Herb latin name: Valeriana phu


Family: Valerianaceae (Valerian Family)



Medicinal use of Valeriana phu:

The whole plant, but especially the root, is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, nervine (powerful), sedative, stimulant. Use with caution.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
40 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
August


Scent:
Scented
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Rocky slopes.

Edible parts of Valeriana phu:

Seed. No further details are given but the seeds of other members of this genus are parched and then eaten. An essential oil from the leaves and root is used as a flavouring in ice cream, baked goods, condiments etc. It is especially important in apple flavours. The leaves can also be used as a condiment. The plant is used in moderation as a herbal tea.

Other uses of the herb:

An essential oil is obtained from the roots and the leaves, it is used in perfumery. The dried root attracts rats and can be used as a bait to lure them away from other areas. An ingredient of "QR" herbal compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost. The plant can also be used to make a very good liquid plant feed. It attracts earthworms.

Propagation of Valeriana phu:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed because it requires light for germination. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions in the summer if sufficient growth has been made. If the plants are too small to plant out, grow them on in the greenhouse or frame for their first winter and plant them out early in the following summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Rocky slopes.

Known hazards of Valeriana phu:

Some caution is advised with the use of this plant. At least one member of the genus is considered to be poisonous raw and V. officinalis is a powerful nervine and sedative that can become habit-forming.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.