Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis
Native to Europe through to western Asia, and now grown throughout the world, this tall perennial topped with clusters of small pale pink to white flowers is also referred to as Garden Heliotrope, Common Valerian or All-Heal.
The etymology surrounding its botanical name has been a source of disagreement. One common belief comes from the derivation of the Latin word valeo, meaning ‘I am well’. It is also thought to originate from the Latin verb valere, meaning ‘to be strong’. Contrary to popular belief, the herb’s name may not have Latin roots, rather it has been suggested it shares an etymological connection to where it was first discovered, in the Roman province belonging to the Valerius clan.
The strong-smelling root is traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:
- Decrease restless sleep
- Relieve sleeplessness
- Support refreshing sleep
- Relieve excess nervous energy
- Relax and support the nervous system
- Relieve nervous tension
- Soothe and calm nerves
- Reduce symptoms of stress
- As an antispasmodic
Traditionally:
Valerian has been used as a valuable medicinal herb in Western Herbal Medicine since ancient Greece and Rome, used to relieve sleeplessness and to help support the nervous system.
Valeriana officinalis
Native to Europe through to western Asia, and now grown throughout the world, this tall perennial topped with clusters of small pale pink to white flowers is also referred to as Garden Heliotrope, Common Valerian or All-Heal.
The etymology surrounding its botanical name has been a source of disagreement. One common belief comes from the derivation of the Latin word valeo, meaning ‘I am well’. It is also thought to originate from the Latin verb valere, meaning ‘to be strong’. Contrary to popular belief, the herb’s name may not have Latin roots, rather it has been suggested it shares an etymological connection to where it was first discovered, in the Roman province belonging to the Valerius clan.
The strong-smelling root is traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:
- Decrease restless sleep
- Relieve sleeplessness
- Support refreshing sleep
- Relieve excess nervous energy
- Relax and support the nervous system
- Relieve nervous tension
- Soothe and calm nerves
- Reduce symptoms of stress
- As an antispasmodic
Traditionally:
Valerian has been used as a valuable medicinal herb in Western Herbal Medicine since ancient Greece and Rome, used to relieve sleeplessness and to help support the nervous system.
