Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a member of the honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae) family. A perennial that an grow up to 55 feet (occasionally taller), bearing sweetly scented flowers that bloom in June through August.  

Distribution: Valerian is native to Europe and Southwest Asia. While it prefers moist soil, it is adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments. Its area of growth has significantly expanded, and it is now naturalized in parts of the US and Canada. Due to its abilities to outcompete other plants, it has an “invasive species of concern” classification in New Brunswick.  

Common Names: All-heal, garden heliotrope, set wall, cat’s love. 

Medicinal Parts and Compounds: The therapeutic plant part of Valerian is an oil extracted from the dried root, containing organic acids, terpenes, flavonoids and alkaloids, with its most well-known constituents being valeric and isovaleric acids. 

Main Therapeutic Uses:  

Sleep Support  

Valerian has a long history of use as a “nervine” herb, used as a calming, sedative herb in cases of restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, and tension.  

Studies have shown Valerian to be helpful for preparing for rest, getting to sleep as well as improving sleep quality. One trial found valerian extract to be as effective as oxazepam, a benzodiazepine, for treating insomnia.

Anxiety Support  

Clinical trials have shown Valerian's anxiolytic properties, with one randomized pilot study reporting reduced anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. 

Valerian can be taken in smaller doses throughout the day for its calming effects, or in a greater dose before bed to aid sleep.  

Some other studies established Valerian’s benefits to be most effective when using the whole root/rhizome, and/or when taken with complementary herbs.

Valerian on St. Francis Herb Farm 

While we don’t presently farm Valerian for our formulas, it can be grown in Ontario, and we have had promising success with Valerian trials! 

“We have done some trials of Valerian on the farm - this year we are planting a scaled-up crop from seed from our 2023 trials for a 2028 harvest, as Valerian takes 3 years to grow! We also have a few more trial rows in the field from 2024 and 2025. They don't seem to hurt the roots so much, but the deer come to eat the flowers in the spring.  They prune them all off! Perhaps they like to calm down – just like the rest of us!” 

From our farm manager, Deedee 

Symbolism and folklore:  

Valerian’s effects have established the herb as a symbol of tranquility and serenity. It has been dried in bunches and hung alongside other herbs (like marjoram) in the belief that it can protect households from misfortune and evil spirits.  

Learn more: 

Valerian - St. Francis Herb Farm  
Why Quality Sleep is Vital for Health and How to Get it!  

St. Francis Formulas Featuring Valerian