We have a variety of herbs in pots in our yard that I bring in for the winter which sometimes makes our kitchen feels like a greenhouse – I absolutely love it! The plants tend to die off a little bit when we first bring them inside, but then they get a second wind and keep growing all winter long. 

One of our favorites this winter is valerian. My son is taking a once a week late-night class this semester and struggled with this one evening of getting home late, trying to wind down and get to sleep, and then getting up early again for class the next morning. He tried a few different options to help him sleep – including Dr. Christopher’s Slumber and Relax-ese, which have both worked for him in other instances. I suggested he try eating a fresh valerian leaf before bed and he found that it helped him fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and wake up refreshed in the morning. Fresh valerian contains high amounts of volatile oils making it a stronger sedative than the dried herb, which is why eating just one leaf before bed has such a positive impact. Other family members have caught on and our valerian plant is really making a difference! 

Growing up my dad always told me that valerian smells like stinky socks, so I was surprised to find that the freshly dug roots didn't smell too bad! The pungent “stinky sock” odor really comes out as the roots dry and age. 

Valerian is classified as a nervine – herbs that are tonic and healing to the nerves. From Potter’s Encyclopedia: “It is strongly nervine without any narcotic effects,” like apathy or an inability to concentrate. Dr. Christopher teaches, “Valerian is gently stimulating, very soothing and quieting to the nervous system. It is a very effective calmative … and influences circulation by slowing the action of the heart while increasing its force; therefore it has been very beneficial in cases of cardiac palpitations” (SNH 379). Its nervine properties help with many disorders including anxiety, hysteria, hypochondria, restlessness, neuralgia, epilepsy, hemicrania, and vertigo (SNH 379-380).

Besides being an excellent nervine, valerian has many other useful properties. It is useful for women having emotional swings during their menstrual cycle and will bring on menstruation when taken hot as a tea. Valerian is also helpful for the digestive tract: it stimulates secretion and peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, is an excellent anti-flatulent for infants and adults, heals ulcerated stomachs and helps prevent digestive fermentation. It can also be used for colic, whooping cough, colds, pimples, sores, and the list goes on. 

Valerian is a potent herb, so it’s best to start with low doses and work up as needed. I encourage you to read up on the many uses for valerian and have some on hand year-round, fresh or dried.

Tara Christopher Eyre is a Master Herbalist and Foot Zone therapist/practitioner. She loves helping people find and continue their path toward health. 

References

Christopher, John R. School of Natural Healing. Springville, Utah, Christopher Publications, 2009.