MEDICINAL PLANTS

Valerian is a herbaceous, perennial, which dies in autumn and spring appears. It has a long stalk, fat hole that completely leaves out against each other, with the corners welded to the base. The flowers are numerous, in the form of clusters, and its fruit is dry. The root is the part that interests us is very great and when it dries off a very unpleasant characteristic odor, which rather reminds the sweat of feet. So it is a plant that are recommended directly-although it seems that cats do not feel the same way: the smell of dried root attracts even from a distance.

FLOWERING

It flowers about June and July, according to geographic area. Of valerian is used in medicine the small strain that forms the base of the plant, together with the roots. These have to collect in summer mainly around August or already in autumn, but will depend on the different zones. Once harvested, washed with water and shake vigorously, taking care not to damage your skin, since the essence of valerian is just below. After being washed, drained it, and is well prepared for pharmaceutical use.

APPLICATIONS

The plant has an essential oil concentration reaches 1%, this substance is very rich in valeric acid, alcohols, terpenes and sesquiterpenes. When the plant is cool and valeric acid concentrations are small, but as far wiping the root is increasing in number, remain responsible for their pharmacological effects and its characteristic odor. Drug is considered to balance the nervous system and is particularly suitable for cases of anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia, depression, headaches and gastrointestinal spasms.

ADMINISTRATION

Traditionally, valerian is administered in the form of tinctures of fresh plant or dried, in powder or direct infusion, but the easiest is currently administered in the form of capsules or tablets. One advantage of this dosage form is that it avoids the nauseating smell.
Tisane. It is prepared with the fresh root, leaving half ounce pounding water a day. It can take up to 2 glasses a day, wash and pre-sweetened.
Wine valerian. 150 g. Root, crushed and washed well, adding to 1 liter of sherry. Stir daily for 15 days and then filtered. It can take 2 or 3 glasses a day.
Infusion. Through a cold maceration, a dose of 0.5 to 5 grams. Root. Effective against vomiting, and intestinal parasites tympanitis.
Fluid extract. From 10 to 20 drops, four times a day.
Dry Extract (4:1). 0.3 to 1.9 grams per day, considering that one gram of extract equivalent to 4 grams of the dried plant. In the market, through retail pharmacies, this plant can be found in many pharmaceutical forms.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Valerianaceae
HABITAT: Moist forests, meadows and edges of rivers
FLOWERING: June and July
PART USED: Rhizome and root
CASTILIAN: Hierba de los gatos
BASQUE: Belarr bedeinkatu

USES

Strong Sedative, Moderate anticonvulsant, Slight worming.