                                   VALERIAN  1/2
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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Valerian  is  a aromatic perennial which reaches  up  to 5 feet in height.
     It's  stem is erect, grooved, and hollow.  Leaves are fernlike, and it has
     small white or pinkish flowers.

     Valerian  needs full sun or light shade, and prefers rich, moist soil. Sow
     seeds  in  spring, by pressing them into  the soil, but do not cover them.
     Germination  time is about 20 days. Success  rate from seeds is about 50%.
     Divide  roots  in  spring  or  autumn.  Once  established  the  plant will
     self-seed  and spread by root runners. Thin or transplant to 2 feet apart.
     Valerian  can be grown indoors. Dig up the complete root in late autumn of
     second  season.  Remove pale fibrous  roots, leaving edible rhizome. Split
     thick roots to speed up drying.


                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Use  only  fresh  valerian root. The  fresher  the  better, old improperly
     stored  roots  won't  do much, because  certain  of the active ingredients
     evaporate  as  the root dries. Valerian  has a disagreeable odor, like the
     smell  of dirty socks. Roots should be  sliced and left to dry off slowly.
     Once  dry the slices of roots will be brittle and can be ground and stored
     in screw top jars. The roots can be added to soups, stuffing and stews.


                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     All  parts  of  valerian contain chemicals  that  appear  to have sedative
     properties,   known   as   valepotriates,  but   they   occur  in  highest
     concentration in the roots.

     For a potential sedative infusion use 2 teaspoons of powdered root per cup
     of  boiling  water. Steep for 10-15  minutes.  Drink 1 cup before bedtime.
     Valerian  taste unpleasant, add sugar or  honey to improve flavor. Take no
     more than a cup in a single day. This tea will not produce unpleasant side
     effects  like  some commercial sedative do,  and  it is very beneficial in
     providing  a  natural sleep at times of  special  stress. It should not be
     taken as a regular cure for insomnia.

     To  make your own tincture for bath, use 4 ounces of valerian powder and 2
     pints  of  90%  alcohol. Moist the  fine  powder,  dilute it slightly with
     alcohol.  Pack  the  powder into a cheese  cloth  and  pour the 2 pints of
     alcohol over the herb. Let it drip down and strain out any powder that has
     seeped  through,  and pass the alcohol  through the powder once more. Pour
     the liquid into a dark bottle and label.


                                      WARNING:
     Large   amounts   may   cause   headaches,   giddiness,   blurred  vision,
     restlessness, and nausea.
     




                                   VALERIAN  2/2
                                   =============


                                    OTHER  USES:
     The  top  of the plant is full of  phosphorus and is useful on the compost
     heap,  where  it  will  rapidly  turn to  humus.  This  can  be put on the
     vegetable garden to protect the soil from erosion and fungicidal diseases.


                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     Add  some  drops  of valerian tincture to  a  warm  bath to relive pain of
     rheumatic attack.

     To  make  your own tincture for bath,  use 4 ounces of the valerian powder
     and 2 pints of 90% alcohol. Moist the fine powder, dilute it slightly with
     alcohol.  Pack  the  powder into a chemex  parchment,  pour the 2 pints of
     alcohol  over  the herb. Let it drip  down, and strain out any powder that
     has  seeped  through, and pass the  alcohol through the powder once again.
     Pour the liquid into a dark bottle and label.
     
