Despite the plant’s odor, which prompted Greek herbalist Dioscorides to name it Phu, valerian was a valued medicinal in the ancient world. It has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese medicine for a number of ailments. Valerian’s common name is thought to have come from the Latin valere meaning “to be well.” During the Middle Ages it was known as All-heal and Blessed Herb.44 The name Vandalroot comes from the Swedish vändelrot, a reference to its use by Teutonic tribes known as the Vandals.45 Although the names seem similar, valium does not come from valerian.
Early European settlers brought valerian to North America. Cats and rodents are attracted to this herb, and it is believed that the Pied Piper of Hamelin used valerian to lure the rats away from the city. Cats actually love valerian as much as catnip.
Medicinal Uses
Abdominal pain, anxiety, arthritis, blood pressure, cardiovascular system support, headache, hiccups, hives, indigestion, inflammation, insomnia, menstrual cramps, migraine, muscle ache or pain, muscle strain, nervous system support, nervous tension, restlessness, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, sleep aid, stomachache or pain, stress, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ)
Precautions and Contraindications
The herb: Avoid while pregnant or nursing; avoid if you have liver problems; use in moderation; large doses can cause dizziness, headache, stupor, and vomiting; avoid using for prolonged periods (use for two to three weeks at a time then take a break of at least a week); for some it may stimulate rather than relax.
The essential oils: Herbal precautions also apply; may cause sensitization in some.
Part of Plant Used
Herbal remedies: Roots
Essential oils: Roots
Culinary purposes: None
Growing and Harvesting
Reaching three to five feet tall, valerian is often regarded as an ornamental plant. Its erect stems are round, hollow, and slightly grooved. The pinnate leaves are dark green and toothed. The small, five-petaled flowers are white with a tinge of pink, however, they can be more pink or even lavender. The flowers grow in dense clusters and bloom from late spring through early to midsummer. The pale brown, clustered root is an upright rhizome with fibrous roots extending outward.
|
Type |
Zone |
Light |
Soil |
Moisture |
Height |
Spacing |
|
Perennial |
4 |
Partial shade to full sun |
Loam |
Moist |
3–5' |
36" |
Valerian is easy to grow and does well in a variety of soils, however, a good loam is best. It prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun. If you do not want a lot of it in your garden, remove the flowers before they go to seed as it readily self-sows. Propagate this herb by root division or by letting it self-seed. If you let it reseed, keep an eye on it as it can take over the garden. Valerian attracts butterflies and bees, and it is considered a good companion to most vegetables.
The roots can be harvested in the autumn of the first year or the following spring before new shoots come up. They can be dried in an oven set at 120° Fahrenheit until they are brittle.
How to Use the Herb
Most widely known as a sleep aid and boon for dealing with insomnia, valerian has been called “nature’s tranquilizer.” 46 In fact, many over-the-counter sleep aids contain valerian. Additionally, people who are trying to reduce and taper off their use of commercial sleeping pills have found valerian helpful. Check with your doctor before using this herb if you take sleeping pills as it can increase the sedative effect of them.
Although the odor has been said to resemble the smell of dirty socks, valerian is an excellent sleep aid, and those who brave its bitter taste swear by it. A decoction is the form of preparation generally made with roots, however, a maceration (soaking in cold water instead of boiling) works better with valerian. To make the maceration, chop 1 ounce of fresh root into small pieces, pour 1 pint of cold water over the root, and let it soak for 8 to 10 hours. Strain it, and drink a cup an hour or two before bed. It also helps to relieve restlessness.
Other effective methods for taking valerian is in powdered form by capsule or as a tincture. A standard dose for valerian by capsule is 500 to 900 mg, however, try a smaller dose of half these amounts, first. If you are using a tincture, the standard dose is 1 to 2 teaspoons and like the capsule, take a smaller dose the first time you try it. Whether you are using a capsule or tincture, take it about two hours before bed. Valerian combines well with chamomile, lavender, or St. John’s wort as a sleep aid.
Valerian Bedtime Tincture
1 cup dried valerian root, chopped
¼ cup dried lavender flowers, crumbled
1 pint 80 to 100 proof alcohol
Chop the valerian root into small pieces. Place the herbs in a jar, pour in the alcohol to cover the plant material, close, and shake for 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking the jar every other day. Strain out the herbs and store in dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place.
Valerian aids heart health by lowering blood pressure and increasing blood flow to the heart. Check with your doctor before using it for this purpose, especially if you are taking any medication for your heart or blood pressure.
The antispasmodic properties of valerian relieve menstrual and stomach cramps, abdominal pain, and nervous indigestion. It eases anxiety-produced hives, and in general, fortifies the nervous system. In addition, valerian can ease hiccups.
Valerian Ease the Tension Tea
1 teaspoon fresh valerian root, chopped
2 cups boiling water
1½ teaspoons fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
Simmer the valerian root for 20 minutes. Place the lemon balm leaves in a jar and then pour in the water and valerian root. Steep for 20 minutes, strain, and drink when it is cool.
Drink two cups of tea a day or make a tincture and take one half to one teaspoon of it twice a day for a week. To help relieve nervous tension, make a cup of the tea and add ½ teaspoon of peppermint. The tea or a maceration are also helpful in providing relief from headaches, especially migraine.
How to Use the Essential Oils
The color of valerian essential oil ranges from olive to brown. It has a warm, woody, and balsamic scent. This oil can be used to ease strained muscles and relax muscle spasms. It also relieves the joint pain and inflammation of arthritis, rheumatism, and rheumatoid arthritis. See the profile on Yarrow for a blend to ease pain. Alternatively, try the Bedtime/Relax Time Massage Oil to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with these conditions as well as for stress relief and general relaxation.
Bedtime/Relax Time Valerian Massage Oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop lemon balm essential oil
1 drop valerian essential oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
Mix the essential oils together and then combine with the carrier oil.
A massage with valerian essential oil releases the tightness and discomfort in facial muscles that can occur with temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). Because it is potent, use only 1 drop of valerian essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil for use on the face.
Valerian is instrumental for relieving the discomfort of sciatica either as a bath soak or as a warm compress. Mix 5 drops of valerian essential oil with 2 cups of coarse sea or Epsom salts. For a compress, mix 2 drops of essential oil in 1 quart of hot water. Give the mixture a good swish, dip in a washcloth, and then place it on the sore area.
Valerian Calming Bedtime Bath Blend
4 drops chamomile essential oil
3 drops clary essential oil
2 drops valerian essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
1 ounce carrier oil
Mix the essential oils together and then combine with the carrier oil.
Whether you need headache relief or just want to relax, the Valerian Headache Diffuser Blend is sure to reduce stress and promote a good night’s sleep.
Valerian Headache Diffuser Blend
10 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops chamomile essential oil
1 drop valerian essential oil
Combine the oils and let the blend mature for about 1 week.
44. Chevallier, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 146.
45. Arthur O. Tucker and Thomas Debaggio, The Encyclopedia of Herbs: A Comprehensive Reference to Herbs of Flavor and Fragrance (Portland, OR: Timber Press, 2009), 498.
46. Susan Curtis and Louise Green, Home Herbal: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking, Brewing, and Blending Your Own Herbs (New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2011), 126.