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True Wild Valerian

Description. We have likewise two species of this great wild Valerian; the first has a root divided into several white thick strings, growing more downward, and less spreading than the other, of no great scent when just taken out of the ground, but smelling very strong when dry. The stalks rise to be about a yard high, hollow, and channelled, having several long winged leaves, whose pinnae are long, sharp-pointed, and serrated about the edges, high-veined, and somewhat hairy; the leaves which grow on the stalks are narrower, and less serrated. The flowers are, in shape, like those of the garden Valerian, of a pale purple colour, and having the like seed. This grows in woods and drier places than the other, which is larger, taller, the root more spread out; the leaves are larger, smoother, of a deeper shining green, with broader pinnae; the stalks grow taller; the flowers are much alike. This grows in watery places, and near ditches, both flowering in May. The root of this has as strong a smell as the other; they are both used promiscuosly, though the former seems to come nearest Columna's figure and description in his Phytopinax.

Place. It is found on dry heaths, and in high pastures; there is another variety found very frequent about rivulets, and in marshy places, but this possesses only a small share of the virtues belonging to the other. Virtues, The roots of Valerian have a strong, and, to most people, a disagreeable smell; to the taste they are warm, bitter, and a little acrid. There is no doubt but it possesses anti-spasmodic virtues in a very eminent degree. It is often given with advantage in hysterical cases; and there are instances of its having effected cures in obstinate epileptic cases. In habitual costiveness it is an excellent medicine, and will frequently loosen the bowels, when other purgatives have proved ineffectual. It is excellent against nervous affections in general, such as inveterate head-achs, trembling, palpitations of the heart, vapours, and hysteric complaints. There is a tincture made from it and kept in the shops, but it is most efficacious in substance, and may be taken from half a drachm to two drachms for a dose, three or four times a day.