VALERIAN ESSENTIAL OIL
A deep, earthy and musky root oil with a powerful grounding aromatic character.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Valeriana fauriei
Common Name: Valerian; Asian Valerian
Family: Caprifoliaceae (formerly Valerianaceae)
Origin of Plant: East Asia
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the roots and rhizomes — confirm
Note: Base
Colour: Pale to soft yellow
Aroma: Deep, earthy, woody, musky and root-like
About This Essential Oil
Valerian Essential Oil is steam distilled from the underground parts of Valeriana fauriei. Its intense earthy, musky aroma is used sparingly in natural perfumery, diffuser blends and specialist aromatic formulations. The scent is highly distinctive and can dominate a composition. Confirm that the supplied material is steam distilled; a solvent-extracted product is an extract or absolute rather than the same essential oil.
Key Benefits
• Provides a deep, earthy and grounding aroma
• Creates a quiet atmosphere for evening relaxation
• Adds depth to specialist natural perfumes
• Useful as a powerful base note at low proportions
• Complements selected woody, floral and resinous oils
• Suitable for experienced aromatic formulation
History
Valerian roots have a long history in European and Asian herbal traditions, although different Valeriana species and preparations have been used. Valeriana fauriei is associated particularly with East Asia and should not be treated as interchangeable with Valeriana officinalis without supplier evidence. Historical use of valerian preparations does not establish that the concentrated essential oil treats insomnia, anxiety, pain or nervous-system conditions. Valerian is not the botanical source of diazepam, the medicine commonly known as Valium.
Main Chemical Components
Reported constituents vary with species, origin and processing and may include bornyl acetate, valerianol and other sesquiterpenes and esters.
Aromatic Characteristics
• Deep and earthy
• Woody and musky
• Persistent base note
Aromatic Uses
• Creates a grounding atmosphere in diffuser blends
• Adds depth to specialist natural perfumes
• Complements quiet evening aromatic settings
• Use sparingly because of its powerful aroma
Aromatic Profile
• Intense, heavy and distinctive
• Opens with earthy root notes
• Dominant even at low proportions
Blends Well With
Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Marjoram, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang. Use sparingly.
Health & Safety
• For external aromatic use only; never ingest or apply undiluted.
• May cause drowsiness; do not use before driving or operating machinery.
• Do not combine with alcohol, sedatives or sleep medicines without medical advice.
• Patch test before first use; stop if irritation occurs.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes and broken skin.
• Do not add undiluted oil directly to bath water.
• Do not assume suitability for babies or children; seek age-specific advice.
• Seek qualified advice during pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical care.
• Diffuse only in small amounts with good ventilation.
• Stop if headache, nausea, excessive drowsiness or unusual effects occur.
• Keep from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
