Valerian

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(Valeriana officinalis)
Tranquilizing properties, eases sleep disturbances, indigestion and tension, promotes restful sleep. Most agree that Valerian has a strong 'unpleasant' aroma and it is used sparingly in blends.

 Info

Valerian
Valeriana officinalis

Plant Origin: India
Method: Steam distilled from root
Cultivation: Grown using organic methods
Aroma: Earthy, musky, strong - like strong stinky socks!
Many find the aroma unpleasant. It is generally used as a minute part of a blend (see inhaler suggestion below in Application Suggestions).
Note (Evaporation Rate): Base

Key Constituents from GC/MS Analysis: Lot #106
isovaleric acid 11.24%
gurjunene 34.65%
alpha-bulnesene 0.87%
patchouli alcohol 0.34%

Isovaleric acid is a component of Valerian and has a strong pungent cheesy or sweaty smell, but its volatile esters have pleasing scents and are used widely and sparingly in perfumery.

NOTE: Valerian is very thick and not suitable for use in a diffuser. It is likely too thick to drop through the orifice reducer, so that will probably need to be removed. We suggest using a pipette. Click here for a choice of plastic disposable pipettes or a rubber bulb/glass pipette.

The viscosity (consistency) of some oils are just naturally thicker while most are thinner and watery-like. For example, citrus oils are very thin but root oils are thicker. From a chemistry perspective, the lighter/smaller molecules (such as those that make up citrus oils) are thinner, and heavier/larger molecules (such as those that make up root oils) are thicker.

Valerian is extremely viscous, and therefore more difficult to use. With time it may solidify. Gently warming the oil in the hands before use may help (takes patience!), or you may need to warm in a water bath.

Warm Rice Method

Depending on the size of your bottle, warm enough rice on the stovetop or for about a minute in a microwave. A cup of rice is usuallly enough; use more if you have a larger bottle. Stir the rice to distribute the heat evenly. I wrap a cloth around the aromatic bottle and set it into the warm rice. I leave it in the warm rice until the rice heats the essential oil and it becomes pourable.

Warm Water Bath

First, place the oil bottle into a bowl (a glass baby food jar is perfect) and set in a pan of warm water (or double boiler) with enough warm water to affect the temperature of the oil. Avoid any possibility of allowing the water to get into the bottle. (I put my bottle in a ziplock bag and make sure it is standing upright.) Allow it to warm for about 15-20 minutes, replacing the water as needed if it evaporates. Continue warming until you get the oil at the right consistency to work with. Different oils take varying amounts of time to liquify, and this somewhat depends also on how solid they are and their ability to soften. You may also want to use a pipette to help dispense it.

Safety Information
Children: Suitable

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Suitable

Therapeutic Uses
Valerian essential oil may support, aid, ease, soothe, reduce, calm, relax, promote and/or maintain healthy function of the following:
Acne
Cramps
Digestion, indigestion
Gastrointestinal infections
Headache
Inflammation
Migraine
Muscle spasm
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Restless Leg
Restlessness
Skin
Sleep, nervous sleeplessness, tranquilizing properties
Stress
Tension
Trembling

Hopewell Essential Oil Blends Containing Valerian
Like Eagles
Liberate

Research
Valerian affects the same nerve receptors as benzodiazepines such as Valium. Some alternative MDs have reported using Valerian to help ensure a safe and painless transition from Xanax.

Roberta Wilson wrote: "Valerian can relax the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby counteracting the stressful effects of the fight-or-fight response."

"In mice, valerian oil inhalation reduced stress-induced plasma corticosterone levels, (Hosoi et al 2001), presumably because it is anxiolytic." - Tisserand
"Kormori et al 2006 reported that valerian oil vapor inhalation increased natural sleep duration in rats by 18%." - Tisserand
"Of the essential oils studied, valerian seems to possess the strongest sedative activity, by any route of administration." - Tisserand

Application Suggestions (See Essential Oil Usage for more information and a Dilution Chart.)
Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil.

Since Valerian does not have a limiting dilution parameter, we suggest that adults follow the General Guidelines found on the Dilution Chart, which is:

2-3% for daily application

Up to 25% for short-term use

Children: For infants and children, please refer to the Dilution Chart on the Babies and Children page.

Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler (may be too thick to diffuse as a single oil in a glass nebulizing diffuser).

PLEASE NOTE: Many feel that Valerian has a very strong, "unpleasant" aroma. It is typically used as a small component of a blend.

Suggested Inhaler Blend
4 drops May Chang
3 drops Neroli
1 drop Valerian

Internal: Valerian is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils internally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French aromatherapy" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application.
Click here for information about internal usage.

Testimonies
The following anecdotal testimonies have not been reviewed by the FDA.
The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease.
Information shared on the HEO website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice given by your trusted health care provider.
We believe that essential oils are provided by the Lord to support our health and well-being.
The Lord is our wisdom, protector and healer.
(Genesis 1:29-30, Ezekiel 47:12)

1. Valerian on the bottoms of my feet relaxes me so much and I sleep so much better when I use it. - Stef

2. Valerian on the bottom of feet helps me stay asleep! - Libby

3. To help me stay asleep at night, I use Valerian diluted on the bottoms of the feet. It works really well for me. I can get to sleep, but not stay asleep. - Teresa

4. I made up two roller bottles with 1/2 tsp almond oil, 1/2 tsp vodka, (help the almond oil to emulsify - not so oily). To this I added 4 drops of Solace. I meant for 3, but oops, you know how that can happen. I felt so good. I was wound down in the best possible way. I was very alert, but very calm. When my Mom tried her bottle on her wrists and inner elbows, she felt the same response. She deals with migraine and tension headaches, and I struggle with fibromyalgia. Tonight I mixed equal amounts (3 drops each) of Solace and Valerian in my diffuser. The pain is now 80% less than the weather-related pain I've dealt with in the last 5 days. I've been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease (DJD, that is, osteo arthritis.) Normally, I can't even sit up at 11 pm. With fibromyalgia, I've found it useful to use essntial oils that calm the central nervous system (CNS.) May the good Lord guide you to the oils that work best for you. I'm praying for you if you're reading this! - Becca

5. My son who has Down syndrome is 12 and is displaying aggressive behavior that seems to have become more exaggerated and brought on more by the onset of puberty. I've been using Adagio at nights and mornings, along with Valerian at night too. Valerian has a powerful, not so pleasant smell, so we sock his feet right away or he just tucks them under his covers quickly. I deal with anxiety myself and originally bought Valerian to try on me. I found I don't mind the smell much anymore because of the calming sensation it brings on. It doesn't knock me out, but relaxes me so I can sleep, and my number one love of it is that it shuts my brain up. I can relax, without my brain still going 100 mph. With my son, who is non-verbal, I don't know what feelings he gets out of it, but he sleeps at night. He's also been calmer. I also use Palo Santo. It's very calming effect on me is craved. It doesn't have the same type of calming effect that I find Valerian does, but a different, pleasant one. I don't use it to help with sleep, but rather to calm myself or my son in the moment when anxiety may be running high (like shopping). My daughter tells me it stinks. I've come to love the smell because of the calm I associate with it. Just a few drops in our hands, breathing it in, and my son and I are relaxing better. :) - Lysh

6. Valerian has a very strong aroma and taste. Most people say it smells like stinky gym socks, and while it has amazing relaxing properties, it actually stimulates a few people I know. I love Valerian and find nothing comes close to its deep, musky aroma and profound relaxing properties. I personally use Valerian to settle restless legs, to resolve spasmodic coughs (especially at night!) and overall, to just help me relax. On a side note, my cat loves it! - Rosemary

7. I love Valerian. I use it to sleep and for nerve damage from a bad back fusion. I deal with a lot of pain. I apply it from where my hairline starts following a path all the way to my tailbone. - Jennifer

Safety
Drug Caution: "Caution is advised when using sedating oils in anyone receiving barbiturates, benzodiazepines or anesthetics, due to possible interactions with these drugs, a theoretical possibility even from essential oil inhalation." - Robert Tisserand

Colorado State notes that benzodiazapines are highly addictive and tolerance can build within a week. Valerian root is among the herbal substances that are "generally regarded as safe". Unlike Valium or other benzodiazapines, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, valerian does not appear to cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms if you discontinue use. The primary concern with valerian is the potential adverse interactions with other medications. You should speak to your doctor first if you use medications to treat anxiety, insomnia or depression or if you drink alcohol on a regular basis.

For those considering substituting valerian for Valium, it is very important that you speak with a medical professional before you try to do so. Discontinuing benzodiazapines such as Valium can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting and seizures. Combining valerian and Valium to treat stress or anxiety symptoms may be problematic. Consult your health care provider.

Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.

References
Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2002, page 298.
Purchon, Nerys; Cantele, Lora, Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, 2014, pages 24, 114.
Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Elsevier Health Sciences UK 2nd Edition 2014.
Wilson, Roberta. Aromatherapy PA.
Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, New World Library, 2016, page 628.

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May the Lord guide you continually, preserving your health and watering your life when you are dry. May you be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring full of hope for your future in His care.
From Isaiah 58:11 & Jeremiah 29:11