of folk wisdom:

• Valerian roots, herb lemon balm and yarrow in equal amounts are poured with boiling water in a proportion of 1 part of plants to 10 parts of water. Drink ½ glass a day.
• Valerian roots and hop cones are poured in equal amounts with water in a ratio of 1: 1: 10. It is applied 1 glass three times a day.
• 20 grams of the following plant: hop cones, peppermint and lemon balm (leaves), St. John's wort (herb), valerian (roots) should be added to a glass of boiling water and infused for 20 minutes. Drink a glass per day.

For the preparation of any infusion, you can use a thermos, this will keep the temperature.

Valerian harm and contraindications

The plant can bring harm to the body with individual intolerance and in this case it is contraindicated.

Since valerian effectively soothes the nervous system, it is not recommended to use her decoctions and tinctures an hour before situations that require a quick reaction. With prolonged use, phlegm and morning sleepiness can be observed. Also
possible decrease in mental and physical activity... In such cases, the drug should be discontinued. In connection with this feature, the plant is not recommended for adolescents, as well as people aged 10-45 years. It is more suitable for the elderly and children.
It is important to check with your healthcare professional before using valerian essential oil. The fact is that the oil is a concentrated agent, and therefore allergic reactions are not excluded. Inside, you can only take essential oils with the appropriate mark from the manufacturer. When taking, it is important to dilute the oil in a spoonful of honey. Drink this mixture with plenty of acidified water in order to avoid irritation of the stomach lining. It is forbidden to take more than 3 drops of essential oil per daydiluted in honey.

Experts still cannot agree on whether valerian is addictive. According to numerous reports, the regular use of infusions with the addition of this plant is addictive when used as a remedy for insomnia. There is no exact information yet, since the effect is individual and depends on the state of the body and the immune system. Nevertheless, in order not to check this fact on oneself, it is recommended to carry out a course of treatment with valerian for no longer than forty-five days.

Valerian plant properties

The official raw material of Valerian officinalis is rhizomes with roots - Rhizomata cum radicibus Valerianae.

Harvested in autumn after fruit ripening or in early spring. First, the raw materials are dried for 1-2 days, and then dried at 35 ° C or in the shade.

The main active ingredients rhizomes with roots of the Valerian officinalis plant

is essential oil - 0.2-3.5% and valepotriates - 0.5-1%. The composition of the essential oil includes: bornyl acetate - 32.15%, aloaromadendren, 3-methylbutanoic acid, kesan, α-kesyl acetate, α-kesanyl acetate, α-kesyl alcohol, canocanol, isovaleric acid, hesperitinic acid, valerin tin, valerenic acid, acetylvaleric acid esters of isovaleric acid, (-) - borneol, camphene, ledol, maaliol, limonene, faurinone, valerenyl ether, valeranone, β-bisabolic, curcumen, (-) - myrtenol, (-) - myrtenilizovalerate, (-) - myrtenyl phthalate, guayan , guaiazulene, eudalen, seminan, β-ionone, patchouli alcohol, Δ3 carene, felandren, Zingiber en, ocymene, caryophilene, isocaryophilene, hexamethylbenzene.

Iridoids valepotriates: isovaltrate, acevaltrates, homovaltrates, valepotriates, acetoxyvalepotriate, dihydroxyvalepotriate, nepetalactone. When drying the rhizomes with the roots of the valerian medicinal plant, valepotriates undergo partial enzymatic cleavage with the formation of iridoids baldrinal and isovaleric acid or its analogs. In this case, the raw material acquires a characteristic odor.

Acevaltrat - active ingredient of the medicinal plant valerian

Baldrinal - active ingredient of the valerian plant

Valerian officinalis also contains alkaloids:

actinidine, N- (2-n-hydroxyphenyl) -ethylactinidine, skitanin, thecostanin, tekomanin, valerian, valerin, and hatinine; macro- and microelements: K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Al, Ba, V, Se, Ni, Sr, I, B.

The aerial part of the Valerian officinalis plant contains an essential oil, which contains: (-) - bornyl acetate, (-) - borneol, camphene, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, n-cymene, kesan, α-kesylacetate; carbohydrates, in particular starch; iridoids: valtrate, acevaltrate, isovaleryloxyhydroxyhydrovaltrate; phenolcarboxylic acids and their derivatives: caffeic, chlorogenic, isochlorogenic; flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin, diosmetin, kaempferol, quercetin, 7-glycoside luteolin, 7-biosides of apigenin, luteolin and diosmetin; vitamins: tocopherol (vitamin E); alkaloids.

In medicine, a decoction of rhizomes with the roots of Valerian officinalis, dry extract, tincture and complex preparations are used: valocormid, cardiovalen, cardiophyte, Zelenin drops, lily of the valley-valerian drops, stomach drops, dental drops. The raw material is included in the sedative and gastric charges. Galenic preparations of valerian medicinal reduce the excitability of the central nervous system, regulating cardiac activity, reduce blood pressure, show antispasmodic and weak choleretic, desensitizing, anthelmintic, carminative action, increase the secretion of the glands of the digestive tract, they are used for chronic functional disorders of the central nervous system, hysteria, eporogilepsy, about mental trauma. The medicinal properties of the valerian plant are used for mild forms of neurasthenia and psychasthenia, manic-depressive states, neuralgia, neurodermatitis,chronic coronary circulation disorder, for the treatment and prevention of angina pectoris, arterial hypertension, extrasystole, with heart defects, liver and biliary tract diseases associated with impaired secretory function, climacteric disorders, with mental and physical fatigue, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, stomach cramps, intestinal colic, diarrhea; in dermatology - for eczema, neurodermatitis, itchy skin, urticaria, psoriasis; in dentistry - with the prevalence of the nervous component in the development of periodontal disease, in the complex therapy of diseases of the oral cavity. In case of an overdose of medicinal valerian drugs, cardiac disorders, nervous system excitement, headache, excessive drowsiness, a feeling of depression, and decreased performance are possible. Used in homeopathy and cosmetology.

Related article: Resinous sandman - useful properties, description

Valerian pharmacy can be used as a herb for open ground.

Literature on the properties of the valerian plant

1. It is a melliferous and ornamental plant. Compendium 2003 - Medicines / Ed. V.N. Kovalenko, A.P. Viktorova. - M., 2003;
2. Kornievskaya V.G., Lesik I.P. Essential oil of Valerian officinalis // Pharmac. zhurn. - 2000. - No. 3;
3. Plant resources of the USSR: Flowering plants, their chemical composition, use. Family Caprifoliaceae - Plantaginaceae. - L., 1990;
4. Fursa N.S., Zotov A.A., Dmitruk S.E. Valerian in herbal medicine. - Tomsk, 1998;
5. Fursa N.S., Kornievsky Yu.I., Mazur I.A. Valerian is the root of life. - Zaporozhye, 1996.

^ Up

How to drink valerian?

It is necessary to drink valerian carefully so as not to become addictive, and also not to get an overdose. It should also be borne in mind that it must be applied in different ways for each case. For example, compresses are recommended for migraines and headaches, for high blood pressure - to be taken orally, and in case of skin diseases or irritations - to prepare a bath solution. We will tell you more about the indications and dosages for using valerian in our article.

Indications for use

You need to take into account the indications for the use of valerian if you want to achieve a good effect and improve your body. Connoisseurs of traditional medicine are recommended to use infusions or decoctions of valerian for such diseases or symptoms:

• epilepsy;
• stress;
• insomnia;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• hypertension;
• migraine;
• tachycardia;
• renal and hepatic colic;
• diseases of the thyroid gland;
• diseases of the biliary tract.

If you are concerned about skin irritation or skin conditions, it is recommended to take valerian baths or use medicated compresses. But, taking the drug orally, do not forget that the course of treatment should not last longer than a month and a half, otherwise valerian may become addictive.

From what age can you take?

It is possible to use infusions of valerian inside only from a certain age - 12 years. Previously, it is not recommended to give this remedy to children due to a fragile immune system and unstable body functions. But you can make a healing bath with valerian for the child, while he cannot use the remedy internally.

One way or another, even after reaching the required age, it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting taking valerian-based tinctures or decoctions. Before that, it is also advisable to make sure that there is no allergy to this plant.

How much can you take per day (maximum daily dose)?

The maximum daily dose of valerian is three grams per person. It is recommended to use no more than six hundred milligrams of infusion or decoction at a time, so as not to cause addiction or overdose.

Side effects of use and consequences of overdose

Side effects and consequences of an overdose of valerian can be dizziness, drowsiness, decreased performance, fatigue, and an allergic reaction. Some people experience headache, fever, vomiting, and stool disorder as a side effect.

When to apply

The healing properties of Valerian officinalis are so numerous and varied that the plant is considered a real salvation from a large number of diseases. Let's name the main ones:

• Mental overwork.
• Hypertension.
• Epilepsy.
• Persistent migraines.
• Spasms in the digestive tract.
• Sleep disturbance.
• Hysteria.
• Constipation.
• Flatulence.
• Early stages of angina pectoris.

It will be useful to take the plant and with certain pathologies of the liver, kidneys, bile ducts, gallbladder. In case of problems with the central nervous system, drugs will also help: they will allow patients to get rid of increased irritability, and normalize sleep.

The fees, which include the Valerian officinalis plant, can be used for menstrual irregularities, colitis, cholecystitis, gastric diseases, heart failure. The plant also helps with toxicosis in pregnant women.

Growing: planting and care

Growing, planting and caring for valerian is a responsible business that requires some knowledge and skills. Even if you have never been involved in growing plants, the recommendations of our article will help you properly plant and care for valerian..

• The best time to plant valerian is July, however, in this case, its seeds will ripen too late, so the next year it is better to plant the plant in mid-spring.
• To sow seeds, first make small grooves in the ground. After that, start sowing valerian, sprinkling it with humus on top.
• Moisten the soil after covering the seeds.
• Immediately after the first shoots appear, it is necessary to start cleaning weeds, as well as loosen the soil.
• When you see that the first four leaves have appeared on the seedlings, it will be necessary to plant the valerian in such a way that there is a space of twenty centimeters between the plants, and ten centimeters between the rows.

Plant care should include regular watering and removing weeds. The first crop of valerian rhizomes can be harvested as early as October, digging the plants through one. Leave the remaining bushes for the winter, feeding with nitrogen fertilizers. In the second year of growth, valerian begins to bloom. It is necessary to collect the seeds at the moment when they are already ripe, and this should be done in this way: the stem with the flowers is carefully cut off, sent to the shade for a while, waiting for the seeds to ripen, and then the grains are collected in convenient containers.

After cutting the flowers, it is necessary to conduct an additional session of soil fertilization. Since valerian is a perennial plant, it can be harvested every year. Effective infusions and decoctions can be prepared from seeds and rhizomes that will help you get rid of some diseases and their symptoms.

Growing valerian in the country

Of course, such a medicinal herb is always needed in the family. Many summer residents start a pharmacy corner on their site, where they grow several of the most necessary and safe medicinal herbs for home treatment. This list includes valerian.

Sowing Valerian

Valerian seeds can be purchased or harvested by yourself. 100% seed germination is achieved when sowing on light forest soil. On chernozems, it is better to pre-add humus, increasing the looseness of the soil. Sowing is carried out in autumn or spring in moist soil in an ordinary or line method. Small seeds are planted to a depth of 0.5 cm or, with surface sowing, covered with a small layer of soil. Seedlings at an air temperature of + 5 ... + 6 ° C appear in 2-3 weeks. The optimum air temperature for growth and development ranges from + 20 ... + 25 ° С.

Care

Despite its moisture-loving nature, valerian is still capable of tolerating drought for a long period. Care consists in the timely removal of weeds and maintaining the soil in a loose state.

In the first year, only a rosette of valerian leaves is formed. The regrowth of the aboveground mass begins immediately after the snow melts. Budding and flowering begin from the second year after 40-45 days. It can grow in one place for a long time. Roots are dug in the 2nd – 3rd year of growth and development. The seeds ripen in 75-90 days. If seeds are not needed, then the tops are cut off as the inflorescences appear. Then the nutrients go to the formation of a larger root system in the plant.

Reproduction of valerian

Propagate valerian by seeds or by dividing the bush. For seed propagation, the prepared seed is sown in autumn or spring. Seeds quickly lose their germination, so sowing is best done with freshly harvested seed material.

Reproduction of valerian by dividing the bushes is carried out in the spring, before the leaves bloom on the plant. The bushes for transplantation are divided so that the rhizome has several living buds.

Collection of raw materials of Valerian officinalis.

Collection of raw materials

The collection of raw materials is carried out after the drying of the aboveground mass. Re-collection of raw materials from one bush is carried out no earlier than a year later. With a complete digging of the rhizomes with roots, seeds are introduced into the formed hole for further reproduction.

Dear Reader! You got acquainted with the properties of medicinal valerian, its use for a number of diseases, the possibility of self-preparation of medicinal drink and the cultivation of valerian in the country. It remains to remind once again that the use of valerian preparations for a long time for the course of treatment is necessary only on the recommendation of a doctor. Be healthy!

Procurement of raw materials

Rhizomes and leaves for medicinal purposes are harvested in the second year of the plant's life. If wild species are harvested, mistakes must be eliminated - the ingress of foreign herbs into the medicinal mixture can lead to poisoning. Re-collection at the same place is carried out no earlier than two years later. After the stems dry at the end of September or in October, the bush is carefully dug up, the roots are cleaned from the ground, washed under running water without the use of brushes. Small processes are removed, thick roots are cut in half.

Drying and storage

The washed and dried roots are placed for 2-3 days in a layer of 10-15 cm in the open air under a canopy for drying and fermentation, after which they darken and smell sharper, acquiring a characteristic aroma. The collection is dried in the oven or on the oven at a temperature not exceeding 35-40 degrees, regularly turning it over. When the roots become brittle, the process is complete. The shelf life of raw materials is up to 36 months. The collection is placed in tightly closed glass jars to avoid weathering of essential oils. If there are extraneous odors, discoloration, traces of the vital activity of insects or rodents, it is not recommended to use the product.

Types of valerian with photos

The most popular species is Valerian officinalis. Other species are cultivated by gardeners only as ornamental plants. The most decorative types:

Valeriana altaica = (Valeriana turczaninovii = Valeriana heterophylla = Valeriana reverdattoana)

The homeland of this species is Siberia and Northern Mongolia. The rhizome is elongated, straight shoots are practically glabrous or glabrous. Basal leaf plates can have 2 lateral segments or be whole, while the stem-shaped ones are lyre-pinnately dissected. The capitate inflorescence in some cases has additional small heads. The pale pink flowers are narrowly funnel-shaped. The bare fruits are purple in color.

Valeriana petrophila

This species is native to Northern Mongolia and Siberia.The rhizome is shortened, it has cord-like lobes, at the end of the stolons there are bundles of leaf plates. On 1/3 of the curved or ascending shoots, the length of which is 5–20 centimeters, there are sheath leaf plates. The lower leaf plates are rolled into a raised rosette; they have long petioles. Sessile leaf plates of the upper pair are solid or have 2–3 pairs of small lateral segments. The dense inflorescence has a racemose, almost capitate shape, it consists of pink flowers. When the time for fruiting comes, the inflorescence grows strongly and becomes loose.

Valeriana supina

The homeland of this species is the eastern regions of the Alps. The basal rosette consists of rounded ovate leaf plates. This plant grows pale green pads, the height of which varies from 2 to 7 centimeters. The diameter of dense inflorescences reaches 30 mm, they consist of small pink flowers. This species is grown in rock gardens as a ground cover plant. Such valerian grows a large number of underground stolons, so it has the ability to capture quite large territories.

Rock Valeriana (Valeriana saxicola)

This plant can be found in the wild in the mountains of Turkey and the Caucasus at an altitude of 1800-2500 meters above sea level. The height of such a perennial plant does not exceed 15 centimeters; it forms not very large bushes. There are relatively few narrow stem leaf blades. The length of the basal leaf plates is about 20 mm, they have an oblong-oval shape, they are pointed. Compact brushes consist of pink flowers.

Such types of valerian are also cultivated as: mountain, three-winged, capitate and lipoliferous, but it should be borne in mind that they do not have a spectacular appearance.

The best varieties for the Moscow region

• Mountain,
• Spikelet,
• Meadow,
• Lipoliferous,
• Arizona,
• Ulyana,
• Cat buzz
• The cat grass is red
• Perovskaya Semko,
• Cardiola,
• Medicinal,
• Vason zone,
• Ruth,
• Maun Sports,
• Valerian Krasnaya,
• Deep sleep,
• Winter salad,
• Doctor of the heart,
• Altai,
• Kentrantus,
• High,
• Salty,
• Amurskaya.

Traditional medicine recipes with valerian

Herbal medicine experts advise using raw materials for the preparation of homemade medicinal infusions. The roots of the plant are used both independently and as part of the collection. The leaves are added to tea. When used correctly, the herb is safe and beneficial to the body by normalizing the nervous system.

Water infusion

10 g of chopped roots are brewed in 200 ml of boiling water, left for 2 hours under the lid. Filtered, take 15 ml three times a day. Unlike alcohol tincture, it has fewer contraindications, with the permission of the pediatrician, it is permissible to give it to children under 12 years old.

Calming Elixir

For cooking, take in the same proportions the roots of valerian, peony, dried hawthorn flowers, motherwort herb. Raw materials are crushed, placed in a glass container, poured with 70% alcohol or vodka in the calculation of 1 to 5. Leave for 21 days in a place protected from the sun. Start taking with 10 drops dissolved in 100 ml of water, gradually increasing the concentration to a teaspoon of the product. It is advisable to drink in the evening, before going to bed. The course of treatment is 14–28 days. If necessary, repeat it after a two-week interval.

Side effects

It is almost impossible to achieve such an overdose of valerian so that a lethal outcome occurs. However, if it is taken for a long time and the recommended dose is constantly exceeded, adverse reactions of the body may occur.

These include the following:

• drowsiness;
• general weakness;
• a state of apathy, depression;
• poor performance.

If such signs appear, you should stop treatment and visit a doctor.

Caution cats!

Everyone knows how cats treat valerian. A growing plant, especially its root, also has an attractive smell for them. However, while it grows peacefully in the ground, cats usually do not annoy him much. The danger lies during the digging of the root. If pieces of it remain on the ground, their scent attracts cats from all over the area. They love to fall out in the ground on an empty bed, and if something else is planted on it, it can be destroyed. It is recommended to dig out the rhizome carefully and completely, leaving as few roots as possible in the ground.

Experienced herbal gardeners close the garden bed with valerian metal or polymer mesh like a cage, which must be well fixed at the edges.

Diseases and pests

Valerian officinalis is attacked by beet, valerian aphid, winter moth, meadow moth and beet bug. There are also cases of lesions with powdery mildew and, most damagingly, white rot, which forms on the stem something like cotton wool (mushroom mycelium).

In the overwhelming majority of cases, preventive measures help from any pests (sowing a similar crop in another place, applying increased doses of potassium-phosphorus dressings, digging up the earth with a revolution of the layer) and dressing the seeds before planting (in production).

The choice of planting material

The seeds can be purchased at any garden store. Over time, they lose their germination, so they should be no more than 7-12 months old.

The package must indicate the name of the variety and its characteristics, the name of the manufacturer, the batch number, the expiration date, the date of packing and packaging, the number of seeds in grams. Inscriptions and drawings must be legible and legible.

The amount of purchased material depends on its purpose. If it is planted only for own consumption, then 1 package weighing 1 g is quite enough. If for some other purposes, then more.

Plant selection criteria

Plants in the pond are not only a decorative element, but also an integral part of the ecological system, which allows you to keep it in balance. In stagnant bodies of water, for example, it is important to have higher plants that can purify the water and prevent it from becoming cloudy and blooming.

These processes occur especially quickly in warm weather, when bacteria multiply extremely quickly and can turn the reservoir unusable in the shortest possible time.

When choosing representatives of flora for a pond, it is important to take into account the shape and depth of the reservoir, as well as the surrounding landscape. For a suburban area, unpretentious plants that do not need regular care are best suited.

When landscaping water type, the following features are taken into account:

1. The ability of pond plants to survive the winter months both in water and in soil.
2. The timing and options for planting, as well as the time until the vegetation will please with a full-fledged appearance.
3. Description of the care of the culture.

If the pond is designed in such a way that it has an angle from which it can be enjoyed, then it is important to plant the vegetation in such a way that it does not cover the pond itself. If there is a recreation area near the water, then it is formed only by undersized crops. For a pond of 4 square meters, the following plants can be used in various combinations: reeds, reeds, angelica or rhubarb. Very small ponds need a simple decoration with calamus, daylily, chastuha or arrowhead.

Storing Valerian Seeds

Storage of seeds is permissible using multilayer paper bags located in a dry room. This should not last more than a year due to the fact that they will lose germination.

Under natural conditions, reproduction is carried out in the wind - when the shoots swing, they are scattered within a radius of 5 meters.Thus, having created good conditions for the plant, you can turn it into a weed that will sow the area without any participation of the gardener.

In order to avoid these incidents, it is recommended to cut off the shoots that have finished blooming while still green. So the roots will grow at an accelerated rate, and self-seeding will stop.

Action on felines

Unlike humans, whom the herb extract soothes, valerian has an exciting effect on cats, which is akin to drug or alcohol intoxication. According to the researchers, the plant contains actinidin, which resembles the pheromones secreted by members of the feline family, including tigers, lions, and cougars. The smell of this volatile compound is similar to the substance that is part of the urine of animals, therefore, valerian is popularly called cat grass.

A surge in hormones provokes an attack of euphoria, in some cases - with manifestations of unmotivated aggression. The animal rolls on the floor, rubs against the source of the smell, covers it with its paws, rolls over, meows.

Exposure to valerian causes depletion of the nervous system and can cause serious harm to the health of a cat (in severe cases, even death). The most sensitive to the plant are non-castrated cats. If medications with herbal extract are kept in the house, you need to choose for them those places where the animal cannot penetrate. Catnip (catnip) will be a harmless substitute.

Historical background

Valeriana in Latin is called Valeriana officinalis L. There are two versions of the origin of the name. According to one, it is associated with the healing properties of the herb: in Latin, "valere" means "strong, healthy." Other researchers correlate the name of the plant with the name of the healer Pliny Valerian. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Avicenna mentioned herb in their treatises as a means that strengthens the brain, heals diseases of the heart, stomach, and kidneys. In stories about Ancient Greece, they write that the plant was used not only in medicine, but also in perfumery due to its bright aroma.

In the Middle Ages, herbal decoctions were used to treat nervous disorders and epileptic seizures. The plant has long been known in Russia. During the reign of Peter, the herb was used in hospitals, the infusion of flowers was used for typhus.

Pond-shaped plant options

Depending on the configuration of the artificial reservoir, different types of plants can be offered:

1. For geometric ponds, meadow tea, loosestrife, water or calamus iris, plakun-grass, large manna and other options are perfect.

   

2. For a deep pond, tall reeds, snake mountaineer, marsh iris, cattail, undersized berry and similar plants will be an ideal addition.

   

3. Shallow water bodies will decorate with their presence sedge, manna or calla, which are unpretentious crops and survive well in shallow water conditions.

   

4. Ponds with decorative fountains are separate ponds, for the decoration of which water hyacinths, cuckoo flowers, undersized irises, swamp forget-me-nots, and rush are planted.

   

Historical information [edit | edit code]

The influence of valerian medicinal on higher nervous activity was already known to the doctors of Ancient Greece. Dioscorides wrote about Valerian as "a means capable of controlling thoughts" [12]. In medieval Europe, this plant was used for a variety of nervous disorders, including epilepsy [12]. Knew about the properties of valerian and in Ancient Russia [12]. It was harvested on an industrial scale in Russia in the 18th century.

Differs in a special effect on cats, similar to the effect of drugs on humans. Hence the popular name of the plant - "cat grass" or "cat root".

Briefly about the plant

Valerian plant is found in meadows and edges of alder forests. She loves to grow in damp places, in the beds of abandoned rivers, in ditches.

Perennial has milky juice, large rhizomes, straight stems. On branched stems, glaucous leaves of an ovoid or round shape grow. The flowers of the plant are small in size, form dense and strong umbrella-shaped inflorescences. Flowers come in white, pink-white and snow-white shades. Valerian blooms in early summer and blooms until the end of August. Some plant varieties grow up to two meters from the ground. For medications, valerian roots are harvested from adult plants in the fall or spring. The plant has a specific smell that cats are crazy about.