valerian

Any of a group of perennial plants native to the northern hemisphere, with clustered heads of fragrant tubular flowers in red, white, or pink. The root of the common valerian or garden heliotrope V. officinalis is used in medicine to relieve wind and to soothe or calm patients. (Genera Valeriana and Centranthus, family Valerianaceae.)

Valerian (lived 3rd century AD)

Roman emperor 253–60. Valerian was a general and supporter of the emperor Trebonianus Gallus, after whose death he was proclaimed emperor by the soldiers. Valerian appointed his son Gallienus co-regent and, leaving him in charge of affairs in the western provinces, he went east to suppress the king of Persia, Sapor I, in 257. After some success, he was trapped by Sapor and kept prisoner until his death.