Valeriana phu

Physical Characteristics

Valeriana phu is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

The origin of this plant is obscure, it is probably Europe[50].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Seed[172]. No further details are given but the seeds of other members of this genus are parched and then eaten. An essential oil from the leaves and root is used as a flavouring in ice cream, baked goods, condiments etc[183]. It is especially important in apple flavours[238]. The leaves can also be used as a condiment[61]. The plant is used in moderation as a herbal tea[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Carminative Diuretic Hypnotic Nervine Sedative Stimulant The whole plant, but especially the root, is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, nervine (powerful), sedative, stimulant[4, 7, 9, 14, 21, 46, 147, 165, 192]. Use with caution[21].

Known Hazards

Some caution is advised with the use of this plant. At least one member of the genus is considered to be poisonous raw[161] and V. officinalis is a powerful nervine and sedative that can become habit-forming.