Valerian Root Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Valerian officinalis

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

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.Base note with a very rich, tenacious, musky, woody, balsamic aroma. Valerian root is one of the most calming herbs in common use. Valerian essential oil is steam-distilled from the rhizomes of Valerian officinalis. The essential oil is an olive-green to olive brown in color with a warm rich earthy odor and a distinct 'musk-like' character of great complexity. Valerian essential oil bends well with essential oils of: Cedarwood, Lavender, Mandarin, Dark Patchouli, Petitgrain, Pine, and Rosemary, and Tangerine, and Wild Orange.

Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Known to herbalists as 'all heal'. Both Hippocrates and Galen recommended Valerian as a remedy for insomnia.

Antidandruff, Antispasmodic, Bactericidal, Carminative, Diuretic, Emotionally balancing, Grounding, Hypnotic, Hypotensive, Nervous system depressant, Sedative. (See Definitions.)

Psychological:

• Researchers have pinpointed the sesquiterpenes 'valerenic acid' and 'valerone' as the active constituents, exerting a calming and restorative effect on the central nervous system.
• Calming and restorative
• Counteracts insomnia
• Eases nervous tension and restlessness
• Reduces incidence of migraine and tension headaches

Circulatory System:

• Lowers blood pressure

Digestive System:

• Stimulates the appetite
• Improves digestion
• Relaxes intestinal and stomach spasms

Dermatological:

• Quells ulcers
• Reduces eczema
• Heals minor sores and (closed) wounds

Topical:

• One of the most popular for sleep inducing is applying a few drops directly to the tops and/or bottoms of the feet before retiring for the night. Valerian is a warming, sedative herb with bitter principles.

Non-toxic, non-irritant, possible skin sensitization. Do NOT use during pregnancy. Do NOT use in combination with pharmaceutical sedatives, antidepressants, or alcohol.