Essential Oil – Valerian Root

———— ————
Product Type 100% Pure & Natural Essential oil
Available in 5ml
———— ————
Botanical Name Valeriana wallichi
Origin Europe
Part Root
Extraction Steam
———— ————

$80.00

Essential Oil - Valerian Root
[ Scent Library ]
------------ ------------
Aroma It has a strong, heavy, and pungent aroma often described as "stinky cheese" or "dirty socks" due to its isovaleric acid content; however, it develops a warm, woody, and balsamic sweetness as it dries down.
Category Earthy | Herbaceous | Musky
Note Base
Intensity 6/6
------------ ------------
[ More About ]
------------ ------------
AKA Garden Valerian, Garden Heliotrope
Chinese 缬草根
Japanese ヴァレリアン
------------ ------------
Botanical Family Valerianaceae
------------
 ------------
Chemistry Esters
------------
 ------------
Common Usage Nervous System (Primary Benefit)

  • Insomnia Relief: Acts as a powerful sedative to help the brain transition into deep, restorative sleep.
  • Anxiety Reduction: Known for its ability to quiet "nervous chatter" and reduce feelings of panic or hysteria.
  • Neuralgia Support: Sometimes used in blends to calm overactive nerves and provide relief from nerve-related discomfort.
  • Stress Regulation: Helps lower the body's physiological response to high-stress triggers.

Musculoskeletal System

  • Antispasmodic: Highly effective for easing involuntary muscle twitches and spasms.
  • Muscle Relaxant: Helps release deep-seated physical tension, especially in the neck and shoulders.
  • Restless Legs: Used in foot and leg massages to calm the "creepy-crawly" sensations associated with restless leg syndrome.

Digestive System

  • Nervous Stomach: Calms digestive upsets, such as cramping or bloating, that are specifically triggered by stress or anxiety.
  • Smooth Muscle Support: Helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract to encourage regular movement.

Integumentary System (Skin)

  • Wound Healing Support: Historically used in traditional European practices to support the healing of minor skin irritations (though it is rarely used for this today due to its strong scent).
  • Skin Soothing: Can be added to salves for dry, scaly skin when a calming effect is needed.

Cardiovascular System

  • Heart Rate Regulation: Helps slow a racing heart rate during moments of extreme nervousness or agitation.
  • Hypotensive Support: May assist in temporary mild blood pressure reduction by inducing a state of total body relaxation.
------------ ------------
Blending note Because European Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) has such a high concentration of isovaleric acid (the "stinky socks" compound), blending it is an exercise in masking and transformation. You need oils that are either strong enough to overpower the funk or chemically similar enough to "re-frame" it into something pleasant.
------------
 ------------
Do you know? Despite its polarizing smell to humans, Valerian has an effect similar to catnip on cats and rats; legend says the Pied Piper of Hamelin actually used Valerian roots in his pockets to lure the rats away.
------------ ------------
Contraindication
  • Extremely sedative; do not use before driving or operating machinery.
  • It can interact with sedative medications (like benzodiazepines) and should be discontinued at least two weeks before surgery.
------------
 ------------

Related products