PROPERTIES OF COMMON VALERIAN

 

Common valerian medicinal plant





 


 
 

 


A general view of the plant

A detail of the inflorescence and upper leaves

A detail of the flower and the fruit

Common noun: Common valerian
Scientific noun: Valeriana officinalis
Family. Valerian family -Valerianaceae-
Habitat: We find it in woods, riversides and humid grasslands.
Characteristics:

Perennial herb till 2 m.tall. Erect , robust stem , glabrous or pubescent, grooved. Pinnate compound leaves. Upper ones with shorter stalk or unstalked. White or pink flowers clustered in flat inflorescences, a central one in a higher position than the two side ones. Tubular calyx till 2.5 cm. long.

Medicinal properties:


- Sedative: Against any type of nervous disorder - palpitations , spasms , vomiting, nervous breakdown, anxiety, depression, etc. - Infusion of about 15 grams from the root which has to be left in water all through the night.

- Hypnotic: It helps you to sleep well. (Infusion of a teaspoonful for a cup of water before bedtime) (Take capsules of the dry plant according to the prospectus two hours before going to bed. On sale in pharmacies and herbalists')

- Anti-inflammatory:Put a compress soaked with the infusion of dry roots on any swollen part of the body.

 

Contraindications

 

Pregnant or nursing women should not use it. It can not be used for children under 3 years. It can cause adverse reactions if administered just before going to bed. It is better to take it a couple of hours before.

Some people may experience allergic reactions to this plant. External application of essential oil is never recommended for pregnant or nursing women or for children under 10 years old. Do not apply externally on people with respiratory allergies.

Its continuous usage may create a certain dependence. It is better to stop for 15 or 20 days after taking it for 10 consecutive days.

 

 

Picking and storing: Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to pick the roots of the plant. Clean and leave them to dry in a aired place.

More information about natural medicine in the listing above.

 


The information given is informative. In case of doubt, consult the doctor.
"Botanical" is not responsible for damages caused by self-medication

   
 

 
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