Valerian Root Essential Oil

Natural Valerian Essential Oil - Valeriana officinalis L., Valerianaceae -

The essential oil from valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is one of the oldest and most well-known natural remedies for its potent calming and relaxing properties. This oil is extracted from the root of the valerian plant through a steam distillation process, resulting in a liquid that ranges from pale yellow to amber in color, with a very characteristic aroma: earthy, woody, and slightly sweet and spicy.

Its use in traditional medicine dates back centuries, where it was valued for its sedative, anxiolytic, and antispasmodic effects. Valerian is particularly known for its ability to promote natural sleep, relieve anxiety, and reduce stress without the side effects of synthetic sedatives.

Main Properties

Valerian essential oil is a powerful natural solution for those seeking a holistic way to relax and balance the body and mind. Its main properties include:

• Muscle relaxant and nervous system relaxant.
• Natural sedative, helps induce sleep and improve sleep quality.
• Anxiolytic, reduces chronic anxiety and stress.
• Antispasmodic, effective for relieving muscle cramps and physical tension.

Uses in Aromatherapy

Valerian root is especially useful in aromatherapy, where it is used to treat issues related to insomnia, anxiety, and nervousness. Its distinctive aroma has an immediate effect on the central nervous system, calming and restoring emotional balance.

Natural Relaxation Recipes

1. Diffuser Blend for Relaxing the Environment

   • 3 drops of valerian essential oil
   • 2 drops of lavender essential oil
   • 2 drops of mandarin essential oil Place the mixture in your essential oil diffuser and let it run for at least 30 minutes before bed. This blend calms the mind and prepares the body for rest.

2. Relaxing Massage Oil

   • 10 ml of sweet almond oil
   • 3 drops of valerian essential oil
   • 3 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil
   • 2 drops of frankincense essential oil Mix the ingredients and gently massage the neck, shoulders, and back before bed to release physical and mental tension.

3. Calming Bath for Insomnia

   • 5 drops of valerian essential oil
   • 5 drops of lavender essential oil
   • 1 cup of Epsom salts Add the salts and essential oils to a warm bath. Soak for 20 minutes to relax the body and mind before bed.

4. Anti-Stress Inhalation

   • 1 drop of valerian essential oil
   • 1 drop of sweet marjoram essential oil
   • 1 cotton handkerchief Place the drops on the handkerchief and take deep inhalations for 2-3 minutes when feeling anxious or nervous. This technique is excellent for moments of sudden stress or panic.

Natural Cosmetic Recipes

1. Nourishing Face Cream for Sensitive Skin

   • 50 ml of natural or neutral base cream
   • 3 drops of valerian essential oil
   • 3 drops of rosehip essential oil
   • 2 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil This cream is ideal for sensitive or irritation-prone skin. Apply to the face every night to soothe, calm, and nourish the skin.

2. Rejuvenating Face Mask

   • 2 tablespoons of white clay
   • 1 tablespoon of rose water
   • 3 drops of valerian essential oil
   • 2 drops of geranium essential oil Mix all the ingredients into a smooth paste and apply to clean skin. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. This mask rejuvenates the skin, promoting a more rested and luminous appearance.

Other Benefits of Valerian Essential Oil

Valerian essential oil is not only useful for managing stress and sleep issues, but it can also help relieve certain physical discomforts, such as:

• Relief from muscle cramps: Its antispasmodic action makes it useful in localized massages to treat muscle spasms or cramps.
• Improving concentration: Although known for its sedative effect, it can also be used in small amounts to promote calm and mental clarity, helping with focus in stressful or work-related situations.
• Digestive aid: It can be combined with other essential oils for abdominal massages that promote better digestion and relieve gastric spasms.

Safety Considerations

• Although valerian oil is safe for most people when used correctly, it should be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
• It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, nor in young children.
• Avoid using this essential oil if you have low blood pressure, as its relaxing effect may accentuate this condition.
• Do not combine it with sedative or antidepressant medications without the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Valerian essential oil is a natural treasure offering holistic solutions for physical and emotional well-being. Its regular use, within recommended limits, can significantly improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and enhance skincare, all through a natural and body-friendly approach.

Organoleptic Profile

Valerian essential oil has a distinctively strong and earthy aroma, often described by many as smelling like "feet" or even "aged cheese." This perception is primarily due to its chemical composition.

The main contributor to this smell is a group of chemical compounds known as sesquiterpenes and isovaleric acids found in the root of the Valeriana officinalis plant. These compounds, while highly effective in therapeutic terms, have an aromatic profile that can be unpleasant or overpowering for some people.

1. Isovaleric Acid: This compound is key in valerian’s olfactory profile and produces the characteristic rancid or sour odor, similar to that associated with sweaty feet or aged cheese.

2. Sesquiterpenes: These aromatic compounds contribute bitter and earthy notes to the oil. While beneficial for their sedative and calming properties, they add to the "heavy" and dense aroma of valerian.

Despite this particular smell, valerian oil remains one of the most commonly used in aromatherapy for its incredible relaxing and sedative properties. Often, to soften its aroma, it is blended with more pleasant essential oils such as lavender, mandarin, or frankincense, creating an effective synergy that retains its therapeutic benefits without the negative impact of the smell.

Properties of Valerian Essential Oil

Antispasmodic: Helps with involuntary body movements.

Nervous tonic: Helps with stress-related illnesses.

Calming: Helps relax the nervous system.

Practical Uses and Applications of Valerian Essential Oil

Valerian essential oil has traditionally been used to help with the following:

Digestive System: Stomach discomfort caused by nervous tension.

Nervous System: Insomnia, headaches, migraines, restlessness, tension, and nervous indigestion.

Recipes with Valerian Essential Oil

IN MASSAGE

• For muscle relaxation: Use a blend of 2 drops of valerian essential oil along with 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil, mixed with a teaspoon of black cumin oil on the affected muscles.
• To aid sleep: Apply 2 drops of valerian with 2 drops of Roman chamomile and 1 teaspoon of coconut or St. John's wort oil to the shoulders and neck before bed.

Valerian Essential Oil Blends Well With:

• Lavender
• Ginger
• Atlas Cedar
• Peppermint
• Field Mint
• Lemon
• Vetiver
• Roman Chamomile
• Coconut
• St. John's Wort

Recommended Dilutions for Valerian Essential Oil

Essential oils should always be diluted and kept away from sensitive areas (mucous membranes, eyes…)

Maximum recommended generic dilution for topical use in adults: 2%
Maximum recommended generic dilution for topical use in children: 0.25%

Avoid use in children under 12 years old.

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should be diluted for most uses. Use our dilution chart to get a more detailed idea of the correct use of essential oils:

ESSENTIAL OILS DILUTION GENERAL GUIDE

Notes from Our Aromatherapy Experts

Identification

Botanical Name: Valeriana Officinalis L., Valerianaceae

Origin: India

Extraction Method: Steam distillation

Distilled Part: Roots

INCI: Valeriana Officinalis Root Extract

Safety

Safety Considerations

• Although valerian oil is safe for most people when used correctly, it should be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
• It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, nor in young children.
• Avoid using this essential oil if you have low blood pressure, as its relaxing effect may accentuate this condition.
• Do not combine it with sedative or antidepressant medications without the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Valerian essential oil is a natural treasure offering holistic solutions for physical and emotional well-being. Its regular use, within recommended limits, can significantly improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and enhance skincare, all through a natural and body-friendly approach.

Topical Use: Suitable

Diffuser: Suitable

Phototoxicity: No

Sensitizing: No

Irritating: No

Naturally Occurring Allergens in This Essential Oil:

• Limonene

Preserving Essential Oils

It is equally important to know how to preserve essential oils to ensure their good condition and prevent them from becoming toxic or irritating due to oxidation or contamination. We recommend reading this small guide:

Storage of Essential Oils

Important

The information provided by Essenciales comes from popular sources and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not aim to offer or sell this product as a diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. The International Federation of Aromatherapists does not recommend the ingestion or internal consumption of essential oils except under the strict supervision of a doctor or practitioner qualified in aromatherapy and clinical phytotherapy. It is always recommended to properly dilute essential oils. If you are pregnant, suffer from epilepsy, liver failure, or have a health problem, use essential oils only under medical prescription. Never use essential oils on children without the proper knowledge or instructions from a professional.

Never ignore professional medical advice.
Essenciales does not provide medical advice or engage in the practice of medicine.