Valeriana officinalis
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Other names: Garden Valerian, Marsh or Woods Valerian (V. dioica), Mountain Valerian (V. uliginosa) Fr. Valériane
Parts used: Root and rhizomes
Characteristics: Spicy, bitter, warm
Systems affected: Liver, heart, nervous system
Actions: Sedative, hypnotic, nervine, antispasmodic, carminative, stimulant, anodyne, hypotensive
Valerian’s genus is comprised of about 150 species, the most widely used in herbology being the Garden Valerian (V. officinalis), which is native to Europe and Asia. It is now cultivated in eastern Canada but has also escaped to the wild, and is the species typically used in formulas for insomnia. Attaining a height of 1.2–1.5 metres, this perennial often takes several years to produce flowers, which can be pink or white and fragrant, growing atop a grooved, hollow, slightly hairy stem in two or more pairs of clusters or cymes. The leaves are in pairs of lance-shaped toothed segments growing somewhat opposite with a slightly hairy underside. The plant sends out runners that spread quickly, and the roots give off a fetid odour, somewhat like smelly socks. The root is more potent if kept from flowering and should be at least 2 years old; dig it up after the leaves have died down in the fall. Tincture and infusions are best made from the fresh root, but the roots may also be dried for later use.
MEDICINAL USES:
Insomnia, hypertension, menstrual cramps, eczema
other uses: May be used to speed up bacterial activity in compost heaps as well as being a good fertilizer in gardens, attracting earthworms and adding phosphorus to the soil. Cats and rats are often attracted to it.
tincture: Take 1–5 ml. an hour or two before bedtime (start with a smaller dose in case it causes headache).
important: No known side effects, although it’s not advisable to exceed usage for longer than 3 months. Do not take with other sedatives.
Verbena hastata
Family: Verbenaceae
Other names: Blue verbena, Indian Hyssop, Swamp verbena, Herba sacra Fr. Verveine bleue
Parts used: Aerial
Characteristics: Cold, bitter, drying
Systems affected: Liver/gallbladder, spleen, nervous system, cardiovascular, urinary
Actions: Nervine, diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, tonic, emetic (in large doses), astringent, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, febrifuge, galactagogue, anticatarrhal, vulnerary, tranquilizer
This common weed native to North America is similar in medicinal properties to the European variety Verbena officinalis. It is a tall, erect, branching perennial that grows from 0.6–1.5 metres high with intense blue–violet flower spikes. It has a reddish, square stem and opposite lanceolate leaves that are conspicuously veined and coarsely serrated. It blooms from mid- to late summer, each flower spike being up to 12.5 cm. long, the individual flowers having 5 lobes and no noticeable scent. It grows in ditches, along roadsides, and in pastures throughout the Maritimes but also is often grown in gardens to attract butterflies. Harvest when the plants come into bloom, tincture fresh or dry quickly in a cool dark place for later use in teas.
MEDICINAL USES:
Colds, headaches, pain, anxiety, bleeding gums, arthritis
folklore: Once believed to have magical properties, druids and sorcerers used the European variety in their rites and incantations; it was used in love charms as it was said to have aphrodisiac qualities. Called Herba sacra, priests used it in rituals, as it was supposedly used to staunch the wounds of Jesus. It was often worn around the neck for good luck and to ward off headaches.
infusion: Because of its bitter taste, it’s best blended with other herbs like Chamomile, or for headaches with Goldenrod flowers and Mullein. For nerves, mix 4 parts Skullcap, 2 parts Motherwort, and 1 part Blue Vervain.
important: Slight nausea and danger of miscarriage if taken in extremely large doses.
Viola odorata
Family: Violaceae (Violet)
Other names: Blue violet, Fr. Violette
Parts used: Aerial
Characteristics: Sweet, mild but pleasantly bitter, cool
Systems affected: Lungs, stomach, liver, heart
Properties: Demulcent, expectorant, astringent, alterative, febrifuge, antiseptic, vulnerary, antispasmodic, anodyne, anti-scrofulous
Violets are pretty little creeping perennials, some of which are native to Europe and others to North America, and belong to a genus of over 900 species, all with similar medicinal uses. Many foreign species have now naturalized throughout most of North America and they are one of the first flowers to appear in the spring, traditionally symbolizing rebirth and bringing joy at the end of a long winter. Its leaves are heart-shaped, dark green, with scalloped edges and grow in rosettes close to the ground. The fragrant flowers can be anywhere from deep purple to blue, pinkish, or even white. They are 5-petalled with a yellow beard in the centre and bloom from April to June. Oddly enough, Violet produces a second kind of flower later in the summer, growing colourless and hidden underground. Although these flowers never see the light of day, they do produce viable seeds. If you pick only the leaves and flowers without disturbing the underground parts, Violets will continue to produce leaves all summer. Eat only the aerial parts, use fresh or dry for later use, storing in a glass jar away from heat and light.
MEDICINAL USES:
Dryness, inflammation, constipation, swollen glands, mastitis
infusion: Mix 1 tbsp. dried (or 2 tbsp. minced fresh herb) steeped in 2 cups freshly boiled water for 10 minutes, or overnight. Strain and enjoy. May be combined with equal parts Dandelion leaf, Nettle, Red Clover, and Mint for a highly nutritious tea.
important: Roots should not be eaten as they can cause nausea and vomiting.