Valerian Herbal Complex

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Valerian (Latin - Valeriana Offi cinalis) is a member of the Valerianaceae plant family and is also commonly known as garden heliotrope, phu (Galen), setwall, stink root and vandal root. Valerian is a erect, hardy perennial indigenous to Europe and parts of Asia, and has been naturalized throughout North America. The plant grows up to heights of 1.5m (5ft) and has dark green serrated leaves, which are grouped in pairs. The plant produces masses of umbrella-like clusters of sweetly scented white, lavender or pink flowers, which bloom from late spring through summer. It is thought that the herb derives its name from the Latin word “Valera” meaning to be strong or healthy. The root of the plant had a variety of uses, including as a culinary and herbal preparation but also for its peculiar fragrant attributes. The ancient Greek physicians, Galen and Dioscorides, aptly called the plant “phu” because of the distinctive unpleasant, rotted cheese smell of the dried root, which today is still valued as a musky fragrant tone. Valerian has a curious effect on some animals, such as cats, horses and rats, who are supposedly attracted to the plant. According to popular German folklore, the Pied Piper of Hamelin, in addition to playing his hypnotic flute, charmed away the rats into the water with a pocket full of valerian root. In the modern world valerian is still used for its traditional virtues as a safe herbal preparation. The dried root of the herb is commonly used in herbal preparations