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Valerian officinalis (valerian chemist's). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Content

1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
2. Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Valerian officinalis (valerian pharmacy), Valeriana officinalis. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Valerian

Family: Sesame (Valerianaceae)

Origin: It is found in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Asia, Europe, North America and Africa.

Area: The plant lives in meadows, damp thickets, forest clearings, on the banks of rivers and lakes.

Chemical composition: Rhizomes and roots of valerian contain essential oils, including valerenic acid, valerenal, valerenol, borneol, pinene and other components.

Economic value: Valerian is widely used in medicine as a sedative, anticonvulsant, analgesic and hypnotic. Its roots are used to make tinctures, tinctures, capsules and tablets. Also, valerian has found use in cooking as an aromatic additive in desserts and drinks.

Legends, myths, symbolism: In ancient Greece, valerian was associated with the goddess Athena, who used it to treat various ailments. Valerian has also been associated with the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius, who used it to treat nervous disorders and anxiety.

Valerian officinalis (valerian chemist's). Valeriana officinalis. Description, illustrations of the plant

Valerian. Legends, myths, history

The name supposedly comes from the Latin word valere - to be healthy. Associated with the medicinal effect of the plant.

The Russian name maun, cat's root - the plant received for the ability to act excitingly on cats, or bring them into an affectionate state.

The calming effect of valerian on the human nervous system was known even to the doctors of Ancient Greece. Dioscorides considered valerian a means capable of controlling thoughts. Pliny the Elder called it "Nard Gallic" and attributed it to the means that excite the thought, Avicenna - to the means that strengthen the brain. In the Middle Ages, it was spoken of as a medicine that brings complacency, harmony and tranquility, in addition, valerian was revered as one of the most popular aromatics. Hence another name - forest incense.

In Russia, this is one of the most famous medicinal plants, magical properties were attributed to it, as the following legend tells. Once Saint Pantelei the healer went with a bag to the forest to collect medicinal herbs.

The night was very dark, not a single star shone. He went out to the forest edge and suddenly among the bushes he saw a lot of light pink flickering lights that came out of the ground in thin streams. These streams, rising above the ground, formed clouds in the form of a pink flower.

Since the lights came from the ground, Pantelei began to dig up the roots of an outlandish plant and, to his surprise, found that the more he digs them, the better he felt. When he collected the full sum of these magic roots, his soul was filled with joy and fun.

Passing through the villages, Pantelei gave these roots to sick people and said: "Be healthy." And people from those roots gained peace of mind, vivacity and a surge of vitality.

Author: Martyanova L.M.

Valerian officinalis, Valeriana officinalis L. Botanical description, distribution, chemical composition, features of use

Valerian family - Valerianaceae.

Perennial plant up to 200 cm high. Vertical rhizome 2-4 cm long and up to 2 cm thick, with numerous cord-like, whitish or brownish succulent roots, reaching a length of 10-20 cm and a thickness of 1-4 mm.

Has a specific smell. Stems are erect, simple or branched in the upper part, hollow, furrowed, cylindrical, glabrous or pubescent in the lower part with 2-14 pairs of leaves. Leaves opposite, glabrous or pubescent, pinnately dissected, with 4-11 pairs of segments.

Basal leaves with long, slightly grooved petioles; upper seated; leaf segments from linear-lanceolate to ovate, coarsely dentate or entire; the lower segments are separated from each other, the upper ones are close, merging with their bases.

The flowers are small, fragrant, collected in dichasia; the latter, in turn, form a corymbose or paniculate inflorescence. The calyx is inconspicuous, wrapped down, growing after flowering, with fruits it turns into a tuft. Corolla funnel-shaped, with a five-lobed limb, white, pink or purple. Corolla tube in the lower part with a saccular swelling. Stamens 3, attached to the corolla tube.

The fruit is a single-celled achene. Blooms in June - July. The fruits ripen in July - September.

It grows in grassy and peat bogs, marshy and wet meadows, among shrubs, in forest clearings and edges, along the banks of reservoirs and ditches.

Homeland is the Mediterranean. Distributed in temperate and subtropical zones.

Widely cultivated as a medicinal plant.

Valerian roots and rhizome contain essential oil (0,5-2%), tannins and resinous substances, saponins, organic acids (formic, isovaleric, malic, stearic, etc.), alkaloids (valerine, hatenin). The maximum amount of essential oil is contained in the spring growing season.

Freshly distilled essential oil of valerian is a yellowish-greenish or brownish-yellow liquid with a sharp characteristic odor, it contains bornyl isovalerianate (the main component), isovaleric acid, valerenol, alpha-pinene, D-terpineol, L-limonene, sesquiterpene, borneol esters of formic, acetic and butyric acids, alcohols.

Valepatriates were isolated and chemically studied from rhizomes with roots. The content of valepatriates in the underground organs of various types of valerian varies within 0,49-8,5%, in culture 1,36-3,08%.

The sedative and antispasmodic effect of rhizomes with roots is due to the presence of valepatriates (valtrate, isovaltrate, acetavaltrate, hydroacetylvaltrate) and sesquiterpenoids (valerenal, valeranon, valerenic acid) in them.

The seeds contain up to 15-20% fatty oil. Over 60% of the total fatty acids of the oil are linolenic acid, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linolenic, erucic, docosadienoic acids are also found.

Ascorbic acid was found in the aerial part of the plant.

The roots and rhizomes of valerian are used for the needs of the food industry, mainly the alcoholic beverage industry. Dry crushed roots, as well as leaves, are occasionally used as a seasoning for food.

Since ancient times, valerian has been considered one of the means of treating the nervous system. Experimental studies have established that valerian enhances the processes of inhibition in the cerebral cortex, reduces reflex excitability, spasms of smooth muscles. Its preparations are used for insomnia, a state of nervous excitement, neuroses, diseases of the cardiovascular system, accompanied by spasms of the coronary vessels with tachycardia.

A beneficial effect of valerian has also been established in diseases of the thyroid gland (its function), asthma, migraine, epilepsy, coronary insufficiency with pain syndromes, and spastic constipation. Used in homeopathy.

In medicine, the plant was used externally in the form of lotions for inflammation of the eyes, inside - for hysteria, chorea, epilepsy, sciatica, hot flashes in menopause, as a tonic, antihelminthic and appetite-increasing agent.

Children with gastric colic, vomiting and convulsions were recommended tinctures of valerian inside and in the form of enemas. Honey plant, gives only nectar, does not give pollen at all.

Authors: Dudchenko L.G., Kozyakov A.S., Krivenko V.V.

Valerian officinalis (Valerian drugstore), Valeriana officinalis LsJ Botanical description, area and habitats, chemical composition, use in medicine and industry

Synonyms: magpie grass, shaggy grass, devil's rib.

Perennial plant up to 1,5 m high, Valerian family (Valerianaceae).

The rhizome is small, up to 1-1,5 cm long, with densely seated brownish-yellow adventitious roots 10-30 cm long, 2-3 mm thick. The stem is straight, fistulate, branched in the inflorescence, with unpaired leaves.

The flowers are fragrant, small, pale pink, bisexual, with a funnel-shaped corolla 4-5 mm long and linear-lanceolate bracts. Inflorescence large, corymbose. The fruit is an oblong-ovate flying achene 2,5-4,5 mm long, 1-1,8 mm wide, with a tuft of 10-12 rays.

Flowering in June-August, fruiting in July-September.

Range and habitats. Homeland is the Mediterranean. Distributed in temperate and subtropical zones, including almost the entire European part of Russia.

It grows in marshy and low-lying meadows, grass and peat bogs, along the banks of water bodies, among bushes, in clearings and edges. Introduced into the culture, and the need for valerian officinalis as a medicinal raw material is satisfied by cultivating this plant on plantations.

Chemical composition. The rhizome and roots of valerian contains over 100 chemicals, among which up to 2-3,5 % of the essential oil of yellow or light brown, with a characteristic valerian smell (the main part of the oil is borilizalerianic acid, borneol, pinen, campen, lemonone), sesquiterpenes (valerian, sesquiterpen Also free valerian and valerine acids, iridoids (valepotriats: Izovalpott, dihydrate, dihydtett, Acevaltrate, Valeymedin, Valekhlorin), alkaloids (valerin, valerian, khatinin, actinidine), triterpenic glycosides, tanny substances, organic acids (palmithic, stial , vinegar, ant, apple, etc.), free amines.

The physical constants of essential oils vary widely: specific gravity from 0,9 to 1,04, acid number from 1 to 50, essential number from 20 to 140, refractive index from 1,40 to 1,49; rotation of the plane of polarization from −3° to −34°. Solubility in 80% alcohol in a ratio of 1:1 to 1:2, and in 90% alcohol from 1:0,5 to 1:1,5.

The elemental composition of valerian officinalis includes 61 chemical elements, of which 7 are macroelements and 54 are micro- and ultramicroelements. Valerian roots and rhizomes are capable of accumulating Cs137 from the soil, which should be taken into account when collecting in areas with its high content in the soil.

Application in medicine. The influence of valerian on higher nervous activity was known even to the doctors of ancient Greece. Dioscorides considered valerian a means capable of "controlling" thoughts. Pliny attributed it to the means that excite thought. In the Middle Ages, it was spoken of as a medicine that brings complacency, harmony and tranquility. In the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, numerous works were devoted to the experimental and clinical study of valerian. However, it still attracts the attention of researchers.

Valerian has a multilateral effect on the body; depresses the central nervous system, lowers its excitability; reduces spasms of smooth muscle organs. Essential oil of valerian reduces convulsions caused by the alkaloid brucine, similar in pharmacological properties to strychnine; it reduces the excitation caused by caffeine, prolongs the action of sleeping pills, has an inhibitory effect on the systems of the medulla oblongata and midbrain, and increases the functional mobility of cortical processes.

Valerian regulates the activity of the heart, acting indirectly through the central nervous system and directly on the muscle and conduction system of the heart, improves coronary circulation due to the direct action of borneol on the vessels of the heart. In addition, valerian enhances the secretion of the glandular apparatus of the gastrointestinal tract, enhances bile secretion.

Other uses. Valerian officinalis - a moderate honey plant, gives the bees a little nectar (the bees do not take pollen from it). According to other data, honey productivity is 200-300 kg/ha, well, sometimes moderately visited by bees to collect nectar and partially pollen.

Valerian officinalis is also cultivated as an ornamental plant, along with garlic-leaved valerian (Valeriana alliariifolia).

Valerian tincture (Tinctura Valerianae) is prescribed orally for adults, 15-20 drops per dose 2-3 times a day; children receive as many drops as the age of the child. Produced in bottles of 30 ml.

Thick valerian extract (Extractum Valerianae spissum). Used in coated tablets, 0,02 g, 2 tablets per dose.

Lily of the valley-valerian drops with adonizide (Tinctura Valerianae cum Tinctura Convallariae cum Adonisidi ana).

Valerian infusion (Infusum radicis Valerianae). 10 g of dried coarsely cut roots and rhizomes of valerian are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, boiled for 30 minutes, then infused for 2 hours; take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Valerian decoction. 10 parts of the roots and rhizomes of valerian are crushed (the length of the particles should be no more than 3 mm), pour 300 ml of water at room temperature, boil for 15 minutes and cool. Take half a glass 3 times a day.

Valerian potion with fennel. A decoction is prepared from the roots and rhizomes of valerian. Fennel fruits A part) are crushed into 0,5 mm, pour water at room temperature 10 parts), boil for 30 minutes and infuse for 45 minutes. Both decoctions are mixed and taken 1 glass in the morning and in the evening in a warm form.

Relaxing tea. Ingredients: 1 part valerian roots and rhizomes, 2 parts mint and shamrock leaves and 1 part hops. The mixture is crushed, take 1 tablespoon, pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, filter and take half a cup 2 times a day.

A decoction of fresh valerian roots. A decoction of fresh valerian roots is prepared in the same way as from dried roots. The ratio of raw materials to the extractor is 1:5. Doses are the same.

Authors: Turova A.D., Sapozhnikova E.N.

Valerian. Legends, the birthplace of the plant, the history of distribution

Parting with a friend, we say: "Goodbye" - and usually add: "Be healthy!" Good wish. But if a person is very nervous, words will not help the case. We need medicine here. But what?

In the fall, when most people in the forest are mushrooming, plant pickers search hard for valerian. This is not an easy task: there are no flowers for a long time, the stems have withered, and you need to know the forest well in order to find the valerian root.

Each plant has its own "pantry". Valerian has a treasure buried in the root. Valerian drops are obtained from it. It is worth drinking a few drops - and a very nervous person will calm down. No wonder the plant was given such a name. It comes from the Latin word "valere", which means "to be healthy."

A person has long made friends with a valuable root. In Russia, even under Peter I, they began to harvest valerian for hospitals. But it was too troublesome to look for her in the forest. To facilitate the work of plant collectors, scientists decided to create valerian plantations.

In the fields, plants live in a completely different way than in the forest. As soon as they bloom, you have to break off the tops of the valerian; instead of slender beauties, curly dwarfs now stick out. But on the other hand, the roots of the "headless" plants will get more food, they will gain weight faster. This means that pharmacies will have more medicine that brings health to people.

Author: Osipov N.F.

Valerian. Application in cosmetology

Valerian herb juice is frozen and stored for a long time, as it has both medicinal and cosmetic properties.

Massage of the skin of the face and neck with frozen valerian juice soothes irritations, relieves redness, prevents involuntary contraction of the facial and subcutaneous muscles, tones and stimulates the nutrition and blood circulation of the epidermal layer, helps with inflammation of the eyes, relieves redness from sunburn, irritation, severe chapping, etc.

If you carefully and systematically use valerian juice massages with ice, then not only a cosmetic effect is observed, but also general well-being improves.

Author: Reva M.L.

Valerian officinalis (valerian pharmacy), Valeriana officinalis. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

Ethnoscience:

• To improve sleep: Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed dry valerian rhizomes in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes, then strain and drink before bed.
• To improve digestion: Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed dry valerian rhizomes in 1 cup of boiling water. Take 1/4 cup 3 times daily before meals.
• To relieve stress and fatigue: Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed dry valerian rhizomes in 1 cup of boiling water. Take 1/4 cup 3 times a day.
• For headache relief: mix 1 teaspoon of crushed dry rhizomatous valerian with 1 cup of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. Take 1/4 cup 3 times a day.
• To relieve pain during menstruation: Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed dry valerian rhizomes in 1 cup of boiling water. Take 1/4 cup 3 times a day for a few days before your period starts.

Cosmetology:

• Soothing Face Mask: Mix 1 tablespoon chopped fresh valerian with 1 tablespoon honey and a small amount of fermented milk (yoghurt will usually work). Apply to face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Facial tonic: Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed dry valerian rhizomes in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes, then strain and add 1 tablespoon chamomile and 1 tablespoon green tea. Apply to the face with a cotton pad in the morning and evening after cleansing the skin.
• Rejuvenating face cream: Mix together 1/4 cup sesame oil, 1/4 cup coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon crushed dry valerian rhizome. Heat the mixture in a water bath until the valerian releases its active ingredients into oils. Cool and mix with 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel. Apply to face morning and evening.
• Aromatic Body Scrub: Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup sesame oil, 1/4 cup coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon crushed dry valerian rhizome. Apply to the body and massage in circular motions, then rinse with warm water.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Valerian officinalis (valerian pharmacy), Valeriana officinalis. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Valerian officinalis is a perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 150 cm. It is known for its soothing properties and is widely used in folk medicine.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing valerian:

Cultivation:

• Valerian prefers sunny or semi-shady places with fertile soil and good drainage.
• Seeds are sown in open ground in spring or autumn to a depth of 1-2 cm.
• Plants 30-40 cm apart.
• Plants require regular watering and the application of compost or organic fertilizers.
• Valerian can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites, so you should regularly inspect the plants and treat them with insecticides if necessary.

Preparation and storage:

• Collect rhizomes and roots in the fall, when the plant reaches maturity.
• The roots and rhizomes are washed, cleaned from the ground and dried in a warm, well-ventilated place.
• Dried roots can be stored in paper or cloth bags in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.
• Use for tinctures, teas and other preparations.

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