valerian

¹ American  

[vuh-leer-ee-uhn] / vəˈlɪər i ən /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Valeriana, as the common valerian V. officinalis, having small, fragrant flowers of white, lavender, or pink and a root that is used medicinally.

2. a drug consisting of or made from the root, formerly used as a nerve sedative and antispasmodic.

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Valerian ² American  

[vuh-leer-ee-uhn] / vəˈlɪər i ən /

noun

1. Publius Licinius Valerianus, died a.d. c260, Roman emperor 253–60.

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valerian ¹ British  

/ vəˈlɛərɪən /

noun

1. Also called: allheal.  any of various Eurasian valerianaceous plants of the genus Valeriana, esp V. officinalis, having small white or pinkish flowers and a medicinal root

2. a sedative drug made from the dried roots of V. officinalis

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Valerian ² British  

/ vəˈlɛərɪən /

noun

1. Latin name Publius Licinius Valerianus. died 260 _ad , Roman emperor (253–260): renewed persecution of the Christians; defeated by the Persians

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Etymology

Origin of valerian

1350–1400; Middle English valirian < Medieval Latin valeriāna (herb) of Valeria (old Roman province, where plant is said to have been common); -an

Explanation

Valerian is a plant with tiny white or pink flowers that's commonly used in teas and as a dietary supplement. While some people take valerian to help them sleep, there's no real scientific evidence that it works. Although scientists doubt the sedative effects of the dried valerian plant, it's been used in natural medicine since ancient Greece. Over the years, valerian has been cited as a cure for ailments ranging from liver problems, croup, the plague, and even "envy of the elves"! Today people usually take valerian for sleeplessness or tension, although studies haven't confirmed those effects. While the valerian plant grows pretty little flower clusters, it's considered an invasive weed in much of North America.

Example Sentences

Other fellow mint lovers recommended brewing fresh sprigs of mint with various herbal teas, like chamomile, hibiscus, valerian and rooibos.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2024

My chiropractor recommended valerian root, magnesium and passionflower extract.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2021

He planted irises and roses directly into the shingle, encouraging a riot of wallflowers and valerian, “all the dark humours blown away by the wind”.

From The Guardian • Mar. 21, 2020

Those well-traveled seeds have since germinated in a greenhouse, and they look pretty normal from the outside, the periwinkle producing its habitual pink flowers and the valerian its serrated leaves.

From Scientific American • Jun. 25, 2018

Ivy trailed over it and the valerian and creeping mauve toadflax.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams