What is Valerian Root?

Valerian Root is the whole and coarsely cut dried root of Valeriana officinalis, a tall flowering perennial native to Europe and Northern Asia and now widely cultivated. The root is the part that is used, and it is famous for its aroma: a strong, earthy smell often compared to old socks, which intensifies as the dried root ages.

About the plant

Valerian has a documented place in Western herbalism reaching back more than two thousand years, with mentions in ancient Greek and Roman writing, and it remains one of the more studied herbs in the Western tradition. Its studied constituents include valerenic acid, the valepotriates, and various iridoids. The whole and coarsely cut root keeps its aroma and character better than the pre-ground powder.

Related herbs

• Valerian Root Powder — the same root, finely ground.
• Valerian Root Tincture — an alcohol extract of the same root.

Valerian Root: form & sizes

We carry Valerian Root as organic whole and coarsely cut dried root, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Valerian Root in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Valerian Root at a glance

Botanical name

Valeriana officinalis

Family

Caprifoliaceae

Native region

Europe and Northern Asia

Plant part

root

Sourcing

Organic

Studied compounds

Valerenic acid, valepotriates, iridoids

Form

whole and coarsely cut dried root

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb