Valerian

Origin: Europe and North-Western Asia
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Subfamily: Valerianoideae
Scientific Name: Valeriana officinalis
Folk Names: All-heal, amantilla, bloody butcher, capon’s trailer, cat’s valerian, English valerian, fragrant valerian, garden heliotrope, garden valerian, graveyard dust (powdered), great wild valerian, setwall, St George’s herb, setwell, vandal root
Magical
Element: Water
Direction: South
Day: Monday
Planet: Uranus
Zodiac: Aquarius
Associated Celebrations: ShadowFest
Parts used: Root, herb
Magical Properties: Harmony, sleep, love, protection, communication, creativity, emotion, cycles, protection, hex-breaking, grounding
Substitutions: Niaouli
Lore
In Ancient Greece, a sprig of valerian was hung under the window as a charm against evil.
Magical Uses
- Place valerian in pillows to aid in falling asleep.
- Hang valerian root in the home to guard against lightning.