Benefits and uses of valerian oil

Valerian oil

Introduction of Valerian oil

Valerian Essential Oil is steam distilled from the roots of Valeriana officinalis. This pretty plant produces pretty pinkish white flowers, but it’s the roots that are responsible for the extraordinarily relaxing properties that valerian is known for.

Benefits of Valerian oil

Treats Sleep Disorders

One of the oldest and most studied benefits of valerian essential oil is its ability to treat the symptoms of insomnia and improve the quality of sleep. Its many active components coordinate an ideal release of hormones and balances the body’s cycles to stimulate restful, thorough, undisturbed sleep. This has been one of the main uses of valerian root since ancient times.

Lowers Anxiety & Depression

This is somewhat related to the previous point about sleep disorders, but valerian essential oil is also widely used to improve mood and reduce anxiety. The same mechanism of action that enables healthy sleep also help to reduce the negative energy and chemicals in the body that can induce anxiety and stress. These stress hormones can be dangerous when chronically in the body, so valerian essential oil can help you rebalance your body and increase your peace and calm.

Improves Stomach Health

When you have an upset stomach, many people turn to pharmaceutical solutions, but natural solutions are often best for gastrointestinal problems. Valerian essential oil can quickly ease upset stomachs and induce healthy bowel movements and urination. This can help to detoxify the body and improve the nutrient absorption of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby improving health in numerous ways.

Prevents Heart Palpitations

Valerian Essential oil has been directly linked to a lower occurrence of heart palpitations in certain study subjects. The volatile compounds in this essential oil interact with the acids and oils in your heart to stimulate a more normal metabolic rate and calm down erratic behavior of your cardiovascular system.

Skin Care

In terms of maintaining your skin health, topical or internal application of valerian essential oil can be an unexpected ally. Valerian essential oil is able to infuse the skin with a healthy blend of protective oils that protect against the development of wrinkles and also functions as an antiviral barrier that helps keep you healthy.

Regulates Blood Pressure

The same active ingredients that make valerian root so helpful for stress and anxiety also help the body regulate its blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause unnecessary strain on the cardiovascular system and increase the chances of strokes and heart attacks. Valerian essential oil can naturally reduce these risks through internal consumption.

Improves Cognitive Abilities

Although many essential oils claim to positively affect cognitive ability, valerian root has been heralded as a brain booster for hundreds of years. It stimulates different areas of the brain and increases circulation, stimulating pathways that keep our brains fresh and active. Students and elderly people consume valerian root all over the world for increasing their academic performance, as well as to protect their memory and delay any cognitive disorders, like dementia.

Reduces Menstrual Cramps

The relaxing nature of valerian essential oil has made it a popular part of pregnancy and menstrual therapy for many years. It can reduce the severity and discomfort of menstrual cramps, which is a welcome relief to many women who suffer through menstruation cramps, as well as discomfort and pain during pregnancy.

Uses of Valerian oil

l Topical: Apply 2–4 drops directly to desired area. Dilution not required, except for the most sensitive skin. Use as needed.

l Aromatic: Diffuse up to 30 minutes 3 times daily.

l Apply Valerian oil topically on the back of the neck or on the bottoms of feet at bedtime.

l Enjoy Valerian oil as part of your nighttime routine by diffusing it with Clary Sage next to your bed.

l Create a foot soak by combining 3 drops of Valerian oil and 5 drops of Tea Tree oil with 1 tablespoon of V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex and 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in warm water. Mix well and soak feet in this luxurious bath for 15 minutes.

l Add a few drops to your shower basin or bathwater as you wind down with an evening shower or bath.

Side effects and precautions of Valerian oil

Generally, there are no negative side effects of consuming valerian essential oil. However, since there are a number of powerful, volatile components in valerian essential oil, you don’t need much to experience the effects. Excessive consumption of valerian essential oil can result in dizziness, cramps, stomachaches, mild depression, and occasionally as a skin rash or hives. These are very limited occurrences, and as long as you follow your medical professional’s guidance, your use of valerian essential oil can do very little harm – but plenty of good!

In addition, not recommended during pregnancy or breast feeding. Can make some people feel nervous, anxious and experience palpitations. If it has been taken for a long time it can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Not recommended for those taking barbituates or benzodiazepine medication.