Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae) is a hardy perennial flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers. This “sweet” smell is quite overpowering when the flower is placed into a vase.
The name Valerian comes from the Latin word valere, meaning “to be strong or healthy”, generally thought to refer to its medicinal use, though many references suggest that it also refers to the strong odor.
Other names used for this plant include garden valerian (to distinguish it from other Valeriana species), garden heliotrope (although not related to Heliotropium) and all-heal.
Native to Europe and parts of Asia, Valerian has been introduced into North America. It is consumed as food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Grey Pug.
The volatile oils that form the active ingredient are extremely pungent, somewhat reminiscent of well-matured cheese or well-matured milk. Valerian tea should not be prepared with boiling water, as this may drive off the lighter oils.
Medicinal Use
Valerian has uses in herbal medicine as a sedative. It has in the past been recommended for epilepsy but that has not been supported by modern research. The main current use of valerian is as a remedy for insomnia. Large doses are known to cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped, as it is mildly addictive. Those with liver disease are advised not to use valerian. Valerian is the source of valeric acid. If applied directly, it is an effective remedy for acne.
As valerian has a calming affect on people it might be thought that Valium contains or is derived from valerian. However, Valium has nothing to do with valerian and the names are only coincidental
Mechanism of Action
Due to valerian’s historical use as a sedative, anti-convulsant, migraine treament and pain reliever, most basic science research has been directed at the interaction of valerian constituents with the GABA neurotransmitter receptor system. These studies remain inconclusive and all require independent replication. The mechanism of action of valerian in general, as a mild sedative in particular, remains unknown. Valerian extracts appear to have some affinity for the GABAA (benzodiazepine) receptor, [1][2] but this activity does not appear to be mediated by valerenic acid, but rather by the relatively high content of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) itself.
Effect on Cats and Rats
An unusual feature of valerian is that the dried root affects the domestic cat in a similar way as that of catnip. If valerian root is left in a place to which cats have access, they will roll in it, salivate onto it and eat it. Burmese cats are attracted to the dried herb and will deliberately destroy containers to obtain it. However, some cats will not go near valerian root.
Valerian’s effect on cats is featured as a clue in two works by Agatha Christie.
Valerian is also very attractive to rats, so much so that it has been used to bait traps. Some versions of the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin have him using valerian, as well as his pipes, to attract the rats.
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