Hump Day Herbal Magic - VALERIAN
VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis) G
Folk Names: Ail-Heal, Amantilla, Bloody Butcher, Capon’s Trailer, Cat’s Valerian, English Valerian, Fragrant Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Phu, Red Valerian, St. George’s Herb, Sete Wale, Set Well, Vandal Root
Powers: Love, Purification, Protection, Sleep
Valerian is a tall perennial with heads of sweet scented pink, blue or white flowers which bloom in the summer. Its one unpleasant quality is the the smell of the plant’s leaves, stems, and roots. However, cats and rats relish in it. Some herbalists suggest that Valerian was the secret of the legendary Pied Piper of Hamlin’s irresistible power over rats!