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Valerian Root

  • Valeriana officinalis
  • Origin: USA
Valerian Root


Common Name

Standardized: valerian
Other: garden heliotrope, garden valerian

Botanical Name

Valeriana officinalis L.
Plant Family: Valerianaceae


Valeriana exaltata


Valerian is a perennial plant, native to Europe and parts of Asia. It grows in meadows and woodlands within moist, temperate climates and has since been naturalized in North America. The plant grows up to two meters high and produces small clusters of white or pink flowers. The flowers have a sweet, pleasant scent, in distinct contrast to the medicinal roots of the plant. The root system consists of a vertical rhizome and an abundance of smaller rootlets which are harvested and dried at temperatures less than 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

The roots have a pungent odor, considered unpleasant by many and sometimes compared to the smell of sweaty socks. Cats are highly attracted to the scent in the same way that they are catnip, having a tendency to bite the root and rub against it. The odor is also attractive to rats, as legend has it that the Pied Piper of Hamelin used valerian to attract the rats when luring them out of town.

Valerian promotes healthy relaxation and sleep.*

Uses And Preparations

Teas, tinctures and capsules. Many people find the taste unpleasant and prefer to take it as a capsule or extract.


Acetic acid, ascorbic acid, beta-ionone, calcium, caffeic acid, magnesium, manganese, quercitin, valeric acid.


Specific: Caution is advised during the use of barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and other sedative drugs, as valerian has the potential to increase the effects of some sedatives.

For educational purposes only.