Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis)
Lifecycle:
Hardy Perennial
Light:
Full Sun to Partial Shade (Appreciates a little afternoon shade in intense, hot climates)
Hardiness Zones:
Zones 4 to 9 (Incredibly winter-hardy; dies back in winter and returns robustly in spring)
Spacing:
12 to 24 inches apart (Give it room; it grows into a beautiful, stately structural presence)
Mature Size:
3 to 5 feet tall / 18 to 24 inches wide
Garden Care & Planting Instructions
Welcome Home Transition:
Keep this pot in a sheltered, brightly lit spot out of direct, scorching afternoon sun for 2 to 3 days. Water gently if the soil surface feels dry. This allows the living root system to settle after its journey.
Soil & Water:
Valerian loves rich, moist, well-draining soil. Valerian thrives with consistent moisture. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry—do not let the roots dry out completely.
Planting:
Dig a hole twice as wide as this pot. Gently slide the plant out, keeping the root ball intact. Plant at the exact same depth it sat in its pot, press the earth firmly, and water deeply to eliminate air pockets.
CAUTION:
Safe for garden handling. Consult a certified herbalist before internal use. Feline Note: Living and dried roots can trigger intense excitement in cats; protect young garden plants with a physical barrier if free-roaming cats are nearby.
MAGICAL PROPERTIES
Element: Water
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Sacred to: Bast
Magical Associations:
Purification, protection, opening the door between realms, quiet mind, emotional boundaries, sleep integration.
Magical Uses:
Valerian removes negative energy and is great for purifying new objects or your home space. Great for empaths, bring her to gatherings to keep yourself grounded and and protected from other people's energies.
Valerian is a grounding herb that will protect you as you journey to other realms. While the summer flowers smell sweetly of vanilla, the roots carry a heavy, pungent, musk-like scent of the deep earth. This contrast defines its magical signature: drawing high spiritual protection down into physical, stable reality.
Purification & Warding
In medieval folklore, Valerian was hung over doorways to deter negative energies, thieves, and unwanted spirits.
Home Warding: Place small pieces of the dried root near the thresholds of your home or in window sills to create a protective shield. It is said that where Valerian resides, discord cannot enter.
Neutralizing Strife: Historically, if two people were arguing, placing Valerian between them was believed to instantly bring a quiet calm and promote political or domestic peace.
Dreamwork & Subconscious Anchoring
Because of its deep connection to the sleep state, Valerian is a powerful ritual companion for night-work.
Overcoming Nightmare Trauma: For those who suffer from restless nights or energetic vulnerability during sleep, a sachet of Valerian root placed near the bedside acts as an anchor, keeping the spirit safe and grounded while the mind rests.
Underworld & Shadow Work: The root’s deep-earth scent makes it a perfect aromatic focus for meditation involving the subconscious mind, helping you unearth old patterns without feeling overwhelmed by them.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Parts Used: Root, rhizome
Taste: Pungent, sweet
Energetics: Cooling, moistening
Actions:
Antispasmodic, sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant, analgesic, hypotensive, nervine, carminative
Uses:
Addiction, Aggressiveness, Anxiety, Arthritis pain, Attention deficit disorder, Chorea Convulsions, Cough, Delirium tremens, Dysmenorrhea, Epilepsy, Flatulence, Flu, Headache, Hypertension , Hyperactivity, Hypochondria, Hysteria, Inflammatory bowel disorder, Insomnia, Intestinal cramping, Mental illness, Migraine, Muscle pain, Nervousness, Nervous breakdown, Neuralgia, Overeating, Pain, Premenstrual syndrome, Chickenpox, Shingles, Shock Stress, Tachycardia, Traumatic injuryVision weakness
Constitutes & Properties:
Volatile oil, valepotriates, sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and mild anti ulcer.
Pertinent Information: Internally can be used for nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, nervous cardiovascular disorders, gastrointestinal tract, uterine cramps, mild withdrawal symptoms from alcohol.
Caution:
A small percentage of people experience stimulation or anxiety when taking valerian. Valerian shouldn't be used when driving or operating machinery. Do not take with alcohol or other sedatives. Avoid valerian when taking medications that are metabolized in the liver.
Valerian can cause a reverse reaction. Instead of calming them down, it acts as a stimulant, causing a hot, restless, racing feeling. Always test a small amount first to see how your unique constitution responds.
Aromatics: Warning the intense, "dirty socks" aroma of the dried root is entirely normal and a sign of high-quality, volatile oils!