Valerian - Valeriana officinalis (Valerianaceae)
(garden heliotrope, cat's valerian)
Description: Perennial with strong smelling roots and stout tubular stems that grow up to 4 ft. Leaves are bright green with 2-10 pairs of shiny ovular leaflets. In summer bears small white or pink flowers.
Uses: Use roots that are at least 2 years old and gathered after the leaves fall fresh or dried in the shade. Mildly sedative and used to treat anxiety, tension, insomnia, colic and cramp. Used externally for eye problems. CAUTION: Large doses or extended use can lead to addiction.
Decoction: used to prepare barks, roots and berries 4 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 2 ounces fresh herb; finely chop herbs in a pan and cover with the water (which should be cold). Bring this mixture to a boil, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes. Then strain the liquid off and press as much of the remaining liquid out of the herbs as possible. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 2 weeks.
Medicinal uses: antispasmodic, mild sedative, tension, anxiety, insomnia, migraine, nervous ailments, colic, cramp, eye problems
Used in spells relating to: Love, Sleep, Purification, Protection.
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