Although this is not your average herb garden herb, this perennial herb is grown for many reasons! So, where shall I start? This is an herb that was grown and its roots ground and put into protective sachets. It is said that these sachets would gaurd against lightning stricking the house, and sprinkle a little around the floor area of two people arguing to induce calm. It was put into "love" pillows and hung above doors to make evil spells go away. It was known as the "all-heal" plant in medievil times. This is the herb that the PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN used to lure away the rats...cats love it, too!
If the plant is grown for the root's medicinal purposes, the flowers are dead-headed so all the energy goes into the root. The seeds of this herb are not hardy. It is best to start this one with the division of clumps.
For medicinal purposes, this herb is used in a sedaitve manner. This herb should not be taken in strong doses for a long period of time-for you will see side effects like addiction. The constituents of this plant are an essentioal oil-.05 to 1 %, valepotriates, tannins, alkoloids, and bitter compounds. With these coponets, this herb is a sedative herb used for heart disorders, convulsions, depression, bringing down blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety.
Recent scientific finding show that a cup of valerian tea relieves stress, and helps one to fall asleep easier. It is also better for one to use a cup of valerian tea over barbiturates and benzodiazepines, for by drinking the tea, you won't wake up feeling drugged feeling!