Although valerian is ornamental with its pink flowers, some people harvest its plant parts in summer and autumn. The reason is the numerous ingredients in this plant. They are known for their healing properties and help with restlessness, sleep problems and tension, among other things.
When and how to harvest and use valerian?
Valerian flowers can be harvested during the flowering period from June to July and used as tea, decoration or in salads. The roots should be dug up, dried and used for medicinal purposes such as restlessness or sleep disorders in the second year between the end of September and mid-October.
The right harvest time for the plant parts
The leaves of valerian are not usually harvested. But if you plan to use them e.g. To use for salads, for example, you can collect them before flowering.
As soon as the flowering period begins between June and July, it is the right time to harvest the flowers. The roots should only be dug up in autumn – between the end of September and mid-October. Remember that you won't harvest these until the second year at the earliest! In the first year the roots are still too small.
In general, it is advisable to harvest in the early hours of the morning. Then the active ingredient content is highest. It is also advantageous to harvest when the moon is waxing and the weather is dry.
How to dry the flowers and roots
If you have harvested large quantities, it is a good idea to dry the roots and flowers. This is how it works:
- Hang flowers in bunches
- hang upside down in a dark or shady and airy place
- Clean roots and remove root fibers
- cut into 2 to 3 cm long pieces
- dry in a dryer/dehydrator at 40°C
Using the flowers – what for?
You can use the fresh or dried flowers of valerian for various purposes. There are no limits to your ideas. How about:
- Fruit salads with valerian flowers
- a bouquet of flowers
- a herb punch
- a scented pillow
- a tea or a cold infusion
Using the roots for tea
The roots contain the highest active ingredient content. Therefore, they are preferred for harvest in commercial cultivation. For example, you can use them for tea. To do this, it is recommended to grate or chop the dried roots very finely. Let it steep for 10 minutes and drink.
Tip
If you leave part of the root in the ground, you can hope that the root will sprout again in spring.
