Valerian Plant – How to Grow and Care for this Herbal Remedy

There is an undeniable preference for naturally-sourced herbal medicaments as treatments for insomnia, anxiety, depression, ADHD, migraines, stress and pain.

The Valerian Plant has seen significant growth in usage as a result of this “herbal awakening”. Its uses extend to all of the aforementioned conditions, as well as many others such as menstrual cramps, nervous asthma, mild tremors, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome and more.

Valerian can be prepared as a tea, used in capsule form, taken as a tincture or applied to the skin as an essential oil. Today, most people use extracts of the plant’s roots and leaves that have been ground into a powder and encapsulated into an easy-to-consume pill form.

While medical researcher caution that more evidence is needed to conclusively determine the effectiveness of Valerian products, the large body of positive reviews posted online about this plant speaks to a consensus among users that it works.

Valerian Root

Herbal Supplement

Calmness

Mood

Sleep Onset

How It Works:

• Helps alleviate stress & anxiety
• Promotes better sleep & daytime alertness
• Boosts relaxation by enhancing GABA signalling

Dosage:

Between 300 - 900 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Valerian Root Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

The Valerian Plant

As a common herb native to Europe and Asia, this usually white or pink tinged flowered perennial plant is a popular choice for many gardeners.

The botanical name is Valeriana Officinalis. It is sometimes known by a variety of historical and regional vernaculars, including:

• All Heal
• Baldrian
• Garden Valeria
• Garden Heliotrope
• Set well
• Vandal Root

This prolific herb can attain a height of over 3 feet (1 meter) terminating in 2 or more flowering stems.

The flowers are said to expel a somewhat attractive odor reminiscent of vanilla and which is quite pleasant. This is where the association with attractive perfumery ends. The leaves and stem of the plant are said to emit a somewhat musty or sour odor, but it is the root which provides a distinctly unpleasant smell.

Some describe the smell of the root as barely tolerable because of the moldy aroma. Others have described it as no less than ‘fetid’. The smell is accentuated when the plant is damaged or bruised and increases as the root is set to dry.

There are many different species of Valerian, with Officinalis being the preferred species for medicinal usage. In the UK, this is one of the native varieties. Historically, roots grown in the Derbyshire region of the England commanded much higher prices than those from elsewhere.

This was due to the fact the oils were of much higher potency. Even today you can see the effect this business had on the region. A quick search will produce roads named after this much commercially valued plant.

Today Valerian is cultivated commercially in many different countries and more widely. France, Belgium, Croatia, Holland and the United States are volume producers of Valerian

Valerian Oil and Infusions

The medicinal benefits of the Valerian plant have been known since the times of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. In ancient times, it was only the oil of the root which was most commonly used in treating or reducing the effects of anxiety.

The undiluted oil itself is said to taste slightly of camphor and be bitter. It is dark brown in color, having a range of green and yellow hues and is of a thickened consistency. Pet owners claim that this original state provides better results in calming animals than oils which are refined and clear.

Although the roots themselves measure around 1 inch (4cm) long, the oil content is low. Most roots will produce between 0.5-2% oil but the average is usually less than 1%. If the plant is grown purely for medicinal purposes then the best time to harvest the root is in the spring and fall. Preference is given in August through to October depending on the location.

The leaves may be used at any time during the growing year, to be infused as an herbal tea. The odor of the leaves is not particularly pleasant and they also have quite a bitter taste. Such infusions are combined with other herbal extracts which produce similar effects.

Other herbs which complement Valerian include Lemon Balm and Passionflower. Both of these herbs are noted for their ability to reduce anxiety, in addition to minimizing the unpleasant taste of Valerian.

Another suggested addition to herbal teas or infusions is hops. This does not only provides a pleasant flavor, but also induces relaxation. When making tea with Valerian plant extract, care should be taken not to use boiling water since this causes a problem with the separation of lighter oils.

Valerian as a Perfume?

Historically, the uses of Valerian appear contradictory. It is well recorded to also be used to scent clothes, in soap manufacture and even in perfumery. There are over 150 different species of Valerian worldwide. Those found in more temperate eastern regions are said to carry differing qualities.

This would account for the apparent contradictions relating to Valerian. One being that the root has a distinctly unpleasant, unattractive odor yet on the other that it is very pleasing and suitable for being utilized as a perfume.

Valerian in the Garden

Garden Valerian plants should not be confused, or utilized in the same way as Red Valerian. The botanical name for this plant is Centranthus Ruber. It comes from the same family as Valerian but does not contain the same medicinal qualities.

For those interested in growing Valerian as a plant to be utilized for its beneficial properties it can be achieved quite easily. Many however, considering the unattractive odor, tend to site the plant well away from the house.

Rate This Article

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)