Wholesale Valerian

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on valerian

description
Valerian officinalis, is an herbaceous perennial of the Valerianaceae family.

The plant typically reaches heights of 3-5 feet, and sometimes as high as 6 feet, though less frequently. Valerian's distinctive attributes include a clump of deeply lobed basal foliage from which rise tall, slender, sparsely-leaved stems. In the summer months of June and July these stems are topped by highly fragrant blossoms.

Leaves are odd-pinnate, with each leaf having 7-10 pairs of toothed, lance-shaped leaflets. The entire plant is redolent: leaves are aromatic when bruised; and roots also have a strong scent. Both valerian root and valerian leaves are a cat attractant similar to catnip.

common names & nomenclature
Genus name comes from the Latin valere, meaning "to be strong and healthy", though other accounts say its moniker was derived from the personal name Valerius.

Also known as:
valerian, garden valerian, garden heliotrope, all-heal

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for valerian

Valerian officinalis is native to Europe and parts of Asia and has been introduced into North America.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting valerian

climate
Valerian typically grows in damp locations, but also can be found in drier areas. It often is established along roads or in fields in full to part sun.

soil
The valerian plant grows in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. The plant prefers rich loams.

growing
Propagate Valerian officianlis by seed or division in the spring. The plant spreads easily via rhizomes and often freely self-seeds. As the plant can be invasive—deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding.

harvesting
Valerian roots are harvested in the fall of their second year and cut to dry, may be ground into a powder as well.

preserving
Store dried valerian root pieces and powdered valerian root in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

Valerian is a hardy perennial that reaches about 5 feet. Its medicinal roots consist off long, cylindrical fibers issuing from its rhizome. Its stem is erect, grooved, and hollow. Valerian leaves< are fernlike. Tiny flowers white, pink, or lavender- develop in umbrella-like clusters and bloom from late spring through summer. When dried, valerian roots have an unpleasant odor, and have been described by American herbalist Michael Moore as "the smell of dirty socks."

Valerian root is often often used to to make a tea. Often steeped along with other calming botanicals as a tisane infusion to be sipped at the end of the day. Valerian also has an effect on cats similar to catnip. Intoxicated felines have been known to destroy plants; use chicken-wire fencing if necessary.

Valerian root powder is typically taken as tea, liquid extract or in capsule form.

Although it may be prepared as tea, valerian root is not used for culinary purposes. Most people generally find the herb makes a relaxing cup of tea. Making valerian root tea is pretty easy. Simple steep a couple grams of dried valerian root in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.