Valerian
Valeriana officinalis | Caorthainn corraigh
Valerian has been used for time immemorial as a mild sedative and sleep aid.
Uses
In folk medicine in Ireland, St John’s wort is predominantly known for its astringency and ability to stop bleeding from scratches and cuts. This astringency also makes it a great cure for diarrhoea and dysentery.
In modern times it has become well known as a mild anti-depressant. It must work, because in Ireland it got banned from over-the-counter sales in the year 2000 and is only available on prescription. An article in The Irish Times at the time estimated that 70,000 Irish people a year were using St John’s wort, which is kind of mind-boggling for a wild native Irish plant.
It is excellent for internal consumption as a tea using the dried flowers and also as a tincture. St John’s wort is also very well regarded as a treatment for bites, sunburn, cuts and grazes, and is great for sore muscles and nerve pain.