Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

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  1.   1.  Description
  2.   2.  Obtainment
  3.   3.  Uses
    1.   3.1  Medical
    2.   3.2  Oil
  4.   4.  More
  5.   5.  'Souls
Common Name Valerian
Latin Name Valeriana officinalis
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1.  Description

A hardy perennial flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers which bloom in the summer months.

2.  Obtainment

Very easy. It is introduced and naturalized in much of North America.

3.  Uses

  • Scent: Valerian flower extracts were used as a perfume.
  • Cat Attractant: An unusual feature of valerian is that valerian root and leaves are a cat attractant similar to, and as safe as Catnip.

3.1  Medical

Valerian is used for insomnia and other disorders, and as a sedative for nervous tension, excitability, stress and intestinal colic or cramps.

3.2  Oil

The chief constituent of valerian is a yellowish-green to brownish-yellow oil which is present in the dried root. The volatile oils that form the active ingredient are extremely pungent, somewhat reminiscent of well-matured cheese. Though some people remain partial to the earthy scent, some may find it to be unpleasant, comparing the odor to that of unwashed feet.

4.  More

5.  'Souls

  • Hey, did your character do something cool with this plant?


Categories: Flora | Resources