Valerian Root Essential Oil (Valeriana officinalis) — Product Information
Product Details
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) Root Oil |
| CAS Number | 8008-88-6 |
| Extraction Method | Steam Distillation |
| Plant Part Used | Roots |
| Origin | India |
| Common Names | Garden Valerian, "All Heal" |
| Appearance | Green-yellow fluid liquid oil |
| Odour Note | Base note; Woody, musky aroma |
| Quality | 100% pure and organic whole essential oil |
| Storage Condition | Store tightly closed, in a cool, dry place; keep away from light, heat, children, and pets |
Key Features & Interesting Facts
Main Components: 30–40% bornyl acetate, 10–15% camphene, 10–15% alpha-pinene, limonene, linalool.
Origin of Name: “Valerian” comes from Latin “valere,” meaning “to be well, strong, healthy.”
Aromatic Profile: Strong musky, earthy aroma that blends best with other essential oils. Fresh roots notably attract cats!
Historical Use: Known as the “herbal Valium,” revered since antiquity for relaxation and sleep support. Used by Hippocrates, Romans, and in various healing traditions for sleep, nerves, and heart health.
Benefits & Uses
Effectiveness Scale
+++ Excellent use
++ Good use
Tolerable
-- Not recommended
Main Benefits
Calming Sleep Aid: Promotes restful sleep, eases anxiety, soothes nervous tension; ideal for bedtime rituals and meditation.
Stress & Anxiety Relief: Helps calm the mind and reduce emotional overwhelm.
Muscle Relaxation & PMS: Anti-spasmodic to help ease minor cramps, digestive upsets, and PMS discomfort.
Digestive & Heart Support: Traditionally used for digestive issues and to support blood pressure and heart health.
Skin & Hair: Offers antioxidant, astringent, and reparative effects for skin. Used in heavily diluted scalp blends for nourishment and dandruff support.
Emotional Balance: Useful in perfume and meditation blends for promoting peace and clarity in fast-paced lifestyles.
How to Use Valerian Root Essential Oil
Aromatherapy & Diffusion
Diffuser: 1–2 drops (often combined with lavender or chamomile) in the bedroom or relaxation area before sleep.
Inhalation: 1 drop on a tissue, or add to a calming bath to promote deep relaxation.
Ultrasonic Diffusers: Because of its strong aroma, blend lightly (with other calming oils such as lavender or chamomile) and diffuse for up to 10 minutes before meditation or sleep (++).
Topical Use (Always Dilute!)
Massage: 1–2 drops in 10ml carrier oil for neck, back, shoulders, or abdomen to ease tension or menstrual discomfort (+++).
Example blend: 2 drops Valerian, 2 drops Mandarin, 2 drops Lavender, and 20 drops carrier oil.
Bath & Scalp: 1–2 drops in 20ml vegetable glycerine or in 1 cup of Epsom salts. Add to bath water or use heavily diluted for a scalp massage (++).
Perfumery
Used as a strong, earthy base note in grounding and centering natural perfumes.
Blends and Recipes
Sleep-Enhancing Diffuser Blend:
3 drops Valerian Root
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Chamomile
Add to your diffuser as directed.
Relaxing Bath Soak:
1 cup Epsom salts
5 drops each Valerian Root, Lavender, and Roman Chamomile
Mix and store; use ¼ to ½ cup in a warm bath bedtime.
Calming Massage Oil:
2 tbsp Sweet Almond oil
5 drops each Valerian Root, Lavender, Frankincense
Blend in a glass bottle; massage for relaxation.
Soothing Sleep Roller Blend:
10ml Jojoba oil
3 drops Valerian Root
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Roman Chamomile
Combine in a roller, shake, and apply to wrists/behind ears before bed.
Stress-Relieving Pillow Spray:
1 cup distilled water
10 drops each Valerian Root, Lavender, Chamomile
Combine in spray bottle, shake, and lightly mist pillow/linens before sleep.
Oil Pairing Suggestions
Blend with these for enhanced effects:
For sleep: Ylang-Ylang, Lavender, Lavandin, Neroli
For emotional balance: Grapefruit
For meditation: Frankincense
For menstrual relief: Evening primrose, Clary sage
For digestion: Tarragon, Peppermint
Safety & Precautions
Do not use undiluted.
Do not ingest.
Not for babies, young children, or during pregnancy.
Use sparingly due to the potent aroma and sedative effect—always dilute well and do a patch test before skin application.
Avoid use before operating machinery or driving.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Consult a healthcare provider if pregnant, nursing, or if you have health concerns.
For more details, see: Precaution — How to Use Essential Oils Safely and Instructions of Use
Enjoy the deep calm and relaxation Valerian Root Essential Oil can bring—always use responsibly and with care!