Valerian is derived from a Latin adjectival form of the personal name Valerius. It comes from the latin verb 'valere' meaning "being well", "feeling good", and "having a good morale". This is a reference to the medicinal properties of this plant. What a lovely name for a plant. It is truly a signature of the plants ability to support one in 'feeling good' from being well rest and feel grounded and emotionally balanced.

Valerian is a hardy perennial plant. Valerian is used as a dietary supplement or herb prepared from roots of the plant. Valerian root has been demonstrated to possess sedative effects. Valerian essential oil has been reported to have an antispasmodic, hypnotic, hypertensive, sedative properties.

Valerian Root is gaining in popularity as a natural alternative to commercially available sedatives. Valerian is native to Europe, North America, and the northern part of Asia. Altogether, the genus contains about 150 different species. These are widely distributed throughout the temperate zones. Both the root and the rhizome are highly prized for their healing properties. It has color brown to reddish brown viscous liquid.

Valerian is a perennial herb with short rhizomes and aromatic feathery leaves with small pink or white flowers that from June through September. The plant is native to Asia and grows up to 1.5 meters high. It also cultivated in Russia, the Baltic State, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany France, Britain, Scandinavia, Hungary, and China. The plant is also known as common Valerian, Valerian root and garden heliotrope.

Valerian Essential Oil is a high altitude variety and because of this it contains more effective components when compared to valerian root that is grown in lower altitudes. The high altitude variety contains more valeptorates, which gives its therapeutic effects. The aroma of this essential oil is of medium strength and is earthy while being slightly sweet with a bottom note. This essential oil has a scent that many appreciate while others just do not. Because of this, it is not used in the perfume industry.

The flowers themselves were used in the perfume industry in the past as they have sweetness to them. The plant is indigenous to Europe and certain regions in Asia although it has spread to other continents such as North America after being introduced. 

Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Known to herbalists as ‘all heal’, Valerian is a warming, sedative herb with bitter principles. Valerian is used to calm the nerves, assist with pain relief, stimulate the appetite, lower blood pressure, relax spasms and improve digestion.

Benefit & Uses: The grounding qualities of valerian essential oil aromatherapy make it an ideal remedy for restlessness, sleep disturbances and any type of trauma, accident or emergency. Valerian essential oil has the power to bring back to earth, so to speak, and put feet and mind back on solid ground.

Historically, organic valerian essential oil has been the remedy of choice for its ability to soothe and sedate. This holds particularly true for treating nervous tensions, insomnia and forms of anxiety and stress. With an almost hypnotic quality, valerian essential oil aromatherapy can act as the great regulator to refocus and re-balance the body, mind and soul.

Additional uses include killing off bacteria, quelling spasms, alleviating stomach issues, indigestion and promoting healthy digestion. It can work as a diuretic that assists with flushing out toxins and waste from the system.

Valerian essential oil packs a powerful punch on its own, or it can be blended well with pine, patchouli, orange, rosemary, lavender and thyme.

It has a tonic for the nervous system, exerting a calming and restorative effect on the central nervous system; relieve nervous headaches, irritability, emotional stress, migraines, nervous tension & anxiety, panic attacks, depression, hysteria, convulsions, delirium.

 

It has been also used on muscle spasms and it is believed to be a suitable replacement for catnip based on similar chemical components.