Also known as Garden Valerian, Gerden Heliotrope, Setwall and All-Heal.

Valeriana Officinalis (commonly known as Valerian) is a perennial herb known for its sedative and calming properties. Valerian is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated for its medicinal uses, particularly in improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and enhancing well-being.

Physical Characteristics:

• Leaves: Pinnate leaves arranged in pairs along the stem.
• Flowers: Small, pink or white fragrant flowers that grow in clusters.
• Roots: The root is the most commonly used part of the plant for medicinal purposes, known for its pungent odor due to the presence of volatile oils.

Active Compounds:

• Valerenic Acids: These are thought to have sedative effects and influence GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) receptors in the brain, which are key to its calming properties.
• Valepotriates: Contribute to its tranquilizing effect, helping reduce anxiety and stress.
• Flavonoids: Have antioxidant properties that contribute to general health and well-being.
• Isovaleric Acid: Helps relieve muscle tension and reduces stress.

Please refer to our Holistic Effects on Female Libido and Sexual Function page to learn of the inextricable link between the below studies and female libido and sexual function.

Scientific Research on Valeriana officinalis: Supporting Stress Reduction, Sleep, and Nervous System Health

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian root, has been traditionally used to calm the nervous system and improve sleep. Recent clinical research has begun to validate these traditional uses, demonstrating its potential to support the body’s stress response, promote restorative sleep, and reduce anxiety without adverse side effects. The following human studies illustrate valerian’s diverse benefits.

In one study investigating the effects of valerian on psychological stress, healthy participants subjected to mental stress tasks showed significantly lower systolic blood pressure responsivity and reduced heart rate reaction compared to baseline. These findings suggest that valerian may help buffer the cardiovascular effects of acute psychological stress.

Another placebo-controlled study focused on sleep quality in individuals with insomnia. Participants taking valerian experienced improvements in sleep structure, including reduced latency to deep (slow-wave) sleep and shorter perceived time to fall asleep. Notably, the valerian treatment period had a substantially lower incidence of adverse events compared to the placebo phase (3 vs. 18), highlighting its excellent tolerability. The results demonstrate valerian’s potential to improve both objective and subjective measures of sleep without the sedative drawbacks often associated with pharmaceutical sleep aids.

Additional research using EEG analysis explored valerian’s effects on stress-related brain activity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, stressed adults taking valerian showed significant improvements on validated anxiety and stress scales. Furthermore, there was a marked increase in frontal alpha coherence—an EEG biomarker associated with reduced anxiety (anxiolysis). This neurophysiological change provides compelling evidence that valerian may exert calming effects at a neurological level.

Human clinical studies support the use of Valeriana officinalis as a natural option for reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and promoting calm without impairing cognitive or daytime function. Its ability to modulate both physiological and neurological responses to stress makes it a valuable herbal ally for emotional balance and nervous system support.