Valeriana officinalis (Medicinal Valerian, Common Valerian)

Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis L.
Family — Valerianaceae

Valerian Description

Valeriana officinalis is a perennial herbaceous plant 50–200 cm tall. The root system consists of a short rhizome (2–4 cm) with numerous thin roots, up to 20 cm long, with a characteristic odor. The stem is erect, hollow, grooved, sometimes branched in the upper part. Leaves are opposite, odd-pinnate, with 7–11 lanceolate segments, 10–20 cm long, lower ones are petiolate, upper ones are sessile. Flowers are small, white or pinkish, 3–5 mm, collected in corymbose or paniculate inflorescences at the top of the stem. The fruit is an achene, 2–4 mm, with a pappus. Flowering in June–August, fruiting in August–September. Propagated by seeds or rhizome division. Varieties: 'Kardiola', 'Maun', 'Patrice', 'Gardener's Delight', 'German Valerian'.

 

Valerian Habitat and Ecology

Valeriana officinalis is widespread in Europe, West and East Asia, and North America. It grows wild in damp meadows, river floodplains, forest edges, and shady places. It is cultivated in temperate regions (Russia, Europe, China). It prefers moist, organic-rich soils (pH 5.5–7.0), partial shade or diffused light. Optimal growth temperature is 15–25 °C, it tolerates frosts down to -25 °C. Rhizome yield: 1–2 t/ha. Care: watering (10–15 l/m² every 7–10 days), fertilization with organic fertilizers (10–15 kg/m²), weeding, protection against root rot and aphids. Propagated by seeds (sowing in March–April) or rhizome division (autumn). Ecologically enriches the soil, attracts pollinating insects. Not invasive.

 

Valerian Raw Materials

Raw materials: rhizomes with roots, less often leaves and flowers. Rhizomes with roots are harvested in September–October (in the 2nd–3rd year of growth), cleaned, dried at 30–35 °C (yield 20–25%). Leaves are harvested in June–July, dried in the shade in a layer of 2–3 cm (yield 15–20%). Flowers are harvested in July, dried in the shade (yield 10–15%). Quality: rhizomes — brownish-yellow, moisture <12%, organic/mineral impurities ≤0.5%, total ash ≤10%; leaves and flowers — without darkening, moisture <10%. Store rhizomes and leaves in fabric bags (1–2 years), flowers in glass containers (1 year). The smell of rhizomes is strong, specific; the taste is bitter.

 

Valerian Chemical Composition

Rhizomes with roots: essential oil (0.5–2%, valerenal, borneol, pinene), valepotriates (0.5–1.5%, valtrate, isovaltrate), alkaloids (0.1%, valerine, chatinine), organic acids (valerianic, acetic), flavonoids, tannins (2–4%), polysaccharides, minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium). Leaves: flavonoids, vitamin C (up to 30 mg/100 g), tannins. Flowers: essential oil (0.1–0.2%), flavonoids. Calorie content of rhizomes: 150–200 kcal/100 g.

 

Valerian Action and Application

Valerian has sedative, antispasmodic, hypotensive, and mild hypnotic effects due to its essential oil, valepotriates, and alkaloids. Rhizomes are used for insomnia, nervous excitement, stress, neuroses, migraines, stomach and intestinal spasms, and hypertension. Infusions and decoctions of rhizomes soothe the nervous system, improve sleep, and lower blood pressure. Leaves and flowers (infusions) have anti-inflammatory and mild calming effects, used for stomatitis, dermatitis, headaches. Essential oil is used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief. Externally, rhizome infusions are used for baths for neuroses and skin irritations.

 

Precautions when using Valerian

Infusions and decoctions of rhizomes (>200 ml/day) may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or decreased concentration. Long-term use (more than 2 months) may lead to habituation or liver dysfunction. Essential oil in doses >5 ml/day (internally) or undiluted (externally) may cause nausea or skin irritation. Store rhizomes at <12% humidity to prevent mold. For children under 3 years old, give infusions in a dose of ≤10 ml/day. Do not combine with sedatives, alcohol, or antidepressants without consulting a doctor.

 

Contraindications for Valerian use

Valerian is contraindicated in cases of allergy to Valerianaceae, hypotension, liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis), pregnancy, lactation, and children under 1 year of age. External use of essential oil or infusions is prohibited for eczema, psoriasis, or open wounds. Use caution when driving due to the sedative effect.

 

Valerian Recipes

1. Rhizome infusion for insomnia. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 10 g of rhizomes, infuse for 1 hour, drink 50 ml before bed for 7 days.
2. Rhizome decoction for neuroses. Boil 10 g of rhizomes in 200 ml of water for 10 minutes, drink 50 ml twice a day for 10 days.
3. Leaf infusion for stomatitis. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 15 g of leaves, infuse for 30 minutes, rinse mouth 3 times a day for 5 days.
4. Aromatherapy for relaxation. Add 3–5 drops of essential oil to an aroma diffuser, use for 15 minutes before bed for 7 days.
5. Bath for stress. Pour 1 liter of boiling water over 20 g of rhizomes, infuse for 1 hour, add to bath, take for 15 minutes, once a week.
6. Valerian Tincture (Homemade). Macerate 20g dried valerian root in 500ml of 40% alcohol (vodka) for 2-4 weeks in a dark place, shaking daily. Strain and store in a dark bottle. Take 1-2 ml (20-40 drops) in water before bed.
7. Herbal Sleep Tea Blend. Combine 5g valerian root, 5g chamomile flowers, and 5g lemon balm leaves. Infuse 1 tablespoon of the blend in 200ml hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink before bedtime.

 

Valerian Cosmetics

Valerian essential oil and infusions are used in cosmetology due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, improving skin condition.

1. Facial Mask. Mix 10 ml of rhizome infusion (10 g in 100 ml water, 1 hr) with 10 g of clay, apply to face for 15 minutes, rinse. Use once a week.
2. Skin Toner. Use 50 ml of leaf infusion (15 g in 200 ml water, 30 min) to wipe face once a day for 7 days.
3. Massage Oil. Mix 3 ml of valerian essential oil with 20 ml of almond oil, use for massage, once a week.
4. Hair Rinse. Infuse 20 g of rhizomes in 500 ml of boiling water for 1 hour, use after washing hair, twice a week.
5. Soothing Bath Salts. Mix 1 cup Epsom salts with 10 drops of valerian essential oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil. Add to bath water for a relaxing soak.

 

Valerian in Cooking

Valerian is rarely used in cooking due to its bitter taste and strong odor. Rhizomes are sometimes added to herbal teas or liqueurs in small doses for a calming effect. Store rhizomes at 0–5 °C for up to 2 years.

1. Calming Tea. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 5 g of rhizomes, infuse for 15 minutes, add honey, drink before bed.
2. Valerian Tincture. Pour 500 ml of vodka over 20 g of rhizomes, infuse for 2 weeks, drink 5–10 ml with water before bed.
3. Herbal Liqueur. Infuse 10g dried valerian root, a few star anise pods, and orange peel in 750ml of vodka or brandy for 4-6 weeks. Sweeten with honey or simple syrup to taste.

 

Other properties of valerian

Valerian is an ornamental plant for gardens and apothecary gardens. Used in pharmaceuticals (tablets, tinctures). Attracts cats due to the smell of valerenal. Rhizomes are used in perfumery and as an insect repellent.