Valeriana sambucifolia
Mikan.f.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaValeriana sambucifolia is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Caprifoliaceae. Synonyms: Valeriana murmanica Orlova Valeriana officinalis var. nitida Valeriana pleijelii Kreyer Valeriana procurrens subsp. salina Á.Löve & D.Löve Subspecies: Valeriana sambucifolia subsp. salina (synonym Valeriana salina Pleijel)
Description
Valeriana sambucifolia is a hardy perennial growing to 1.5 m tall. Hardy to UK zone 5 and not frost tender. Flowers June to August with seeds ripening July to September. Hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun and prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Young leaves can be cooked and eaten. The seeds can also be parched and eaten, as is done with other members of this genus, though no further preparation details are given. An essential oil from the leaves and roots is used to flavour ice cream, baked goods, and condiments. The leaves work well as a condiment, and the plant is used in moderation as a herbal tea.
Medicinal Uses
Valerian is a well-established medicinal herb with a long and proven history of use, particularly as a tranquilliser and nervine for people suffering from nervous overstrain. It has been shown to encourage sleep, improve sleep quality, and reduce blood pressure. Internally, it is also used to treat painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome. It should not be prescribed to patients with liver problems. Externally, it is applied to eczema, ulcers, and minor injuries. The root is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative, and stimulant. Its active ingredients, called valepotriates, have been shown to calm agitated people while also acting as a stimulant in cases of fatigue. Roots are harvested from two-year-old plants in autumn after the leaves die back and can be used fresh or dried. Fresh root is about three times as effective as root dried at 40° — the report does not specify centigrade or fahrenheit — and temperatures above 82° destroy the active principle. Use with caution.
Known Hazards
It is said that prolonged medicinal use of this plant can lead to addiction. A course of treatment should not exceed 3 months.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Europe, Korea, Norway, Scandinavia,
Cultivation
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist site. Succeeds in full sun or in partial shade. This species is considered to be no more than a sub-species of V. officinalis by many botanists, it has the same uses as that species. Often grown in the herb garden and also sometimes grown commercially as a medicinal herb. Cats are very fond of this plant, particularly the powdered root. The root also attracts rats. A good companion for most plants.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring in a cold frame, barely covering it as light is required for germination. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, and plant out into permanent positions in summer if sufficient growth has been made. If plants are too small to go out, overwinter them in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant out early the following summer. For division, work in spring: larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until establishing well, then planted out in summer or the following spring.
Other Uses
The roots yield approximately 1% essential oil, used in perfumery to provide a mossy aroma, though many find the scent disagreeable. Dried roots can also be placed in linen cupboards and clothes drawers to scent fabrics. The dried root attracts rats and cats and can be used as bait to lure them away from other areas. The plant is an ingredient of 'QR' herbal compost activator, a dried and powdered herbal mixture added to compost heaps to accelerate bacterial activity and shorten composting time. It also makes an excellent liquid plant feed and attracts earthworms. The leaves are very rich in phosphorus.
Notes
Also put in the family Valerianaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Vendelrot
References (2)
- Girard, N. J., 2020, Sustainable Foraging of Wild Edible Plants in Norway. A Biocultural Approach. M. Sc. thesis Norwegian University. p 130
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
