English name: Valerian
Family: Valeriananceae
Botanical characteristic: A perennial plant that grows to a height of 150 cm. In the first year of vegetation, a ground rosette of leaves grows. The leaves are pinnately cut, opposite, long-stalked and lance-shaped at the bottom. In the upper part there are leaves attached directly to the stem. The white to white-pink flowers are shaped into forked peaks. The fruit is produced by a one-seeded achene with a plume.
Microscopic drawing:
Distribution: It grows on the edges of forests, along forest roads, in wet meadows and pastures, near streams.
Drug: Valerianae radix
Harvesting method: The rhizome together with the roots is harvested in the second year of vegetation in autumn and in the third year of vegetation in spring. Harvesting is done by digging or plowing. It is then quickly rinsed with water and cut lengthwise.
Drying: It is dried naturally in a dark, ventilated room in thin layers, or hung on a string. Artificial heat is used to dry at a temperature of up to 35 °C.
Active substances: Valerian officinalis contains a significant amount of essential oil based on bornyl acetate and bornyl isovalerate. Organic acids such as valerenic acid are well represented, as well as valepotriates, flavonoids, and pyridine alkaloids.
Uses: Valerian root is used for its calming effect on restlessness, insomnia and nervousness.
Traditional method of use in indications determined solely on the basis of long-term use:
– alleviating symptoms of psychological stress and promoting sleep.
Selected herbal preparations: AGROKARPATY VALERIAN ROOT herbal tea 1×30 g, Dr.Max Calming Herbal Blend infusion bags 20×1.5 g, GREŠÍK HERBAL DROPS WITH BALM 50 ml, JUVAMED Peaceful Sleep Herbal Drops 50 ml, Dr.Svatek HERBAL SYRUP FOR NERVES 250 ml, Dr.Theiss MELATONIN SPRAY for Falling Asleep PLUS Extract of Passionflower, Hops, Valerian 20 ml, GS Anxiolan tablets 60 pcs, JAMIESON VALERIAN 400 mg tablets 60 pcs, NEOSPAN forte capsules 45 pcs, ZzzQuil NATURA Forest Fruit Flavored Gummies 30 pcs.