Valerian Root Essential Oil

Distilled from the roots of Valeriana officinalis, this classic calming oil is prized for its evening wind-down qualities. The plant’s soft pink-white flowers are a pretty sight in the paddock, but it is the earthy root that carries the character and the long-held reputation for rest and relaxation. This is a calming essential oil with a strong aroma that is considered an acquired scent by some. Similar to catnip, valerian is grounding for humans and exciting for our feline friends.

Botanical Name: Valeriana officinalis L., fam. Valerianaceae

Part Used: Root

Method of Extraction: Steam distillation

Origin: India

Typical Main Constituents
Bornyl acetate
Valerenal
Valeranone
Valerianol
Camphene

Aroma: Strong, tenacious and unmistakably earthy. Expect warm, woody and balsamic tones with an animalic edge that some noses find challenging. If the scent feels a bit full-on, keep the dose tiny or blend with gentler notes to smooth it out.

Blends With: Lavender, Roman chamomile, vetiver, patchouli, petitgrain, cedarwood, sweet orange and mandarin.

Benefits and uses

Positioned for aromatherapy and traditional use.

Sleep support and nervous tension: Traditionally used to settle restlessness and promote a more restful night, especially by inhalation as part of a bedtime routine.

Evening relaxation: Helpful in low-dose blends for winding down after a busy day.

Notes on tolerance: Because the odour is assertive, many users prefer micro-doses or pairing with lavender or petitgrain to soften the edges.

Traditional indications sometimes cited

Insomnia, nervous tension, nervous indigestion, and head tension. Treat these as traditional uses rather than therapeutic claims.

How to use

Diffusion: 1 to 3 drops, 30 to 60 minutes in a well-ventilated room, ideally in the evening.

Topical: Very low dilutions only due to odour intensity. Always dilute into a carrier and patch test first.

Formulation tip: Start low. Even 0.1 to 0.5% in a blend can be plenty.

General Essential Oil Safety Recommendations

• Do not take essential oils internally unless under advisement by a qualified medical professional.
• Do not use essential oils undiluted on the skin. It is always best to try a small patch test first of the diluted essential oil.
• People who are pregnant or have serious medical problems are advised to consult with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils.
• Use extreme caution when using essential oils with children. It is safest to consult with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children.

General Disclaimer
The product information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. The information provided is not considered to be complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The information contained in this website is not intended to be sufficient to provide diagnosis and/or treatment of medical conditions. It is recommended that treatment of serious health conditions be done with the help of a trained qualified medical practitioner.