16S FLORA HiSTORlCA. 



It is the root of the wild Valerian, ojjicuiaiis, 

 which is principally used in medicine. *' It is 

 warm and aromatic, of a rather fetid smell. The 

 properties of Valerian are more energetic when 

 gathered before the plant rises into stalk. It acts 

 as a sudorific, diuretic, and, in some measure, a 

 deobstruent, exerting a peculiar influence on the 

 nervous system. It appears, however, from expe- 

 rience, that all persons are not equally susceptible 

 of its impression, as no sensible effect could be 

 perceived in many, whilst others have been cured 

 of epilepsies, and other desperate disorders of the 

 nervous system, by the sole use of it. In the 

 present practice, it is prescribed for hysteric and 

 nervous affections." — Waller, 



EttmuUer highly extols its virtues in strength- 

 ening the eye-sight, where this is weakened es- 

 pecially by a want of energy of the optic nerves. 

 In many parts of the continent the veterinary 

 surgeons make great use of it for that purpose, 

 especially to preserve and restore the sight of 

 horses. 



