Valerian officinalis: beneficial properties and uses

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Valerian officinalis (Valeriana officinalis) is a plant whose rhizomes with roots are used in herbal medicine. According to herbal medicine reference books, valerian preparations have traditionally been used as a calming remedy for nervous excitement, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Its antispasmodic action is also described.

What kind of plant is valerian and how can you recognize it?

The medicinal raw material of valerian is not the herb or flowers, but the rhizome together with the roots growing from it — Rhizoma cum radicibus Valerianae.

The rhizome of the plant is lumpy, cone-shaped, with many thin additional roots. After drying, the rhizomes and roots have a brownish-yellow color, which over time becomes a dirty grayish-brown. The smell of valerian root is distinctive and strongly aromatic. In old herbal books, it is compared to the smell of cat urine. After drying, this smell becomes stronger.

Reference books describe that valerian is cultivated for its roots. For plantations, dry, preferably stony soil on elevated areas was chosen. In medicine, rhizomes with roots of two- or three-year-old plants are used. It is the underground part that contains the main substances associated with the action of valerian preparations.

What does the dried medicinal raw material look like?

The old description allows us to examine valerian root in more detail. The dried rhizome is usually 1–3 cm long and up to 1.5 cm thick. The terminal bud, as well as remnants of stems and leaves, may remain on its surface. Cylindrical fibrous additional roots are densely arranged on the sides: usually 6–8 cm long and about 1–2 mm thick.

On the longitudinal section of the rhizome, transverse partitions can be seen. Sometimes they are almost completely destroyed. Due to drying, the rhizome becomes strongly wrinkled and takes on its characteristic lumpy shape.

The color of the raw material gradually changes. At first, the dried rhizomes and roots are brownish-yellow, then they darken and become dirty grayish-brown. The taste is described as initially sweetish, then bitter and sharply spicy. The smell remains one of the most noticeable characteristics: it is strong and typical of valerian.

This description refers specifically to medicinal raw material — the rhizome with roots. Therefore, during harvesting it is important to preserve the underground part of the plant completely rather than replacing it with above-ground parts.

Valerian officinalis beneficial properties: what does it contain?

The importance of valerian is not connected with one single substance, but with a complex of compounds found in the rhizome and roots.

According to herbal medicine reference books, the raw material contains essential oil. Its amount is indicated as 0.5–2%. The composition of the essential oil includes bornyl ester of isovaleric acid, camphene, pinene and other terpenes.

Besides essential oil, free valeric acid, the alkaloids valerin and chatinin, volatile bases, perryl-α-methyl ketone, the glycoside valerian and other substances have been found in the roots and rhizomes. Another description of the composition also mentions starch, sugar, gum, resins and tannic acids.

Herbal books note that valerian’s action is associated with the overall combination of its components. Therefore, the properties of the plant are considered the result of a complex of substances rather than one individual element.

What substances are contained in the essential oil?

A more detailed old description states that the amount of essential oil in the rhizome and roots is 0.4–1.2%. Its composition includes pinene, camphene, left-handed borneol and its esters with formic, acetic, butyric and valeric acids. Terpineol, sesquiterpene and the corresponding alcohol are also described.

Essential oil is obtained by distillation. Fresh valerian oil was described as a light yellow or brownish-yellow liquid, sometimes with a greenish tint. Over time, it thickens and darkens. It has a strong valerian smell and a spicy, pungent taste.

The amount of essential oil differs in various descriptions, but both sources emphasize its presence in the underground part of the plant. It is separately noted that more essential oil is contained in the roots.

Besides essential oil, an old reference book indicates valeric acid content of 0.5–1.4%, as well as starch, sugar, gum, resin and two tannic acids. The alkaloids valerin and chatinin are also mentioned.

How does the composition change with different methods of obtaining raw material?

The rhizome is used not only as whole medicinal raw material. Historical pharmaceutical descriptions list several preparations: thick extract, liquid extract, simple alcoholic tincture, ether-alcohol tincture and ammonia-alcohol tincture.

In addition, essential oil is extracted from the rhizome and valeric acid is obtained. This shows that the same underground raw material was used to prepare different forms, differing in the method of extracting the substances contained in it.

How does valerian affect the nervous system?

According to herbal medicine reference books, valerian preparations reduce the excitability of the central nervous system. Valerian has traditionally been used as a calming remedy for nervous excitement, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Reference books also describe its use in neuroses of the cardiovascular system.

In old medical literature, valerian root was called a calming and anticonvulsant remedy. This description refers to historical information from herbal books and is not a modern recommendation for use in seizure disorders.

Does valerian have an antispasmodic effect?

Yes, this property is described in reference books. Valerian preparations have antispasmodic properties. In herbal medicine literature, they were traditionally used for spasms of the gastrointestinal tract.

What is valerian root used for?

Valerian officinalis use in reference books is primarily associated with the nervous system and conditions where a calming effect is needed. The main areas described in herbal books are:

• nervous excitement;
• sleep disturbances;
• anxiety;
• some neuroses of the cardiovascular system;
• spasms of the gastrointestinal tract.

Different medicinal forms were prepared from valerian rhizomes. Reference books describe thick and liquid extracts, alcoholic tinctures, ether-alcohol and ammonia-alcohol tinctures. Essential oil and valeric acid were also obtained from the rhizome.

Water-based forms are described in herbal books for home preparation.

What was valerian combined with in old recipes?

In old collections, valerian appears not only as an independent raw material but also in multi-component mixtures. In one description, its rhizomes with roots were combined with motherwort, marsh cudweed and heather; this water decoction was used for nervous disorders.

In another mixture, valerian was combined with heather, marsh cudweed, motherwort and many-leaved woundwort. One tablespoon of the mixture was poured with 0.5 l of boiling water and taken by half a glass 4–5 times a day. The source gives this recipe for “fright”.

There are also formulas where valerian root was combined with other plants for stomach-related purposes. For example, a mixture with elecampane and three-leaved water buckbean was infused with vodka and used as a stomach remedy. In another recipe, a water decoction or vodka tincture from a mixture of cumin, calamus, yarrow, fennel, oats and valerian was used for bloating and gas.

These recipes belong to historical folk and herbal medicine descriptions. They show methods of use given in old sources but do not replace modern instructions for medicinal products.

How to brew valerian correctly?

The reference books of Hammerman and Grom describe a water infusion of valerian in a ratio of 15:200. It states boiling for 15 minutes and taking 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

This dosage comes from historical herbal medicine reference books. When using ready-made preparations, one should follow current instructions and a doctor’s recommendations. Another description of a cold extraction method indicates the use of 2 teaspoons of valerian root.

For valerian tincture, reference books give a dosage of 30–50 drops. These data relate to descriptions of medicinal forms from herbal books and do not replace modern instructions for preparations.

How is valerian harvested?

Medicinal valerian raw material is collected in autumn. Reference books indicate the period of September–October, when the above-ground part begins to wither, but dry stems with flower clusters remain.

The rhizomes with roots are dug out with a shovel or fork. Then the plant is cleaned from soil, and the above-ground part is cut off at the base of the rhizome. Thick rhizomes are cut lengthwise into two or four parts and quickly washed in cold water.

Harvesting is carried out after the plants have produced seeds. This helps preserve valerian populations. Annual harvesting is not carried out in the same place; repeated harvesting is recommended after 1–2 years.

Wild and cultivated valerian

Valerian was harvested both from plantations and in nature. Historical information indicates that it was cultivated for roots in Germany, Holland, England and the United States. For propagation, underground shoots separated from the rhizome were used and planted in rows.

For plantations, dry, preferably stony soil on elevated areas was selected. An old description notes that rhizomes and roots of wild plants growing on dry and more or less stony soil were considered more effective than raw material from damp locations.

In domestic medicinal plant cultivation practice, valerian was also grown on experimental plantations. For example, in 1921 the Mogilev experimental station cultivated valerian along with Tangut rhubarb, purple foxglove, peppermint and other medicinal plants suitable for local natural conditions. Essential oils were also obtained at the station.

How was the root collected and how were natural populations preserved?

Old instructions describe the harvesting sequence in detail. After digging, rhizomes with roots were shaken free of soil, the entire above-ground part was removed and they were washed with water. Thick underground parts were cut lengthwise into two to four pieces, separated and washed in cold running water.

For valerian, it was especially important not to destroy natural populations. Therefore, collection was carried out after the plants had produced seeds, and raw material was not harvested annually in the same place. Repeated collection was allowed after one to two years.

This procedure concerned not only the quality of medicinal raw material but also the preservation of places where valerian grew in nature.

How to dry and store valerian root?

Valerian belongs to aromatic rhizomes, so it is dried in the shade or in a well-ventilated room.

Before drying, thick roots and rhizomes are cut into pieces. When drying whole raw material, a low temperature is used so that the inner parts can dry properly. Well-dried roots and rhizomes should break.

Reference books indicate that valerian raw material can be wilted before drying. Then it is dried in the shade. This treatment is used when harvesting this plant. Valerian root should be stored so that cats cannot reach it. The smell of the plant attracts animals, so supplies of raw material should be protected.

Why is valerian sometimes wilted before drying?

When harvesting medicinal plants, drying is needed to preserve active substances. In most cases, raw material is dried immediately after collection because enzymes can break down compounds contained in the plant and reduce the activity of the raw material.

For valerian, reference books describe another approach: before drying, roots and rhizomes are wilted. This preliminary treatment is associated with enzymatic processes that were specifically taken into account when preparing valerian.

After wilting, the aromatic raw material is dried in the shade or in a well-ventilated room. If the weather does not allow this, drying is carried out in a ventilated room or at increased temperature. Thick rhizomes are cut lengthwise before drying so that the inner parts dry faster.

Readiness is determined by the condition of the raw material: dry roots and rhizomes should break.

How to find valerian officinalis abroad

Abroad, look specifically for the underground parts of *Valeriana officinalis* — primarily the root and rhizome. Flowers and fruits are not needed for the listed forms.

• USA: look for the names valerian or valerian root. Sold forms include dried chopped root, tea bags, tincture or liquid extract, capsules. They can be found in health food stores, tea shops and online; capsules and extracts are also available in pharmacies.
• Germany: use Baldrian, more precisely Baldrianwurzel. Available forms include loose root, filter bags, tincture or liquid extract and capsules. Look in Apotheke, Reformhaus, tea shops and online. At a pharmacy you can ask for Baldrianwurzel-Arzneitee — this is a medicinal tea, not an ordinary food herbal blend.
• France: names include valériane, valériane officinale, racine de valériane. Available forms include root, tea bags, teinture or extrait liquide, gélules. Look in pharmacie, herboristerie, health food stores and online.

Check the packaging for *Valeriana officinalis* and the plant part: root/rhizome, Wurzel/Rhizom, racine/rhizome or radix. For tea, check whether it is pure root or a mixture, as well as its status: medicinal tea or ordinary food tea/supplement. For organic products, confirmed labels organic, Bio or bio are required.

Sales rules depend on the country: for example, in the USA supplements do not receive prior FDA approval before being sold.

Valerian officinalis contraindications and precautions

Valerian officinalis contraindications are primarily related to individual body reactions and health conditions. Valerian should not be used in case of allergy to the plant. Modern safety data recommend avoiding valerian use in liver and pancreatic diseases. Caution is needed with gallbladder diseases.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, valerian use is recommended to be avoided due to insufficient safety data. Children under 12 years old are not recommended to use valerian root preparations because of insufficient data on safety and effectiveness.

Possible adverse reactions include:

• nausea;
• abdominal discomfort and spasms;
• headache;
• diarrhea;
• dizziness;
• daytime sleepiness;
• feeling slowed down;
• excitement and vivid dreams.

Valerian may enhance the effect of substances with sedative properties. It should not be combined with alcohol and, without consulting a doctor, with sedative medications including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opioids and sleeping pills.

After taking valerian, drowsiness and reduced clarity of perception are possible. With such reactions, one should not drive or operate machinery. During long-term regular use, sudden discontinuation of valerian is not recommended without consulting a specialist, as possible withdrawal symptoms have been described.

Large amounts of root may also cause unwanted reactions. Safety descriptions indicate that taking about 20 g of root may cause fatigue, spasms, trembling and dilated pupils.

Before surgery, the doctor must be informed about valerian use. Modern recommendations indicate stopping use at least one week before surgery due to possible effects on anesthesia.

When to see a doctor

If sleep disturbances, nervous excitement or other unpleasant symptoms persist, it is important to determine the cause together with a doctor. Consultation with a specialist is especially needed during pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood, chronic diseases and constant medication use. It is also worth discussing valerian use with a doctor before surgery and when taking medicines that may cause drowsiness. If a severe allergic reaction, strong dizziness or other unusual symptoms appear, use should be stopped and medical help should be sought.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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