Botanical names Valeriana wallichi
Source Roots
Family Valerianaceae
Origin India
Processing Method Steam Distillation
Description / Color / Consistency A viscous olive or reddish to brown liquid.
Aromatic Summary / Note / Strength of Aroma A base note with a medium aroma, Valerian Root Essential Oil has a deep, earthy, slightly woody scent.
Blends With Patchouli, Pine, Lavender, Crdarwood, Mandarin, Petitgrain and Rosemary.
Product Abstract
Valeriana wallichii, the major species of the genus Valeriana is native to India. Nepal and China. As an important substitute for the European V. officinalis, it has been traditionally used in treatment of sleep problems, obesity, nervous disorders and snake poisoning and skin diseases. Uttarakhand, part of Indian North western Himalaya, represents a mountainous region that encompasses agroclimatic conditions ranging from tropical to alpine and, thus, possesses a rich biodiversity. Valeriana, the major genus in the family Valerianaceae, is characterized by perennials that have three stamens without spurs on the slightly swollen base of the corolla, with a short and often strong-smelling root stalk
History
Strachey reported in 1918 the occurrence of five Valeriana species, V. dioica L., V. pyrolaefolia, V. stracheyi, V. wallichii DC., and V. hardwickii, at elevations ranging from 1500 ± 4300 m. A re-investigation of the morphology, distribution, and biodiversity of the Indian Valerianaceae, however, showed a total of 16 species/subspecies.
Harvesting/Extraction Information
The plant was used as a fragrance as much as 500 years ago, but its medicinal benefits have also been well known for centuries. In fact, some people call valerian as a “heal all”, and the essential oil that is extracted from this miracle plant has dozens of different applications
Common usage
Caution
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!
Key constituents
Patchouli alcohol 40.2%
d-Guaiene 10.7%
Seychellene 8.2%
Viridiflorol 5.2%
8-Acetoxy-patchouli alcohol 4.5%
a-Guaiene 4.3%
a-Patchoulene 4.3%
b-Pinene 2.9%
Methyl carvacrol 2.5%
Bornyl acetate 1.9%
Camphene 1.8%
a-Muurolene 1.7%
b-Caryophyllene 1.6%
a-Pinene 1.5%
Methyl thymol 1.3%
Kessane 1.2%
g-Patchoulene 1.2%
ncene 1.1%
Safety summary
Hazards None known.
Contraindications None known.
Organ-specific effects
Adverse skin reactions No information was found for Indian valerian oil or patchouli alcohol.
Systemic effects
Acute toxicity No information was found for Indian valerian oil or patchouli alcohol.
Carcinogenic/anticarcinogenic potential No information was found for Indian valerian oil, but it contains no known
carcinogens.
Comments
According to Mathela et al (2005) there is a second chemotype containing 64.3% maaliol, with the two chemotypes growing in separate Himalayan areas. Because of threatened overexploitation, Nepal has banned the export of unprocessed Valeriana jatamansi, and cultivation has been encouraged, in order to minimize the picking of wild plants. Limited availability.
