Valerian
Profile
| Latin Name | Valeriana officinalis |
| Chinese Name | Ou Xie Cao |
| Family | Valerianaceae |
| Note | Top |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Musky |
| Color | Yellow to Blue Green |
| Parts Distilled | Rhizome |
| Regions | Belgium, China, England, France, India, Italy |
| Taste | Bitter |
| Nature | Cooling |
| Affinity | LR/PC |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Sesquiterpenes (caryophyllene), esters (bomyl acetate) |
| Skin Type | Dry & Mature |
| Dosage | 4% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Clear Heart fire - palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, hysteria, nervousness, chest distress
- Subdue interior wind due to fire
Indications
- Heart and Liver Fire (PC-6, CV-17, LR-14, BL-14, BL-18, LR-2, PC-8)
- Liver Wind epilepsy (GB-20, GV-20, LR-2, GB-31, TH-17, LR-8)
Topical Applications
- Apply 4% dilution locally for migraine and stress headaches.
Specific Protocols
- Apply 1 drop of Valerian with 1 drop of Petitgrain to PC-6 and HT-7 to calm the shen.
Actions
- Sedative
- Venous decongestant
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative (prevents or relieves flatulence)
Contraindications & Cautions
- Deficient Qi / Yang
- Overuse will result in lethargy and fatigue
Additional Comments
- Valerian essential oil is very difficult to obtain and has three chemotypes.