Herb to Know: Valerian
(Page 2 of 2)
August/September 2008
By Barbara Pleasant
Established plants bloom in early summer and are most fragrant in late afternoon. If you live in the Northeast—where valerian often becomes weedy—be sure to snip off faded flowers to prevent reseeding. After several seasons, established clumps can be dug and divided in spring or fall.
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In spring and fall, the medicinal compounds in valerian roots are at their peak potency, so these also are the best times to harvest. Simply dig the plant, with roots intact, and hang it in a dark location indoors to dry. Freshly dug valerian roots have been said to smell like dirty socks, but to me they smell more like slightly soured laundry with a hint of mint … and after a couple of days of drying, the odor dissipates. When the roots are crisp-dry (after several weeks), snip off the best and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
— Contributing editor Barbara Pleasant gardens and writes about herbs at her home in Virginia. She is author of The Whole Herb (Square One, 2004).
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