Valerian: magical and medicinal properties, from sleep to protection

The root that calms

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a European plant with small, fragrant flowers and a strong-smelling root. It is the root that is used, in both herbal medicine and magic. The name is usually linked to the Latin valere, "to be healthy, to be strong", and in England it was called all-heal. The Greek physician Dioscorides, in the 1st century, already described a plant called phu, generally identified as a valerian, a name that says a lot about its smell.

The smell and the cats

The dried root releases isovaleric acid and other strong-smelling compounds. Many people compare it to pungent cheese. Cats, on the other hand, love it: they rub against it, roll around and get excited, just as they do with catnip. The legend that the Pied Piper of Hamelin used valerian to lure the rats is just that, a legend.

What the studies say

Valerian is sold all over the world as a calming herb and sleep aid. The evidence is more modest than its reputation:

• A review by Bent and colleagues (2006) found subjective improvement in sleep, but warned about small studies and risk of bias.
• A 2010 meta-analysis (Fernández-San-Martín and colleagues) found an improvement in sleep quality as reported by participants, with no clear effect on objective measures.
• The European Medicines Agency recognises its traditional use for mild nervous tension and difficulty sleeping.

In short: it may help some people feel calmer and sleep better, but it is not a strong sleeping pill.

Magical correspondences

Scott Cunningham associates valerian with Venus and the element of water, and mentions uses for love, sleep, purification and protection. In modern practice, the most common uses are:

• Sleep and peaceful dreams: a sachet of dried root and lavender under the pillow. See also the guide to lucid dreaming.
• Reconciliation and peace at home: in Venusian blends to calm conflict, ideally on a Friday and in the hour of Venus; see the planetary hours.
• Protection: in sachets and powders, mixed with other herbs, for the house.

These associations are modern tradition. To understand how the tables are built, see magical correspondences.

How to use it

• Sachet: chopped dried root, with lavender or chamomile to balance the smell.
• Calming bath: a mild infusion of the root, strained, added to bath water at night.
• Tea: only with guidance, and never together with alcohol or sleep medication.

Precautions

• It can cause drowsiness: do not drive or operate machinery after taking it.
• Do not combine it with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives.
• It is not recommended in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or for young children without guidance.
• There are rare reports of liver problems; people with liver disease should avoid it.

For other plants from the same world, see the guide to magical herbs.