Valeriana officinalis
Family
Valerianaceae
Tribus
Anthemideae
Related genera
Centranthus, Nardostachys, Valeriana, Valerianella
Names
garden valerian, garden heliotrope, all-heal
History and Folklore
In Northern Europe, where it was hung up over doorsteps, the strong smell of valerian was believed to ward off evil spirits. The old-germanic goddess Hertha was envisioned to carry a valerian flower whilst riding on a stag. Carrying the herb was believed to protect anyone from evil sorcery. It was also believed that a valerian twig hung up in one's room would move by itself as soon as a witch would enter. Valerian placed in a beehive was supposed to prevent the bees from swarming out and further to attract more bees. It was also believed to protect against the black death:
so geht euch die Pest nicht an
According to another legend a headsman had to chew on a piece of valerian root, which was believed to make a person wrathful, in order to overcome his compassion with the victims.
Because it smells a bit like Limburger cheese, the Pied Piper of Hamelin was said to have attracted rats with valerian. Because of its earthy smell it is also believed to evoke the spirits of the forest, which makes it a traditional Samhain herb.
Valerian features prominently in many chrsitian renaissance paintings as a symbol for Christ's Death.
In Perfumery
Valerian was sometimes mistaken for spikenyard, from which a costly perfume oil is won. Still also the oil extracted from the valerian is used in small amounts to create musk-like, woody and balmy undertones.
Medicinal Uses
Valerian root has been demonstrated to possess sedative and anxiolytic effects. .
Sources
Wikipedia English, Wikipedia German
Fotos © Teufelskunst
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