#valerian root

For The Dam Story

The possibility and probability of coca cultivation in the Appalachian mountains following the near-extinction of humanity. (answer = It’s possible, but highly unlikely. --> It won’t be in my book.)

Other natural pain remedies / sedatives, valerian root in particular. (Research might continue with me drinking strong valerian root tea and marking down the results.)

I’ve been wanting to write up a post about my favorite herb for awhile now, mainly so I have all my info on it in one place. Hope someone else will find it helpful!

Magical Properties: love, protection, purification, sleep, self-acceptance, animal magic

Associations: Feminine - Water - Aphrodite - Mercury - Virgo and Aquarius

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) has a long history of being used in love spells, to attract new love or to strengthen an existing bond between two people. This doesn’t just have to be romantic love either - Valerian root can help heal rifts between friends and family as well. Valerian root can also help you find self-love if you need encouragement to be kinder to yourself. Growing the plant on your property will help keep peace and love between you and your partner.

Valerian root is known for being able to turn bad energy to good, so it’s great for purification and cleansing rituals! You can use smoke or Valerian root infused water to clean your altar, ritual space, or your magical tools for a fresh burst of good vibes.

Need help sleeping? Valerian root can help with that too! A tea made from Valerian root will encourage peaceful sleep and banish nightmares. Valerian root is safe to ingest for most people, and you can read more about the science behind Valerian root and safety information here: Click me!

Valerian Root Tea: add 1-2 tsps of cut herb root to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and enjoy before bedtime. I like to add a bit of honey as well for flavor.

Valerian Root Tincture: add 1 cup of vodka to 1/2 cup dried Valerian root. Cover and shake well. Place the jar in a dark, warm place for 3-5 weeks. Shake occasionally. When ready, strain into a clean container and store in a cool, dark area.

Valerian root can also be used in animal magic, especially with cats. Cats love valerian root, and it is a safe alternative to catnip. While they will initially become playful, this will quickly fade into a calm and tranquil kitty. I like to use Valerian root to help me connect spiritually to my cats, and to help me connect to other animal spirits. I also will make small sachets for my cats stuffed with Valerian root, like a magic cat toy! Here's more info on the safety of using Valerian root with your feline friends: Click me!

Being a feminine herb associated with love, Valerian root is great for working with Venus/Aphrodite as well. She will appreciate an offering of this love-bringing plant! According to 17th century astrological botanist Nicholas Culpeper, Valerian root is "under the influence of Mercury, and therefore hath a warming faculty." Valerian root infusion is also a great herb to use when the Moon is in Virgo or Aquarius for ritual work.

ingredients: 

• valerian root

• mint (bagged or loose cut, optional)

bring a small saucepan of water to a boil, after the water is boiling, place about a handful of valerian root and a couple of mint tea bags into the water depending on taste.

steep for 15-25 minutes while keeping the heat on low and covering the pan to trap heat and flavor, keeping it at a simmering temperature.

after you pour a serving into your teacup of choice, stir slowly counter-clockwise and focus your intent on banishing negativity, not just from the infusion but from within yourself. then stir clockwise, focusing on inviting positive energy in, as before, not just into the infusion but into yourself as well.

Here’s my anti-anxiety Arsenal at the moment.

Chamomile, lavender, peppermint tea. Ashwagandha root, valerian root.

(Valeriana officinalis) Safe to interact with. We must urge against driving while under the effects of Valerian taken internally.

Folk Names: All-Heal, Amantilla, Bloody Butcher, Capons Trailer, Cat's Valerian, English Valerian, Fragrant Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Phu, Red Valerian, St. George's Herb, Sete Wale, Set Well, Vandal Root. Gender: Feminine. Planet: Venus. Element: Water. Powers: Love, Sleep, Purification, Protection.

Magical Uses: The rather ill-smelling root, powdered, is used in protective sachets, hung in the home to guard it against lightning, and placed in pillows to aid in falling asleep. A sprig of the plant pinned to a woman's clothing will cause men to "follow her like children." Valerian root is also added to love sachets. If a couple is quarreling introduce some of this herb into the area and all will soon be calm. The Greeks hung a sprig of valerian under a window to charm away evil. Valerian root, powdered, is sometimes used as "graveyard dust."

As we transition under this Pink Full Moon in Scorpio, lets approach/accept death as we let go of those who hold up back, things that bound up, and thoughts that destroy us.