Valerian
Valeriana Officinalis
Valerian Oil has an earthy, grounding aroma and works well in aromatherapy and in massage oils to soothe the mind and help ease feelings of anxiety and depression. It can be found in capsule form which is a natural remedy for depression and stress.
History of Valerian Oil
Valerian Oil is derived via steam distillation from the roots of Valeriana officinalis - a.k.a. common valerian, garden valerian, all-heal, and just valerian. Valerian is a perennial plant which typically bears clusters of small pinkish white flowers. It’s native to Europe and Asia and widely introduced in North America. Various parts of this plant are used for medicinal purposes, the most popular of which is, of course, the root. Valerian root extracts are used as hypnotics (sleep-inducing drugs) and anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs).
Valerian’s relationship with humankind started thousands of years ago. It’s believed that the ancient Greeks and Romans used it as a medicinal herb. Hippocrates described its therapeutic applications, while Galen prescribed it for insomnia in the 2nd century. In the 16th century, valerian was used as a remedy for nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations. In his book Complete Herbal, the 17th-century apothecary Nicholas Culpeper wrote: “The root of valerian boiled with liquorice, raisins, and aniseed is singularly good for those that are short-winded and for those that are troubled with the cough, and helps to open the passages and to expectorate phlegm easily.” During World War II, valerian was used in England to relieve the stress caused by air raids.
Why should I give Valerian Oil a try?
You might be wondering why you should use Valerian Oil instead of or in addition to valerian root extract in capsule or liquid form. Well, there are numerous reasons. Valerian Essential Oil can be used in a variety of ways, including in aromatherapy diffusers and massage blends. It can be helpful in dealing with insomnia, nervous tension, migraines, stress, and anxiety.
Diffusing Valerian Oil is the easiest way to take advantage of its ability to facilitate restful and undisturbed sleep. However, Valerian Oil can be applied topically as well. Just like every other essential oil, Valerian Oil should be diluted with a carrier oil prior to topical use.
A few drops of 100% Pure Organic Valerian Oil into a warm bath can alleviate depression and anxiety, improve focus levels, lower blood pressure levels, and provide abdominal pain relief.
Valerian Oil possesses a tenacious aroma with warm, woody, balsamic undertones. Its initial scent is strong. Many people find this oil’s aroma hard to tolerate. If you are one of them, you’ll be glad to learn that you can soften it dramatically by blending the oil at low dilution with other essential oils. You can choose from a number of gorgeous oils, including Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, and Vetiver.
Extracting Valerian Oil
Steam distillation is one of the most popular methods for extracting and isolating essential oils from plants. This process happens when dry steam is passed through the plant material. The steam vaporises the plant material’s volatile compounds, which eventually go through a condensation and collection process. One of the most significant advantages of steam distillation is that it generates organic solvent-free products.
Valerian Oil’s colour is yellowish-green to greenish-brown and its consistency is thin. It’s categorised as a base note.
Valerian Oil’s colour is yellowish-green to greenish-brown and its consistency is thin. It’s categorised as a base note.
The major chemical constituents of Valerian Oil are: valerianol, bornyl acetate, valeranone, valeranal, camphene, alpha-kessyl acetate, and elemol.
Can I make Valerian Oil at home?
Technically, yes. However, you’ll need to invest in steam distillation equipment and do the necessary research on the whole process. This can be a time-consuming adventure for some. In case spending money on brand new essential oil-extracting equipment isn’t an option for you, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full. Please bear in mind that your final product’s quality might not be as good as the one of its commercial counterparts. If you don’t want to risk it, we advise you to look for 100% Pure Organic Valerian Oil online or in a physical store.
Have you ever had the chance to use Valerian Oil? Have you ever tried to make it in the comfort of your home? We would love to read your stories, so feel free to share them with us!
The major chemical constituents of Valerian Oil are: valerianol, bornyl acetate, valeranone, valeranal, camphene, alpha-kessyl acetate, and elemol.
Can I make Valerian Oil at home?
Technically, yes, however, you’ll need to invest in steam distillation equipment and do the necessary research on the whole process and it can be a time-consuming adventure for some. In case spending money on brand new essential oil-extracting equipment isn’t an option for you, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full. Please bear in mind that your final product’s quality might not be as good as the one of its commercial counterparts. If you don’t want to risk it, we advise you to look for 100% Pure Organic Valerian Oil online or in a physical store.
Have you ever had the chance to use Valerian Oil? Have you ever tried to make it in the comfort of your home? We would love to read your stories, so feel free to share them with us!
Valerian Oil Varieties
Valerian Oil Varieties
The genus Valeriana includes over 250 species. V. officinalis is the species most often used in several parts of the world, including the US and Europe. However, other Valeriana species can be found on the market as well, the most significant of which is Valeriana wallichii. V. wallichii, also known as Indian Valerian, is a rhizome herb indigenous to India, Nepal, and China. Indian Valerian is considered to be an important substitute for V. officinalis because it carries similar therapeutic properties as common valerian. Indian Valerian has been traditionally used as a remedy for sleep problems, obesity, nervous disorders, snake poisoning, and skin diseases. In Ayurvedic medicine, this plant is used as an antispasmodic, nervine, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, and carminative. An essential oil is extracted from its root, but it’s not as popular as the essential oil obtained from common valerian.
So, which Valerian Oil type to opt for?
Since Valerian Essential Oil (Valeriana officinalis) has been embraced in the aromatherapy world for quite some time now and is viewed as a staple by many aromatherapy practitioners and essential oil lovers, we believe that deciding on it is smart. This Valerian Oil variety can come in handy when dealing with insomnia, nervous tension, migraines, stress, and anxiety. It can also improve focus levels, lower blood pressure levels, provide abdominal pain relief, and alleviate depression.
To fully experience the extraordinary beauty of Valerian Oil, we strongly advise you to opt for 100% Pure Organic Valerian Oil. When shopping online or in a physical store, make sure the product you choose isn’t an adulterated version of the oil or a blend (unless, of course, you’re looking for a specific combo). To be completely sure you’re buying Valerian Oil, look for the aforementioned botanical name on the label.
Have you ever used Valerian Oil? What about Indian Valerian Oil? Which one do you prefer? As always, feel free to start a conversation on any essential oil-inspired topic!
So, which Valerian Oil type to opt for?
Valerian Essential Oil (Valeriana officinalis) has been embraced in the aromatherapy world for quite some time now and is viewed as a staple by many aromatherapy practitioners and essential oil lovers. Indian Valerian Oil variety can come in handy when dealing with insomnia, nervous tension, migraines, stress, and anxiety. It can also improve focus levels, lower blood pressure levels, provide abdominal pain relief, and alleviate depression.
To fully experience the extraordinary beauty of Valerian Oil, we strongly advise you to opt for 100% Pure Organic Valerian Oil. When shopping online or in a physical store, make sure the product you choose isn’t an adulterated version of the oil or a blend (unless, of course, you’re looking for a specific combo). To be completely sure you’re buying Valerian Oil, look for the aforementioned botanical name on the label.
Have you ever used Valerian Oil? What about Indian Valerian Oil? Which one do you prefer? As always, feel free to start a conversation on any essential oil-inspired topic!
Benefits of Valerian Oil
At Essentially Yours, we pride ourselves on doing the necessary research to deepen our understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. This enables us to help you pick the best oils, blends, and methods of application for your wants and needs. We believe that familiarising you with our products, the numerous benefits they offer, and the adverse side effects that occur when they aren’t properly used is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. In this particular blog, we are going to dive into some of the many impressive benefits of Valerian Oil.
Valerian Essential Oil can:
Promote sleep
Valerian Oil can induce peace and relaxation, thus facilitating restful and undisturbed sleep. This essential oil is commonly used as an alternative to prescribed sleeping pills because it’s both safe and gentle. It can be used in an aromatherapy diffuser or oil burner. Adding a few drops of 100% Pure Organic Valerian Oil to a warm bath can do the trick as well. If you find Valerian Oil’s aroma unpleasant, consider blending it with other calming essential oils like Lavender and Rosemary.
Calm anxiety and alleviate depression
Research has shown that Valerian Oil possesses powerful sedative properties. This oil can reduce feelings of anxiety and low self-confidence. Valerian Oil can also prevent the destruction of serotonin neurons in the brain, thus allowing for a prolonged feeling of relaxation. This means that Valerian Oil can be helpful in combating emotional stress, trauma, and depression.
Boost concentration
When diffused, Valerian Essential Oil can promote focus and mental clarity. It’s a great choice for students who are having a hard time concentrating. Additionally, Valerian Oil might also help treat ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) - a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood.
Lower blood pressure
It’s reported that Valerian Oil can regulate and lower blood pressure levels, which can lead to decreased chances of strokes and cardiac arrests. In addition to this, Valerian Oil might also reduce heart palpitations by facilitating a regular metabolic rate. To harness this health benefit, dilute a few drops of Valerian Oil with a carrier oil and gently massage the mixture onto your chest.
Relieve abdominal pain
Thanks to its analgesic and antispasmodic qualities, Valerian Oil can alleviate pain caused by menstrual cramps. Since it can soothe muscular spasms, Valerian Oil can be used to ease stomach issues as well. To take advantage of these therapeutic properties, add 3-4 drops of 100% Pure Organic Valerian Oil to your bath or dilute it with Coconut Oil to create an effective massage blend.
Please note that the benefits of Valerian Oil can vary from person to person, and what may work for you may not work for someone else. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should always consult with a doctor before use, even if an essential oil is deemed ‘safe’ for you to use!
Uses of Valerian Oil
We, the Essentially Yours team, take immense pleasure in learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you enrich your understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. Whether you are thinking about adding a certain oil or blend to your collection and want to learn its dos and don’ts or you are simply curious about the various methods of oil application - we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we are going to explore some of the most popular ways of using Valerian Oil.
Valerian Oil is a potent and versatile essential oil. It can be used in a variety of ways, including:
In aromatherapy
Valerian Oil is prized for its powerful relaxing properties. It’s reported that it can assist with sleeplessness, restlessness, trauma, emotional stress, anxiety, and depression. Since Valerian Oil can infuse you with peace and tranquility, diffusing 3-4 drops of the oil can reduce feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem as well as help you get a good night’s rest. If Valerian Oil’s scent is too pungent for your liking, consider blending it with Lavender Oil.
Caution: Please avoid using Valerian Oil in conjunction with melatonin or other medications for sleep disorders as this may produce a strong sedative effect.
In warm baths
Not a big fan of essential oil diffusers? No worries! You can take advantage of Valerian Oil’s sedative qualities by adding a few drops of the oil to a warm bath before going to bed. In addition to this, you can create a lovely stress-relieving bath blend by combining 3 drops of Valerian Oil, 2 drops of Patchouli Oil, and 1 teaspoon of your favourite carrier oil (we recommend Almond, Coconut, or Jojoba).
In massage blends
Valerian Essential Oil can be used in massage blends to subdue over-excitability and restlessness. It’s said that this oil can help treat ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) - a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. Additionally, Valerian Oil can lower blood pressure and alleviate menstrual cramps. How to reap these benefits? Just dilute a few drops of 100% Pure Valerian Oil with a quality carrier oil and gently rub the mixture on the affected areas (your chest and abdomen).
Caution: Do not use Valerian Oil if you are already taking medicines to lower your blood pressure levels.
In skincare
Valerian Oil can be helpful in treating various skin conditions, including wounds, cuts, stings, and bruises. This essential oil can also assist with acne, eczema, and boils by inhibiting the growth and spread of certain bacteria. Enrich your daily skincare products with 2-3 drops of Valerian Oil or dilute 2-3 drops of the oil with as many drops of your favourite carrier oil and apply the blend topically.
Caution: Do not apply Valerian Oil to broken skin or open wounds.
Blends well with
At Essentially Yours, we pride ourselves on constantly learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you choose the right oils, blends, and methods of application for your wants and needs. We believe that familiarising you with our products, the numerous benefits they boast, and the adverse side effects that occur when they aren’t properly used is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. This particular blog focuses on some of the oils Valerian Oil works well with.
Almond Oil
Almond Oil (the sweet variety) is one of the most commonly used carrier oils. This affordable all-purpose carrier oil is made from the kernels of sweet almonds (botanical name: Prunus dulcis). Almond Oil is a primarily monounsaturated oil with mild, nutty aroma and medium viscosity. It absorbs into the skin relatively quickly, nourishing it through moisturisation and leaving it super soft. Almond Oil can soothe dry and irritated areas and is suitable for all skin types. Even though skin reactions to nut oils don’t occur often, it’s best to consult with your physician if you are allergic to nuts.
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Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is another popular carrier oil. It’s derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant and has a delicate, nutty aroma. Jojoba Oil absorbs easily into the skin, doesn’t clog pores, and helps control sebum production. This is why Jojoba Oil is commonly used in massage blends and facial moisturisers.
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Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil is quite possibly the most popular and versatile essential oil. It’s cherished for its antibacterial, calming, and sedative properties. To promote tranquility and harmony, consider pairing Valerian Oil with Lavender Oil.
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Roman Chamomile Oil
Roman Chamomile Oil boasts a crisp, sweet, fruity, and herbaceous scent. It’s commonly used during periods of anger or irritability. Additionally, Roman Chamomile Oil can assist with insect bites, inflamed skin, dermatitis, wounds, headaches, PMS, insomnia, and many other health issues.
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Rosemary Oil
Rosemary Oil has a refreshing, invigorating, and stimulating aroma. It’s prized for its ability to improve circulation, assist with acne/oily skin, and prevent hair loss. Rosemary Oil may also help relieve pain, reduce joint inflammation, and repel some blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes and ticks.
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Sweet Orange Oil
This is an extremely versatile and affordable essential oil. Its citrusy and sweet scent is similar to that of orange peels, which is probably why this oil is widely used in aromatherapy. When added to massage blends, Sweet Orange Oil can assist with slow digestion and flatulence. It can also help with mental and physical exhaustion.
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Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood Oil’s woody and balsamic aroma has a calming and comforting effect. This oil possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can be beneficial for certain skin conditions. It’s reported that Cedarwood Oil can alleviate and reduce acne breakouts, soothe symptoms of eczema, diminish the appearance of scars, and protect the skin against environmental pollutants and toxins.
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