VALERIAN
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian roots have excellent sedative action that is non-addictive. Widely used to allay pain, nervous unrest, migraine, and insomnia. For insomnia valerian doesn't "knock you out" but it works more gently by settling the nerves and relaxing the body so that sleep comes more easily. Valerian roots harvested in the second or third year can be made into tinctures, teas, or extracts.

Valerian is especially good to take during times of stress, anxiety, tension and over-excitability. It also should be the herb of choice if you’ve stretched your adrenals to the limit, and when you feel nervous anxiety, your mind is racing, or you’re feeling paranoid. Valerian is also useful if you feel heart palpitations, have indigestion, and muscle twitches. Insomnia brought on by traveling is also helped by valerian.

The flowers don’t appear until the second year. It will reach a height of 5 feet, and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. The roots can be harvested in the fall of the second year’s growth.

PERENNIAL Zone 4-9