Valerian (a.k.a Valeriana Offcinalis) is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in full sun and partial shade, preferably along streams, damp meadows and at the edge of forests. The flowering season in Europe is in the summer months from June to July.
Valerian is a typical long day plant, i.e., for flowering, it requires long periods of light (daylight for 14 hours or more) and short periods of darkness. Short days promote vegetative growth but delay flower formation. In regions where the daylight period is shorter, e.g., at the equator, Valerian thrives producing plenty of vegetation but does not flower.
Valerian is a perennial herbaceous plant up to 100 – 160 cm tall. The white or pink aromatically scented flowers do not develop until the second year. During the vegetation period of the second year, each plant will develop several rhizomes. New plants will sprout from these rhizomes, whereas the withered plant will die.
Description of plants: The plant likes to have its feet in water and head in the sun. Hence, plant in a moist area near a stream/marsh, which is open to the sky.
Effect on Plants: Valerian provides phosphorus. It has a warming effect.
Medicinal value: Acts as a good sedative.
HOW TO PLANT VALERIAN?
Perennial vegetative propagation. Valerian is usually grown from seeds. Seeds need sunlight for germination. Sprinkle seeds with a little bit of soil, but do not cover the seeds completely. Duration of germination: 7 – 12 days. Seeds can be stored only for a short time. After one year the germination rate is usually below 5 %.
For propagation, the rhizomes can also be used. Valerian thrives in almost all soils. However, as the plants have shallow roots and require a lot of moisture, the location for planting should be carefully selected. Initially, young plants grow very slowly. After about 10 weeks the young plants are well-rooted and can be transplanted into a bed: 40 cm distance for plant spacing; single plants in 40 cm rows.
HOW TO HARVEST VALERIAN?
Harvesting should be done on sunny days in the morning. Harvesting is best when most of the flowers have opened. The flowers should be harvested without stems as far as possible, hand-picked or with scissors. If there are too many stems in the crop, they can be removed later. If only the petals are to be used, they can be plucked from the flowers on site.
If required, the flowers dry well. The drying ratio is 6:1. The quality is maintained for about a year if stored in a dark and cool place. After one year the quality declines very fast.
THE MAKING OF BD507
- Place the clipped flowers into a mortar and pestle and grind into a paste. This paste is added to water in the ratio of 1:4 in a bottle.
- Or mix the dried Valerian flower with a ratio of 10 grams of dried flowers: 100ml of water.
- Pour into a glass and expose it to indirect sunlight for seven days. Best is at the window side with sunrise or sunset exposed to sunlight.
- Sieve the plant material through a clean cotton cloth and green-brownish liquid can be stored in a bottle.
Storage: Brown glass bottles are best for storing the extract. The bottles should be stored in a dark and cool place; insulation by peat or coco peat is not necessary. During the first weeks after bottling, fermentation gasses can develop and must be able to escape, so bottles should not be tightly closed
at first. The bottles should be vented from time to time in the first months of storage. When gas formation has stopped, bottles must be closed tightly. During storage, a layer of yeast can form on top of the extract. This layer can be removed without any problems. If necessary, the preparation can be filtered again through a fine sieve. If well-produced and stored under good conditions the Valerian extract can be stored for many years. Once a year the stocks should be checked. Foul-smelling liquids can be disposed of into the compost.
Summary Of BD507–Valerian Preparations
| Group | B Biocatalyst |
| Code | BD507 |
| Ingredient | Valerian |
| Descriptions | Stimulates the phosphorus process and mobilizes the phosphorus activating bacteria in the soil, as well as selenium and magnesium. Prevents the flowering process from becoming excessive. Forms a warm blanket around the compost heap. If sprayed onto blossoms in spring can protect against late frost. |