Valerian

BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION Scientific Name: Valeriana officinalis L.Common Names: Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, All-HealFamily: Caprifoliaceae Morphology: A perennial herb, often 0.5–1.5 m tall. Leaves are pinnate with several pairs of serrated leaflets. The flowers form clusters (cymes) of pale pink to white blooms. The rhizome and root is stout, fibrous, and emits a strong odor when dried. Habitat & Range: Native to Europe and parts of Asia, naturalized in North America. Prefers damp, rich soils, partial shade to full sun. Common along streambanks, meadows, roadside edges, and woodland margins. Key Adaptations: Deep root systems for water access; aromatic compounds deter herbivores; perennial growth allows storage of bioactives in roots. CULTURAL & HISTORICAL USE In European and Greek herbal traditions, valerian was long used as a sedative and sleep aid (e.g. Galen). In medieval herbals, it was recommended for nervous disorders, “hysteric” conditions, and insomnia. In mod