ONE OF the things that I cannot go without, is my valerian essential oil. To have a busy schedule everysingle day, seven days a week, sleep is such a luxury for me. When I know that I have a long travel ahead or when I have to sleep early because I need to get up earlier than my usual routine, my valerian blend is always at hand to my rescue.
Each time I apply my valerian concoction on my napeor at the bottoms of my feet, it only takes a few minutes to notice my muscles starting to meltdown, my body feels heavier, and knocks me out unknowingly in a jiffy.
Valeriana officinalis belongs to the Valerianacea family. The word comes from the Latin “valere” which means “to be in health,” and valor, meaning“courage”as well. Throughout the ages, valerian has numerous names, such as: blessed herb, all-heal, amantilla, capon’s tail, good neighbor, kiss me quick, and poor man’s remedy. It is native to Europe, as well as to northern and western parts of Asia.
The sharp scent of the earth infuses every part of the valerian plant – from its tiny pink lilac flowers cluster to the feathery groups of narrow dark leaves, and particularly its roots. The dried roots render a golden essential oil from steam distillation process. It emits fresh and powerful aroma of pungent damp soil.
Hippocrates wrote about the mighty intoxicating effectivity of valerian herb and recommended it as a robust sedative that induces sleep, calms the nervous system, and restores balance.
In pagan times, people added valerian roots to various kinds of potions as a mystic herb, while poor rural workers depended on it for a variety of health conditions which earned its name “poor man’s remedy and all-heal.” In middle ages, its roots were added to soups, stews, and other dishes to add flavor and nutrients. Women, placed dried roots inside their closets and drawers to enhance clothing scent.
Valerian is a popular and most prescribed herb for centuries by herbalists for its vigorous action as a tranquilizer. In World War I and World War II, injured soldiers received valerian juices to hush shell shock, rest the nervous exhaustion, ease the tension in the body, and still the mind. U.S. Pharmacopoeia named valerian as an official remedy from 1820 to 1936 and on 1888 to 1946, it was recognized as a tranquilizer and was sold in tincture form from then on, up to the present.
Medicinal uses: Physical and emotional nervousness, body tension, indigestion, insomnia, headache, restlessness, hysteria, panic attacks, anxiety, high blood pressure, menstrual cramps, joint pains, aids sleep, promotes calm and tranquility.
Beauty benefits: When added to a face carrier oil, valerian oil eases tension and tightness in facial muscles. Delivers youthful look, an excellent anti-aging agent.
Emotional effects: Pacifies cases of anxiety, shock, trauma; settles upset and anger, tames hyperactivity, speeds up recuperation from emotional weariness and sentimental fatigue. It is a superlative tonic to the entire nervous system.
Additionally, valerian revives clarity, focuses on and uplifts the spirit. It can help you detach yourself from a situation, assess situation with calmness, see things clearer and gain new perspective. Thus, it promotes inner peace, confidence, self-healing, a sense of wellbeing.
Usage and dosage: The pure essential oil of valerian is extremely potent. Blend one drop of valerian oil for every ounce of a carrier oil (virgin coconut oil or grapeseed oil or almond oil), then apply it on the bottoms of your feet, chest or back of your neck. For diffusion, place about 3 drops of valerian oil in your aromatherapy diffuser and inhale the aroma. Large doses and prolonged use can produce headaches, mental agitation, heart palpitation, and delusion. It is not recommended to pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Suggestion of use: As a sedative, before bedtime or as needed; for calm purpose, anytime of the day; for therapeutical purpose, consult a certified herbalist, your health care provider or email Orissa Holistic Garden at info@orissagarden.com before use, for safety measures.
Namaste.
