This is an herb that was once considered magical, probably because of its hypnotic properties. All varieties of valerian appear to be sedatives. – Valerie Ann Worwood
Valerian (valeriana officinalis)
Plant appearance: tall herb 5 feet high, dark leaves, long stems; flower heads comprising many small white flowers with a pink tinge. The roots are thick and look like rope.
Part used: roots
Oil appearance: pale-dark yellow
Therapeutic uses: Gastrointestinal infections, insomnia, nervousness, stress, tension, tension headaches, stress-induced migraine, muscular spasm, cramps, restlessness, inability to relax, restless leg, trembling disorders, pimples, acne, problematic skin
Precautions: Avoid if taking sedatives or anti-depressant medication; best avoided during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
RECIPE
Foot Bath for Insomnia
Lavender EO 1 drop
Sweet Marjoram EO 3 drops
Roman Chamomile EO 3 drops
Valerian EO 1 drop
Blend oils together, then use 4 drops in a warm foot bath.
Note: if the water is too hot, the oils will evaporate.
Tao Talk 
I didn’t know that it could help with acne and problematic skin! The flowers look beautiful.
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It sounds like an amazing plant. I have taken powdered valerian to sleep and it gave me very vivid dreams.
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Tea that contains valerian is also great for my anxiety 🙂 Especially mixed with chamomile and lavender…
The Multicolored Diary
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I need to try to find some of the herbs for tea, and I already have chamomile and lavender 🙂 Have you found it gives you vivid dreams?
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I knew the use for insomnia, but not skin problem, like Shweta. Thank you for such interesting facts!
V is for Visual Texture
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Very glad you learned something valuable, Frederique 🙂
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Baldriankapseln (valerian capsules) is a popular otc remedy if you’re nervous, anxious and / or have trouble sleeping.
I had no idea about its “hypnotic properties” though?!
Happy weekend!
My V is about Swiss values:
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-z-2020-switzerland-values.html
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hypnotic has two definitions; one of them is “sleep-inducing” which leads me to believe this is the definition they are talking about; yet when some believe it is magical I have to wonder… You have a happy weekend also!
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I have trouble staying awake but if that ever changes I’ll remember this!
V is for …
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good!
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Valerian is another wonderful EO. That recipe for the foot bath sounds lovely. While I don’t have trouble sleeping, I can see how a foot soak like this could be relaxing and hopefully lead to some sweet and peaceful dreams. (Although I really like the crazy interesting ones too.) 🙂
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This is recipe I plan on trying.
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I have used Valerian for years for occasional sleep issues. I have also grown it for friends who like to make a tea with the leaves. It’s a pretty herb.
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I may try to grow some if I can find seeds for it.
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The flowers look like those of Baby’s breath.
Does it have any connection to Valium?
Your response to Shweta’s comment has intrigued my curiosity–vivid dreams eh? Nice.
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I don’t know if there is a connection. Interesting thought that it might.
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I have had Valerian tea once. It smells like dirty socks steeped in water. Now, there is a warning about the tea because of the hypnotic effects, so I only had it once. And the smell… I have drank herbal teas for decades so I am quite used to different smells and tastes that many would find unpleasant. Anyway, I have not tried the eo.
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Yes, the smell isn’t good. I haven’t had the tea, and even the capsules of the powdered root have the bad smell.
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Migraine is a very common illness, and it can be very painful. Glad to see that this could be helpful for it.
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Yes it is good. What I like about the essential oils is that they are like ninja miracle workers 🙂 Sorry for late response found your comment in spam folder.
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I, too, was curious about the “hypnotic” properties. You’re probably right it just means sleep-inducing, but it certainly would be interesting to use it for some sort of magical mind-control in a fantasy story!
Black and White (Words and Pictures)
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I like the way your mind works, Anne 😉
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Oooh I’m interested in this for my restless limbs. Walking helps for my legs but not much does for my arms. I found a small retailer for oils in Vancouver, so I’ll see if they have it there. I just ordered the frankincense and bergamot from them and they sent along a mix of their own for free! So nice!
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Awesome, Lael!
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Never used the essence oil, but I have occasionally used homeopathic medicine based on Valerian. And I love the salad. LOL!
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter – Living the Twenties
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🙂
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I can do with some valerian oil 🙂
An A-Z of Faerie: Valkyries
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I looked at my herbal store and found out that stuff isn’t cheap! May be just as good to get the powdered herb in capsules if you’re looking for relaxation and/or sleep.
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