42. Fragrant Valerian. Valeriana officinalis

Fragrant Valerian. In the language of love the gift of Valerian means: ‘merit in disguise’ - “Conscious of my lowliness, I aspire nonetheless to wed you”. Valerian had a reputation for its mystic power of disturbing the sexual desires and maidens would carry a small piece about there person in the hope that the smell might attract a lover. There is certainly something a bit ‘musky’ about the aroma of this plant. This plant was once known as ‘Phu’ for these qualities. Also known as ‘Cat’s Valerian’ because they seem to like the smell and will actually dig-up and play with bits of the roots, often helping the plant to spread. Rats too are attracted by the smell and it was once used by rat catchers.
Another plant once called ‘All-heal’, Valerian is a useful sedative herb, it is often a component of ‘sleepytime’ teas and the like. Gerard says the dry root was put into concoctions and “counterpoysons and medicines preservative against the pestilence”. It is a hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, hypotensive and carminative. It is used to reduce tension and anxiety over hysteria or over-excitability. As an anti-spasmodic it aids colic or cramps and helps with pain associated with tension. Frequent or prolonged use may lead to the symptoms of poisoning.
INDEX OF FLOWERS
Selfheal Common Vetch Penny Cress
Bittersweet Lesser Celandine Campion
Campion & Cow Parsley White Clover Vervain
Lesser Celandine and Primrose Dandelion Dandelion seeds
Periwinkle Evening Primrose Thrift
Foxglove Fennel Green Alkanet
Gunnera Hawthorn berries Plantain
Indian Balsam Herb Robert Speedwell
Nettle Lady's Smock Cherry Blossom
Scarlet Pimpernel Opium Poppy Quince blossom
Ramsons Meadow Cranesbill Rosebay Willow herb
Meadowsweet Lesser Stitchwort Broad leafed Willow Herb
Greater Stitchwort St. Johns Wort berries Tormentil
Dog Rose Thistle head Valerian head
Red Shank Valerian Sweet Violet Windflower
Yarrow Feverfew Rock Rose

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