Extracted by steam distillation from the roots dried of Valerian officinalis L. (valerian officinal, herb of the gatti), perennial herbaceous plant of the Caprifoliacee (ex Valerianacee) widespread in all the Europe and the Asia temperata, from the prati umidi to the areas montane up to to 2.000 m. The valerian is the plant sedative more studiata and documented of the medicina western — the sue properties ansiolitic and ipnotic are riconosciute in numerous farmacopee nazional and europee. The phytochemical profile of the essential oil is dominated from bornyl-acetate, isovalerianato of bornyl and camfene, with acid valereanic and valerianolo — the iridoidi (valeropotriati, valeranoni) not si ritrovano in the oil distillate but in the macerato. The mechanism of action coinvolge the receptors GABA-TO (action benzodiazepin-like to basso risk of dipendenza) and the regolation of the serotonin. In aromatherapy the oil is used as sedative of the nervous system central, anxiolytic, ipnotic light and antispastic. The fragrance is intense, earthy and poco gradevole — solitaly mascherato in blend. Base note earthy, muschiata and very persistent.

Europe and Asia; cultivated throughout the world.

Roots and rhizomes

Steam distillation

• Sedative: the more powerful sedative vegetal, effective for insomnia and anxiety.
• Anxiolytic: reduces stress and the agitation nervous.
• Antispasmodico: relieves the cramps muscular and the tensions corporee.
• Perfumery: note muschious-earthy used in some fragrances oriental.

Blends well with: