Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a fascinating medicinal plant, traditionally regarded as one of the more potent herbs. Its name itself reflects this strength – it comes from the Latin word valere, meaning "to be strong". And indeed, valerian is a plant with a distinctive character, both in its traditional uses and its rather unusual, unmistakable scent.
This perennial plant also grows naturally in Slovenia, particularly in damp, marshy and hilly areas. In herbalism, we primarily use its roots, which contain many of its characteristic active compounds. The roots are also responsible for valerian's distinctive aroma, which some people find appealing and others rather unpleasant. That, too, is part of its nature: valerian is certainly not a herb without character.
Valerian in Traditional Herbalism and Sleeplessness
In traditional herbalism, valerian is primarily associated with periods of inner restlessness, tension and difficulty unwinding. It is also commonly mentioned in connection with sleeplessness, particularly when the body struggles to relax and the mind remains active well into the evening.
Valerian is traditionally used in the evening to help create a sense of transition from an active day to a calmer, more relaxed state. Herbalists have long valued it for its traditional role in supporting relaxation and helping quiet a busy mind, especially on evenings when our thoughts seem to race and we find it difficult to slow down.
Valerian and Its Dual Nature
One of the interesting things about valerian is that people sometimes describe its effects as seemingly contradictory. While it is traditionally valued for its calming and relaxing properties, some individuals experience the opposite response and find it slightly stimulating. This individual variation is part of what makes valerian so interesting. It is therefore important to listen to your body and observe how you respond to it.
When Valerian May Not Be the First Choice
In our herbal practice, we have found that valerian is not necessarily the first choice for everyone. We are sometimes more inclined to choose other herbs for people who experience tension alongside high energy levels, a sensation of internal heat or a particularly restless state. Similarly, during periods of profound lack of motivation, we may prefer gentler herbs with different traditional properties. The choice always depends on the individual and their circumstances.
Valerian and Its Different Preparations
Valerian can be prepared in several ways, with tincture being one of the most convenient. It offers simple, flexible use and is traditionally taken in small amounts, either during the day or, more commonly, in the evening, particularly when experiencing evening tension or difficulty settling down before sleep.
Valerian can also be prepared as a herbal tea, although the method is slightly different from that used for many other herbs. Because its roots contain volatile aromatic compounds, one traditional approach is to steep them in water for an extended period, such as overnight, and then warm the preparation gently. This helps limit the loss of some of the plant's characteristic aromatic compounds.
Valerian as a Personal Experience
Another interesting aspect of valerian is that everyone experiences it a little differently. Some people find it deeply calming, while others experience a slightly stimulating effect. This is why personal experience is so important when using valerian – observing, listening and respecting your body's individual response.
Valerian and Precautions
If you take medication with strong sedative effects or certain pain-relieving medicines, extra caution is needed when using valerian. Combining them may increase drowsiness and other sedative effects, so it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use.
Valerian as an Evening Ritual
Valerian fits beautifully into an evening ritual, becoming a small bridge between day and night. Especially during periods of sleeplessness or when the body finds it difficult to switch into rest mode, such a ritual can become a valuable part of the evening. A few drops in water, a moment to yourself, a slow, peaceful breath… and a gentle invitation to leave the day's activities behind.
Valerian Tincture from Our Herbal Farm
If you feel drawn to valerian, you can incorporate it into your evening routine in a simple, natural way. The Valerian Tincture we prepare on our herbal farm, using plants we grow ourselves, preserves the distinctive character of this herb while offering a convenient way to include it in everyday life.
You can find out more about our tincture and its recommended use here: Valerian Tincture
Perhaps this small evening ritual will become a special moment of your day, gently helping you make the transition towards a quieter, more peaceful evening.