The plant grows wild and is cultivated in the northern mountainous parts of
India and in the Eastern and Central Europe, but has become naturalised in
Western Europe and parts of North America after early introduction the
herbal drug valerian, which has been used for at least 1000 years. Valerian
is widely used in Europe as a mild sedative and sleep aid for insomnia,
excitability and exhaustion. It has depressant activities on the central
nervous system.
Description of Valerian essential:
Valerian has about 200 perennial herb and small shrub. The plant is found
throughout Europe and Northern Asia and is common in England in marshy
thickets and on the borders of ditches and rivers where its tall stems may
generally be seen in the summer towering above the usual herbage, the rich,
dark green of the leaves, their beautiful form. Valerian Root has an earthy,
slightly sweet scent characteristic of an oil derived from a root.
Appearance : Mobile liquid
Aroma : Woody, slightly spicy root
Color : Pale brown or amber yellow
Chemical constituents: Valerian oil has various chemical
compounds that include Valepotriates, glycoside, volatile oil (up to 2%)
containing esters of acetic, butyric and isovalerianic acid, limonene,
sesquiterpene, calerian camphor, alkaloids, chatinine, valerianine,
actinidine and valerine, choline, tannins, resins, bornyl acetate,
caryophyllene, valeranone, valerenal, bornyl isovalerate and valerenic acid.
Extraction: It is extracted by the steam distillation of
the roots.
Aromatherapy uses:
Valerian is a warming and sedative herb with bitter principles and is used
to calm the nerves, help with pain relief, stimulate the appetite, lower
blood pressure, relax spasms and improve digestion. Valerian is an excellent
remedy for anxiety, nervous tension and insomnia. Valerian essential oil has
been used for hypochondria, nervous headaches, irritability, mild spasmodic
affections, diarrhea, epilepsy, migraine headaches, croup, hysteria,
convulsions, vertigo, nervous cough, delirium, neuralgia, muscle cramps, gas
pains, stomach cramps, spasms, palpitations.
Pharmaceutical uses:
Valerian also has a strengthening action on the heart, good for
palpitations and experiments indicate that it lowers blood pressure. The
valepotriates are antispasmodic and is a useful remedy for nervous
dyspepsia, stomach cramps, and for a spastic or irritable bowel. It is also
an effective treatment for menstrual cramps.
Valerian is a strong nervine and is very helpful for insomnia. It contains
an essential oil and alkaloids which combine to produce calming sedative
effect. It can be used as a tranquillizer but leaves one feeling refreshed
rather than sluggish. It is known as a safe non-narcotic herbal sedative and
has been recommended in anxiety states. Valerian is commonly used with other
herbs for nervous tension. It is also useful in pain-relieving remedies for
it's relaxing properties for muscle spasms. Valerian has been used for
insomnia, migraines, menstrual moods and relaxation. It is extremely helpful
for nausea and headache due to its strong smell.
Blends great with: Lavender, Orange, Tangerine, Rosemary, Cedar wood and
Patchouli.
Perfumery
Valerian oils are the perfect alternative to synthetic fragrances without
all the harsh chemicals. It is pure and natural and by using a carrier oil
could be applied directly to the skin and reap the therapeutic benefits
along with the fragrance. The oil of valerian is used in many blended
perfumes as it gives a different leathery note to a fragrance.
Industrial uses:
Valerian oil Improves compost, attracts earthworms and boosts vegetable
growth. It has a calming effect on the cats. The dried herb is prepared as
an infusion to ensure no loss of the volatile oils.
Flavorings:
Valerian roots are eaten by the tribes of western mountains of India. It is
popular as dressings in salad in France.It is used for making tea which has
medicinal value. Two teaspoons of the dried herb are used for each cup of
tea prepared. It is expected to have a good relaxing, anti-spasmodic and
sleep-inducing effect and above all rapid sedation in states of excitement.
A cold infusion of valerian may be used by pouring over two teaspoons of
valerian root.
