Guide To Valerian Essential Oil and Its Benefits and Uses

More than 150 species of valerian grow around the world. The valerian essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy is Valeriana officinalis, also called European valerian, although the plant also grows in Asia.

A valerian oil is also made from kesso root, a Japanese variety of Valeriana officinalis. The aroma of this oil is much drier and more woody than that of the European variety, according to The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Third Edition, Vol. 1.

Another essential oil is Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi), but the plant is endangered. The components of this oil are vastly different from those of European valerian, which is the focus of this profile.

Basic Valerian Facts

Plant family: Valerianaceae

Production: Steam distilled from the rhizomes (roots) of the plant.

Aroma: Pungent, woody. Some people find it unpleasant to the point of calling the scent rotten or like stinky feet, although this aroma may be the result of a poor quality or old oil.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Base.

Is valerian safe to use during pregnancy? Probably not. Consult a professional.

Is valerian essential oil safe for children? Do not use with children under age 2 is the most common recommendation I found.

Main components of European valerian:

• valerianol       0–33.9%
• bornyl acetate  0.9–33.5%
• valeranone      0–18.1%
• valeranal        0.5–15.95

This oil has a long list of potential components, which vary depending on factors such as the plant's cultivar, age, and harvest time.

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition

Valerian Aromatherapy Benefits

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art: Studies have shown the oil decreases mental stress and relaxes the brain, muscles, and nervous system.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Valerian may help relieve insomnia, nervousness, stress, tension, tension headache, stress-induced migraine, muscle spasm and cramps, restlessness, restless legs, and pimples and acne.

The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Use valerian to help relieve insomnia, nervous indigestion, migraine, restlessness, and tension.

The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness: Valerain appears most effective for helping relieve conditions related to the nervous system. Suggested uses:

• To calm restlessness and encourage good-quality sleep, blend the oil with vetiver, sandalwood, and rose. Add a couple of drops to a tissue and place inside the pillowcase.
• To release tension and stress, use the essential oil in massage blends. Calm a nervous stomach by massaging the abdomen.
• For an inhaler for migraine headaches, blend vetiver with star anise, lavender, and rosemary essential oils.

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Third Edition, Vol. 1: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, valerian is helpful for relieving Yin deficiency conditions and calms the Shen. Symptoms of Yin deficiency include insomnia, night sweats, restlessness, and irritability. Agitated Shen may lead to restlessness, irritability, insomnia, palpitations, dizziness, or tinnitus. In Five Element theory, the oil helps cool the Fire element and balance the Earth element.

Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Use valerian for the second chakra to comfort emotions, for the fourth chakra to balance the heart center's emotional responses, and for the seventh chakra to increase love for the Divine.

Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Use valerian's purification properties to consecrate new ritual tools and ritual space. The oil protects the home, bringing peace, stability, and happiness and also boosts personal vitality and longevity and grounds energy during emotional turmoil.

Valerian Essential Oil Uses and Blends

Bath Salts

• 2 drops valerian
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt

Blend ingredients. Stir salts into bath and soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

Foot Bath

• 3 drops valerian
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil
• 1 tablespoon salt

Blend ingredients. Mix well into a full basin of warm water. Soak feet for about 15 minutes.

Source: Eden's Garden

Massage Blends

Bedtime massage: Combine valerian essential oil with coconut oil for a sedating nighttime massage.

Bedtime Massage Blend

• 1 drop valerian
• 2 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
• 1 drop lavender essential oil
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil.

Pain Relief Massage

• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops valerian
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil

Diffuser Blends

Headache relief: 2 drops lavender, 2 drops basil, and 2 drops valerian.

Anxiety relief: 2 drops Roman chamomile, 3 drops mandarin, and 3 drops valerian.
   
Insomnia relief: 2 drops mandarin, 3 drops geranium, and 3 drops valerian.

Emotional trauma and depression relief: 2 drops mandarin, 2 drops cypress, and 3 drops valerian.

Source: Base Formula

Blissful Diffuser Blend

• 4 drops valerian essential oil
• 3 drops pine essential oil
• 3 drops orange essential oil

Source: Young Living

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Photo Credit: Lairich Rig / Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)