COMMON NAME: Valerian Root, Indian Valerian Root

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Valeriana fauriei, V. wallichi

FAMILY NAME: Valerianaceae

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Europe, Asia

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: India, France, Hungary, Japan

HISTORY INFORMATION: This plant has been used for hundreds of years to treat epilepsy, depression, and hysteria. Has a common name of "all heal."

GENERAL INFORMATION: There are at least three types of valerian on the market. There is the European Valerian (V. officinallis var. angustifolium) which is the mildest, Japanese Valerian or Kesso Root (V. officinallis var. latifolia) which is more woody, and Indian Valerian (V. wallichii) which is more musky. Therefore, there is a distinct chemical profile for each oil and they should be treated accordingly.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A perennial herb growing to 4ft high with an erect stem producing purple-white flowers supported by a thick grayish root having a disagreeable odor.

PARTS PROCESSED: Root

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled. Solvent extracted

COLOR RANGE: Brown with some green. Olive brown.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Alcohol. Primarily patchoulol, valeranone, isovalerianic.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antidiuretic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, hepatic, hypotensor, nervine, sedative, stomachic, tonic(nerves), tranquilizer, vermifuge. Used for hemorrhoids, varicose veins, nervousness, tension, agitation, fragrances. Used to calm, promote sleep, relieve pain.

MENTAL USES: I work; I play; I rest. I will always be. I am not just my work; I am more. I am nothing and I am everything.

EMOTIONAL USES: Can't stop working, fear of not surviving, alert/tired-can't sleep, panic if stop TO calm, relaxed, narvana experience, total peace at one with self

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you work too hard and do not know how to relax. You could have a deep fear of death or doing nothing. There could be issues of surviving, and you are afraid that you will not make it. Once you die you die and that is all there is. You may have problems falling to sleep. The ego or rational mind is challenged to let go and be one with its intuitive or true self. To the rational mind this can mean death - the end. The void. Valerian eases you into the transition. The oil is suppose to be relaxing, but if you have fears about dying or not making it, this oil can bring up terror and can be a very frightening experience. Do not use this oil unless you understand what could happen to you.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, inhaler, massage, mist spray.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: No formal testing, appears nontoxic, avoid in pregnancy and with infants and children.