Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial plant. The plant has small clustered white flowers that bloom in summer atop a long thin green stalk. The plants leaves are made up of a series of lance-shaped segments. The leaves generally grow in 6 to 8 pairs, surrounding the flowering stem. The plant's tuberous roots are harvested, dried and used in tinctures or teas as a sleeping aid and an antidepressant. Valerian is an easy plant to grow if the area has full sunlight, and the ground is rich in organic matter with plenty of moisture. It is best to start seeds in early spring, March through April, and set the plants out in early summer with enough water. Once the plants are established, they will continue to thrive by multiplying through the seeds and self division of the roots. Preparing valerian for teas and tincture can be accomplished by following a harvest method.
Instructions
1. Harvest the roots in the late summer to early autumn, once all signs of the flowering stalk have died back. Remove the stalks with the scissors. The leaves will also be at a minimum. This will indicate that the roots are storing plants nutrients. At this point, the roots contain the greatest amounts of the chemical--valerianic acid.
2. Dig the plants from the ground using the shovel. Cut all leaves from the tuberous roots. Wash the roots immediately in clean water. Set the roots on a counter top overnight so all water and exterior moisture is removed from the outside of the roots. The roots should be clean and free of dirt or foreign debris.
3. Place the roots on clean paper or newspaper and in an enclosed space that is dark, cool and extremely dry. The roots need to dry gradually to retain the chemical acids. Drying time will depend on the time of year and environmental conditions. Typically, the roots may take 2 to 4 months of drying time.
4. After drying, the roots should be kept in an airtight quart jar. The roots are now ready to make into a tea or tincture.
Tags: roots should, tuberous roots