Valerian Root, Valeriana officinalis

Skin Inflammations: Try a Thyme Leaf Poultice for skin inflammations and sores. Mash the leaves into a paste, place it on the skin over the affected areas and cover it with a clean cloth.

Warts: Mix one drop of Essential Oil of Thyme with a tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil, or mix it full strength into a pre-made salve. Place on warts daily until the wart is gone. Harvesting: Harvest thyme leaves often during the summer. Frequent trimming keeps the bushes from becoming woody and increases yield. Use fresh leaves whenever possible and freeze or dry leaves for future use. Warning: Thyme is safe for use in adults and children. The essential oil is very strong and sometimes causes skin irritations if used full strength. Always dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil before use.

Valerian is in the Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle) Family. There are many species of Valerian, most medicinal, but this is the species most commonly used medicinally. I grow it in my garden and it is my go-to occasional herbal sleep aid. It is also called garden heliotrope and nature’s Valium. Identification: Valerian usually grows from 1 to 5 feet (0.3m to 1.5m) tall depending on the location and the soil conditions. It has a straight round stem that is topped by an umbrella-like flowerhead. Its opposite dark green leaves have a pinnate blade with 6 to 11 pairs of terminal leaflets. These leaflets have prickly margins and are hairy underneath. Valerian flowers are in branched batches and each flower is about 1/5 inch long. They are tiny white to pink blossoms. The flower has three stamens and a distinctive scent. Edible Use: The seeds are edible when lightly roasted. Medicinal Use: The root is most commonly used but the leaves may also be used for medicine (though they are less potent than the roots). Insomnia: I use Valerian as a sleep aid with excellent results. People, including myself, report that they get to sleep faster and can sleep longer without waking. They also report that they awaken refreshed without residual drowsiness. It can become habit forming so only use when needed. Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Valerian root has a calming effect that is beneficial to people with panic and anxiety disorders.

Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Be-

havior: Valerian root improves symptoms of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) when used in small doses. In larger doses, it can have the opposite effect. Epilepsy: Valerian has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the body. For regular use (to prevent attacks), usual dosage is between 100 mg to 1 gram of dried and powdered root. Start with a low dose, depending on the person’s size and the severity of the disease, and increase it gradually until you find a level that works. It can also be used for acute attacks. Menstrual Cramps: Because of its analgesic properties and its ability to relax the smooth muscles, this herb makes a good treatment for pain and cramping during menstruation.

Lowers Blood Pressure and

Pulse Rate: Valerian relaxes the blood vessels to naturally reduce blood pressure and pulse rate. Quitting Smoking: Valerian root is calming and helps lessen the effects of nicotine withdrawal. It especially helps with the irritability people often experience when quitting. Use in tincture form.