Valerian - baldriāns, also buldurjānis, - is locally known as miereklis (peace-bringer), testifying to the medicinal properties of this flower, botanist Agnese Priede told Latvian Radio.
It helps people to calm down and reduce blood pressure. Valerian is also used for stomach teas and tinctures - the latter are even sold inside Latvian supermarkets. It's also a beautiful Midsummer flower.
Valerian flower clusters are easily recognizable even from a distance and usually grow in damp places, flood-lands, ditches and gardens as well if it's replanted.
This common flower can be picked safely as it's not protected and is abundantly found in the wild.
