Valerian (France)
(Valerian officinalis L.-Valerianaceae)
Valerian is distilled from the roots and rhizome of an herb grown in Europe, Russia and Asia. The
essential oil has an aromatic, pungent, musky smell which for 100’s of years has been used as a
sedative and tranquilizer. Natural chemicals in valerian called valepotriates act as a muscle relaxer
making the essential oil useful for alleviating menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. Current research
shows its effectiveness with insomnia. “According to the latest information available, we simply don’t
know what the active ingredients are.” said Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacognosy, Purdue
University, Lafayette, Indiana. Although not related to Valium we utilize Valerian due to their similar
properties and qualities. It is also known as an antispasmodic. Use Valerian for reducing blood pressure
and as a sleep-promoting sedative.