Indian valerian
Valeriana jatamansi

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 20-70 cm tall. It has short rhizomes. There can be one or several stems. The leaves at the base are in a ring. They are oval to heart shaped and 2-14 cm long by 3-10 cm wide. The edges are irregular and can have teeth. The flowers are pinkish or white.

Also put in the family Valerianaceae. It has anti-diabetic properties.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in grassy slopes and beside streams below 2,500 m above sea level. In Nepal it grows between 1,200-3,600 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are used in stews and for a thick soup. The flowers are used as a potherb. The root is also stewed.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bhutakesi, Huikhong, Jaboe, Matixiang, Na-poe, Nappu, Samayo, Soman, Sugandhawal

Synonyms

Valeriana harmsii Graebn.; Valeriana jatamansi var. frondosa Hand.-Mazz. Valeriana jatamansi var. glabra Merr.; Valeriana jatamansi var. hygrobia Hand.-Mazz.; Valeriana mairei Briq.; Valeriana wallichii DC.;