Herb: Mountain Valerian


Latin name: Valeriana uliginosa


Family: Valerianaceae (Valerian Family)



Medicinal use of Mountain Valerian:

The root is analgesic, antispasmodic. It is used in the treatment of cramps, menopausal problems, headaches, sore throats and coughs. Large doses of the plant cause mental stupor. A poultice of the crushed root has been applied to cuts and wounds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Calcareous swamps and wet woods, especially with larix and thuja species.

Propagation of Mountain Valerian:

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:

Calcareous swamps and wet woods, especially with larix and thuja species.

Known hazards of Valeriana uliginosa:

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.