Known for it’s sleep inducing and anxiety reducing qualities, Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an easy to grow perennial that absolutely stinks to harvest and use! That’s actually a very funny fact because the valerian flowers smell quite nice, in fact they attract all sorts of pollinators to the garden.

Are valerian flowers edible?

Valerian is most recognized for helping to ease insomnia, anxiety, and nervous restlessness. It became popular in Europe in the 17th century. In addition to being medicinal this is also edible. This plant was in the Valerianaceae family but is now in the Caprifoliacaeae family.

What do you do with valerian flowers?

Valerian makes a great garden plant. It seems to help nearby plants by stimulating phosphorus and earthworm activity. A decoction made from the roots and sprayed on the ground will attract earthworms. The mineral-filled leaves can be added to your compost, too.

Are valerian flowers poisonous?

Although valerian is thought to be fairly safe, side effects such as headache, dizziness, stomach problems or sleeplessness may occur. Valerian may not be safe if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.

Does valerian make a good cut flower?

Valerian produces extremely fragrant flowers in early summer. Gather them for use as cut flowers to keep valerian from reseeding and becoming invasive.

How do you eat valerian plant?

As you probably already know, growing valerian from seed is often done for its root. It can be chewed, dried and powdered, made into teas, and extracted for its oils. It’s leaves when crushed, were once used as a poultice to relieve headaches.

How do you harvest valerian flowers?

Just snap the stems off near the base and set them aside for now. Gently dig up the roots of each plant you’ve chosen to harvest. Fill in the holes with aged compost to nourish the remaining valerian plants. Rinse roots in an outdoor sink or bucket of clear water.

Can you make tea out of valerian leaves?

You use fresh or dried second-year roots to make a type of simmered tea, called a decoction, and for that, you mix 3 g dried valerian (or 6 g fresh) with one cup of water. Simmer, but don’t boil, for fifteen minutes, then cool to a drinking temperature. Strain and drink before you want to go to sleep.

Do you deadhead valerian?

Garden care: Deadhead regularly throughout the summer to prolong flowering. In autumn cut the plant back down to the ground and compost the dead stems.

How do you make valerian flower tincture?

Instructions

1. Add dried valerian root to the mason jar.
2. Fill the jar up with alcohol and seal with the lid.
3. Store the developing tincture in a cool, dark place; shake the jar every couple of days (or every day, if you can remember).
4. Let the tincture develop for 6 to 8 weeks.

Can you overdose on valerian?

This herb is popular as a sedative but little is known about its toxic effects. The patient presented with mild symptoms, all of which resolved within 24 h. Valerian overdose, at approximately 20 times the recommended therapeutic dose, appears to be benign.

What does a valerian flower look like?

Valeriana officinalis can grow up to 2m tall, producing deep pink buts that open into fairly loose clusters of pink five-petalled flowers, the petals joined at the base to form a trumpet-like corolla. Common Valerian flowers are 4 to 5mm long.

What does valerian flower smell like?

The flowers vary from white through pink and appearing in late spring. The flowers smell like vanilla but the foliage, which contains the adtinidine, has a foul odor often described as smelling like unwashed feet. Valerian can be grown from seed.

How long does it take to harvest valerian?

The roots may take two growing seasons to be large enough to harvest.

Should I cut back valerian after flowering?

Plant valerian in an informal setting in moisture-retentive soil. After flowering in summer, cut back faded flower stems to avoid self seeding, then cut back all growth after it has died back in autumn. Propagate by seed, division, or cuttings.

Is red valerian the same as valerian?

It’s also called Jupiter’s Beard or spur valerian. While red valerian is a member of the family Valerianaceae, it’s not really a valerian. True valerian is known scientifically today as Valeriana officinalis. Its roots were used medicinally and were thought to have a sedative effect.