The plant is poisonous.
Application
Valerian is a classic medicinal plant that has been used both in folk medicine and as a recognized medicinal plant. Its effects are both calming and slightly invigorating.
Valerian was used as an antidote for plague and as a remedy for epilepsy. Valerian was also used for headaches, poor eyesight, intestinal worms, hysteria, and as a diaphoretic and diuretic.
Today, valerian root is used as a remedy for restlessness and nervousness, insomnia, and as an antispasmodic. Several different herbal remedies are available for the treatment of insomnia.
Dried valerian has been used as a moth repellent in drawers and cupboards.
Ingredients
Essential oil, alkaloids chatinin and valerian, tannins, mucus, resin, gum, sugar, etc.
The active substances are found mainly in the root.
Valeriana officinalis L.
Photo of page in Joachim Burser's herbarium.
