Valerian Valeriana officinalis - A Compendium of Plants

Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020


Valerian Valeriana officinalis
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

purification, protection, opening the door between realms

There are many varieties of valerian, and some form of her has been used since ancient times. Though it is her root that is most often used for healing, valerian blossoms are delicate, sweetly scented little balls of love. She attracts pollinators, and cats often respond to her in the same way they do to catnip.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Valerian is best known for her ability to help us sleep. Her root in particular is used for medicine, and she can be brewed as a tea. However, if nightmares are your concern, keep some of her leaves in your pillow to keep those frightening visions at bay. Valerian can also reduce anxiety and stress, as she has a powerful, grounding energy.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Valerian promotes harmony, peace, and a calm mind. She is great to work with for purifying new objects and new home spaces because she removes negative energy. Keep valerian by your brightest windows or spaces to amplify her purifying energy. Bring her to meetings, gatherings, and social events to keep yourself grounded and protected from the wild energy of other people’s thoughts, emotions, and vibes that can invade your auric field. I always keep some in my hand when I approach an important conversation with my partner so we don’t let our emotions get the best of us, and instead remain clear and focused on the topic.

PLANT WISDOM

Valerian is a grounding herb that will protect you as you open communication to other worlds and realms. She does this even while you sleep—keep her by your bed and she will meet you in your dreams, preventing you from flying away into places that aren’t beneficial for you. She will also keep you from dreaming silly nonsense, instead opening you up to vivid and meaningful dreams. She brings wisdom for those who need to come back home to the self, remaining present in the body—daydreamers, this is your plant! Work with her to get things done, to bring those daydreams into reality.