Valerian

The True Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a honeysuckle family plant that thrives in most of Europe and further east in Siberia and the East Asian countries all the way to Taiwan. The frost-resistant plant prefers sun and partial shade. Due to its hardiness, it flourishes in almost any soil, but it particularly likes moist grounds. It generally withstands flooding well, so you can often find Valerian in meadows near watercourses.

You are probably familiar with the famous effects of Valerian: It is one of the most well-known medicinal plants that has a calming effect. Its roots and an extract from them are used, often in the form of drops and tablets.

In cases of tension, nervousness, restlessness, and sleep disorders, Valerian is used by taking it orally. It is also available as a bath additive for external use. It is still not completely understood which substance is exactly responsible for the calming effect of Valerian. It is likely that its unique composition and the interplay of the individual components are the decisive factors.

Its most important active ingredients include essential oils, the complex of which can vary depending on the origin of the Valerian. Bornyl acetate and bornyl isovalerianate are among them. They cause the characteristic smell of Valerian, which irresistibly attracts cats. The scent is similar to the pheromone of cats. Additionally, mono- and sesquiterpenes and valeric acids are present in Valerian.

Valerian can grow up to two meters tall. The herbaceous plant produces feather-like leaves that are about twenty centimeters long. Its oval silhouette has unevenly serrated edges. Between May and July, Valerian blooms white to light pink. The flowers are small, measuring only four to five millimeters in diameter, and form umbrella-like clusters where they are closely packed together. Their scent is strong and sweet.

Just like True Valerian, lamb's lettuce also belongs to the Valerian family and contains partly similar ingredients. So, a delicious lamb's lettuce for dinner is a good choice.

You should plant Valerian in a sunny to partially shaded spot. Even though it thrives best in moist soils, it can adapt to dry conditions. The pretty, sweet-smelling flowers attract butterflies and other insects to your garden in the summer.