Description

Organic Valerian Root Tincture 1:3 (100ml) is a traditional herbal extract prepared from the dried root of Valeriana officinalis. Long valued in European herbal practice, valerian is traditionally used to support relaxation and promote a calm nervous system, particularly during periods of stress or difficulty unwinding.

NOTE: For regulatory reasons, product pages describe ingredients and traditional context only. Information on traditional benefits, historical uses and research can be found on the Traditional Use & Research page.

History

Valerian has a long history of use in European herbal traditions, where it was valued as a calming and grounding herb. Traditionally, valerian root was used during times of nervous tension, restlessness and mental over-activity, particularly when the body struggled to relax.

In historical herbal texts, valerian was associated with supporting the body’s natural relaxation response rather than forcing sedation. It was widely used in folk and professional herbal practice for people experiencing periods of emotional strain or difficulty unwinding.

The name Valeriana is thought to derive from the Latin valere, meaning “to be well”. During the Middle Ages, valerian was sometimes referred to as “all-heal”, reflecting its wide traditional use rather than a specific medicinal claim.

Herbalists such as Nicholas Culpeper wrote positively about valerian, noting its traditional role in calming the body and easing nervous tension within the framework of humoral medicine.

In modern herbalism, valerian continues to be used in a traditional context by those seeking gentle plant support for relaxation, especially during times of mental overwhelm or disrupted sleep patterns.

Learn more about the benefits, traditional use and scientific research surrounding Valerian tincture here.

Science

Valerian root contains a range of naturally occurring compounds, including valerenic acids and volatile oils, which have been widely studied for their interaction with the nervous system.

Scientific research has focused on how these constituents may influence neurotransmitter pathways associated with relaxation and sleep regulation. While research is ongoing, valerian remains one of the most extensively studied traditional herbs used in the context of supporting calm and relaxation.

Research suggests Valerian reduces nervous tension by prolonging the action of an inhibiting neuro-transmitter. German and Swiss studies have confirmed that Valerian enhances sleep quality. This study on children with difficulty in staying calm used a combination of Valerian and Lemon Balm

General

Properties: Nervine Antispasmodic Carminative
Botanical name: Valeriana officinalis
Common names: Valerian – Phu – All-heal-Set well
Family: Valerianacae
Habitat: Valerian is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and Northern Asia and widely cultivated
Parts used: Roots and rhizomes
Tincture Strength: 1:3: 25% vol.alc

Dose
10 – 20 drops in water up to 4 times daily.
Traditionally, valerian has been taken in the evening as part of a calming routine.