Common Name: Red Valerian
Botanical Name: Centranthus ruber
Centranthus ruber, also known as Red Valerian, is a perennial plant that produces dense clusters of vibrant red or pink flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, it’s popular in ornamental gardens for its ability to attract butterflies and its tolerance of poor soil conditions.
Medicinally, Red Valerian has been used in traditional herbal medicine primarily as a sedative and to treat insomnia. It’s related to but not the same as true Valerian, which is more commonly used for these purposes.
In beauty, while not a common ingredient, its extracts might be considered for use in products aimed at promoting relaxation due to its calming properties.
An interesting fact about Red Valerian is that it can often be found growing wild on walls or rocky areas, where few other plants can thrive, demonstrating its robust nature.
