Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a earthy essential oil with a musky, heavy aroma and a base note. Steam distillation from root, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Cedarwood (Atlas), Vetiver. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 1%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Base |
| Aroma family | Earthy |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpene |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | root |
| Origin | China, India, Belgium |
| Blending factor | 2 |
| Volatility index | 4 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 15.0 |
| CAS number | 8008-88-6 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 1% |
| Max facial dilution | 0.5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Scale amounts to any container with the dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Frequently asked questions
What does Valerian essential oil smell like?
Valerian has a musky, heavy aroma, classed as a earthy oil with a base note.
What is the safe dilution for Valerian?
For topical use, keep Valerian at or below 1%, and 0.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Valerian safe to use during pregnancy?
Valerian is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Valerian safe to use around children?
Valerian is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Valerian safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Valerian blend well with?
Valerian pairs well with Lavender, Cedarwood (Atlas), Vetiver, Patchouli, Frankincense (Carterii).