Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and stems have been used for infusions, decoctions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its sedative, antispasmodic, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Valerian
Scientific Name	Valeriana officinalis
Plant Family	Caprifoliaceae
Genus	Valeriana
Species	officinalis
Native Range	Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Antispasmodic, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Valeriana officinalis
Common Name: Valerian
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Sweet Valerian, Common Valerian, Valerian Root
Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Valeriana

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Opposite, sessile, ovate leaves with dark green upper surfaces and lighter green lower surfaces, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of dense spike-like clusters of small actinomorphic flowers with five white to pale pink petals and five green sepals, each bearing two stamen and a single pistil.
Stems: Cylindrical, somewhat angular, hairy, ascending, branched, with opposite, elliptic leaves.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Tincture
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: As described in traditional systems, a mild sedative, in nervous system–related contexts.
Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a cooling antispasmodic, in muscle-related contexts.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a calming tonic, in whole-system applications.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a soothing carminative, within digestive system contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.
Glycoside: Plant-produced compounds commonly stored in inactive glycosylated forms.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Potential interactions with prescription medications have been reported in available sources.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.