Valerian Oil is a supplement that works to relieve stress in the body. The supplement is made from the roots and sometimes the stems and leaves of the valerian plant.
Valerian root comes in a variety of different forms such as a natural herb extract tea, pills and also in liquid tincture form.
The Valerian Essential Oil form is typically used on the skin or for aromatherapy, while other forms are usually ingested.
The benefits of valerian oil have been heavily documented in records of traditional medicines and by users that have experienced positive results.
When researching Valerian Oil it is important to discern testimonies of users and their success stories, from concrete scientific information and facts that can be backed up by research. Unfortunately, the latter is insufficient at the time of writing.
There is limited scientific information about the benefits of valerian oil and the exact way it works. However, research continues in identifying the active compounds in this plant and determining their clinical effects.



- Helps alleviate stress & anxiety
- Promotes better sleep & daytime alertness
- Boosts relaxation by enhancing GABA signalling
Valerian Oil
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Valerian oil can be taken in a variety of different ways. The principle reason for using valerian root extract is to relieve the effects of stress and insomnia.
Dietary supplement formulations are typically taken in the evening or at night to ensure a restful sleep. The essential oil can be used in a few different ways.
It is not recommended to ingest the oil directly, but there are tinctures of Valerian root that can be added to teas and other beverages for oral consumption.
Valerian oil acts as a mild, natural sedative in the body. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the board responsible for approving health products in the U.S, claims that Valerian is “generally considered safe” for use amongst the general population.
To determine whether this product is appropriate for your needs, it is best to speak to your doctor or a licensed naturopath.
Use of Valerian Oil in Aromatherapy
Using valerian oil as an incense is popular. By adding a small quantity of the oil to an oil burner, the room can be filled with the scent of valerian, which can have a calming effect on the user.
This herb is very popular in aromatherapy but there is one major draw back to using valerian oil in this way: the odor is not very pleasant.
If you do not have a strong sense of smell, it may not be a problem. However many users have reported that despite its effectiveness as a sedative, it can cause quite a foul smell in your sleeping or living area.
This smell can be difficult to remove the following day and sometimes it can take several days to get rid of the lingering odor.
For this reason some companies that manufacture valerian oil in large quantities have opted to mix the natural extract of the plant with additional ingredients to mask the odor. The types of additional ingredients used in such products varies greatly.
Some companies only use natural ingredients, while others mask the natural odor of valerian oil with synthetic odors. Lavender Oil may be paired with Valerian.
You are advised to always read the label before you decide which brand of valerian oil is right for you. Check the other ingredients in any essential oil combinations to ensure you are not allergic to one of the adjunct components.
Topical Valerian Oil and Skin
To avoid the odor associated with using the product, you can pour a small quantity of the oil into the bath. Mixing it with large quantities of water greatly reduces the odor while still retaining the effectiveness of the oil. This is considered to be effective as a soothing natural remedy for the skin.
Placing a few drops of the essential oil in your bath tub can also promote relaxation, a sense of mental calm and help users fall asleep.
Some scientific evidence suggests that the natural extract of valerian root can be effective in the treatment of skin aliments. By applying the oil directly to the skin or first mixing it with your regularly used moisturizing cream, it can relieve pain and itching for cuts and bites.
The valerian plant has been used in this way for hundreds of years across Europe to relieve the skin after insect bites or stings from plants, such as nettles.
Where to Purchase Valerian Oil
The price of Valerian oil products depends on the quality of the product and the quantity of natural ingredients in it. Oils that contain higher concentrations of valerian extract tend to be more expensive. This is because natural ingredients are generally more difficult to source or harvest in large quantities.
The average price of valerian essential oil is approximately $20 per 5 mL (1/6 oz) bottle. You can find this product for sale from online herbalists and from specialty aromatherapy shops.
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Article last updated on: May 12th, 2018 by Nootriment