Natural Healers- Valerian

  It's Valeriana Officinalis, we're talking about here. It is a perennial plant, native to Europe and Northern Asia and now naturalised in North America, that grows to a height of four feet (1.2M), with pink flower heads. The root is used in herbal medicine, for which it must be dried carefully. It tastes both sweet and spicy, as well as bitter, and has an unpleasant smell. Cats and rats, it seems, are attracted to the smell, and the Pied Piper of Hamlet is said to have carried some of the root. Consequently, it is used by some as a bait for rat traps.

  Valerian is a tranquiliser and calmative, used to treat restlessness, nervousness insomnia, menstrual problems, hysteria, headaches, and nervous stomach. It is also thought to be good for circulation and lowering blood pressure, soothing the digestive system and relieving some types of indigestion. It has also been used to treat IBS.
  An infusion of the root, sprayed on the ground, will attract earthworms. It's mineral rich leaves are good for composting. If planted near vegetables, it boosts their growth by stimulating phosphorus and worm activity.
  While it prefers to be near water, Valerian will grow just about anywhere, including deep shade. Seeds can be sown direct into the ground in the spring, but are you are better served planting them into pots or plugs, if you want to guarantee some plants. Press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them. Plants should be spaced two feet (60cm) apart.

The complete root can be dug up in late autumn of the second and third year. It will need washing and the pale fibrous roots removed. You will then be left with the rhizomes, which are edible. They need to be cut into manageable sizes before being dried.
  To maintain the level of their oils, herbs need to be dried as quickly and as carefully as possible. The ideal place is warm, dry, dark and well ventilated- such as an airing cupboard, in an oven at low temperature and with its door ajar (check regularly that they're not over heating), a plate-warming compartment, or  a darkened spare room with the door opened. For roots, the oven is probably the best method, requiring a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees C. They will require regular turning, until they are fragile and break easily.
  A tea can be made by combining equal parts with fresh ginger root.

 NB Valerian should not be taken in large doses for a long period of time. As with any medicine, get advice from a professional