Valerian

This plant is widely used to allay pain, nervous unrest, migraines and insomnia. It has an excellent sedative and anti-spasmodic action. It can have the opposite reaction in certain individuals and long term use can cause day time grogginess. The root is famous for its pungent odor, usually dug in the fall of the second year. The plant is quite majestic in the herb garden with a large mound of attractive feathery foliage sending up tall flower stalks with medium sized off-white/pinkish umbels with a sweet smell and are loved by bees and beneficial insects. Valerian truly appreciates a garden setting with ample moisture and fertility. Prefers partial shade in hot areas. Perennial. Hardy to zones 4-9.