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Uses

Toxic parts

Some caution is advised with the use of this plant. At least one member of the genus is considered to be poisonous raw[1] and V. officinalis is a powerful nervine and sedative that can become habit-forming.

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Valeriana hardwickii.

Material uses

The plant contains essential oils[2].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The root is bitter, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, nervine and stimulant[3][2]. It is used as a nerve tonic and in the treatment of conditions such as epilepsy and hysteria[2]. It is also used in the treatment of rheumatism and low blood pressure[2]. The pounded rot or leaves are used as a poultice to treat boils[2].

The plant is antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, diaphoretic and stimulant[4].

This plant is an effective substitute for V. officinalis[5]. The uses of that plant are as follows:-

Valerian is a well-known and frequently used medicinal herb that has a long and proven history of efficacy. It is noted especially for its effect as a tranquilliser and nervine, particularly for those people suffering from nervous overstrain[6][7]. Valerian has been shown to encourage sleep, improve sleep quality and reduce blood pressure[8]. It is also used internally in the treatment of painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome etc[9][8]. It should not be prescribed for patients with liver problems[9]. Externally, it is used to treat eczema, ulcers and minor injuries[9].

The root is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant[6][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][4]. The active ingredients are called valepotriates, research has confirmed that these have a calming effect on agitated people, but are also a stimulant in cases of fatigue[7]. The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn once the leaves have died down and are used fresh or dried[6][11][9]. The fresh root is about 3 times as effective as roots dried at 40° (the report does not specify if this is centigrade or fahrenheit), whilst temperatures above 82° destroy the active principle in the root[5]. Use with caution[13][9], see the notes above on toxicity.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed because it requires light for germination[18]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions in the summer if sufficient growth has been made. If the plants are too small to plant out, grow them on in the greenhouse or frame for their first winter and plant them out early in the following summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Valeriana hardwickii. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[19].

Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Valeriana hardwickii. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Valeriana hardwickii.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Valeriana hardwickii
Genus
Valeriana
Family
Valerianaceae
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
  • Unknown part (Essential)
Medicinal uses
  • Unknown part (Antispasmodic)
  • Unknown part (Aphrodisiac)
  • Unknown part (Carminative)
  • Unknown part (Diaphoretic)
  • Unknown part (Diuretic)
  • Unknown part (Emmenagogue)
  • Unknown part (Hypnotic)
  • Unknown part (Nervine)
  • Unknown part (Sedative)
  • Unknown part (Stimulant)
  • Unknown part (Bitter)
  • Unknown part (Expectorant)
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    x meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture. ()
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.7 Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-527-6 (2002-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.5 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.2 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.1 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
    16. ? 16.016.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    17. ? 17.017.1 Emboden. W. Narcotic Plants Studio Vista ISBN 0-289-70864-8 (1979-00-00)
    18. ? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    19. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    20. ? Singh. Dr. G. and Kachroo. Prof. Dr. P. Forest Flora of Srinagar. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh (1976-00-00)