- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe and Asia; also grows in North America
- Other names
- Valeriaanwortel
Europe · Herb · № 20
Valeriana officinalis
Herb · Europe
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
The root has a traditional association with sleep and calm. Research on insomnia is inconsistent and does not establish benefit.
Safety notes
May cause drowsiness. Avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives without professional advice; long-term safety is unknown.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Max. 2–3 weeks in a row. Not with sleeping pills.
- Natural skin and hair care: Can cause drowsiness; do not combine with sleeping pills or alcohol and do not drive after use. Not during pregnancy.
Preparation
Root and rhizome are used in infusions and extracts; products vary and no dose is supplied here.
Use in traditions
NCCIH describes medicinal use since ancient Greek and Roman times for sleep, migraine, fatigue, and stomach cramps.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Calming, antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic, lowers blood pressure, carminative, mildly pain-relieving.
Preparation and amount
Cold infusion of 2 tsp chopped (fresh) root for 8–10 hours in a cup of water for anxiety and insomnia (optionally with peppermint water); tincture, start low (up to 5 ml); with liquorice for cough; wash for ulcers and splinters; compress for muscle cramp.
Caution: Max. 2–3 weeks in a row. Not with sleeping pills.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Traditionally used for restlessness and sleep problems; the European Medicines Agency recognises its traditional use for mild stress and sleep problems.
Preparation and amount
Internal: the root in a herbal tea before bedtime (see the recipe).
Caution: Can cause drowsiness; do not combine with sleeping pills or alcohol and do not drive after use. Not during pregnancy.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Attracts love, ensures a good night's sleep, protects the home, ends quarrels, purification, protection, healing, love, sleep, attraction.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with sleep, a peaceful home and protection.
Preparation and amount
Valerian smells strong, and cats love it as much as catnip. According to an old German legend the Pied Piper of Hamelin lured the rats away with valerian root. In the Middle Ages the plant was also called 'all-heal' and hung in the house against misfortune.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TinctureCompress, poultice and paste
- Recipes
- Sleep tea