Valerian essential oil: a strong root scent and how to handle it

In brief: Oil from the root of common valerian (Valeriana officinalis) smells earthy, musky and very pronounced, to some people even unpleasant. It is therefore used by the drop as the base of evening blends. For an aroma lamp, 1 drop with 3–4 drops of lavender; on the skin 0.5–1%.

You probably know valerian from calming drops or from herbal tea. In folk speech it is also called "cat's root", and that name has its reason, as you will see below. The essential oil is the concentrated scent of its root: strong, deep and unmistakable.

Before you order valerian oil, it is fair to say what it really smells like. And also that it is not bought for dripping on its own, but as a seasoning for blends.

What valerian oil smells like and why one drop is enough

Dried valerian root smells piercing; people compare it to ripe cheese. The European Medicines Agency links the characteristic odour with isovaleric acid. The distilled oil is more balsamic and woodier, but that note remains in it.

In practice this means two things. Valerian on its own in an aroma lamp bothers many people. In a blend with lavender or cedar, however, it adds a depth that no other oil gives. Always start with one drop to four drops of the other oils and add carefully.

Why every bottle is a little different

The composition of valerian oil varies more than that of most oils. An analysis of roots from 15 European countries found bornyl acetate in the range of 2.9–33.7%, valerenal from traces to 15.6% and isovaleric acid from 0 to 13.1%. It depends on the variety, soil, drying and the length of distillation. Do not be alarmed, therefore, if a new batch smells different from the previous one.

Beware also of related species. In Asia, Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi, formerly V. wallichii) is also distilled, and it has a different composition and scent. That is why you should always check the Latin name on the label. According to the product page, our oil is Valeriana officinalis.

What to combine valerian with

In perfumers' language valerian is a "base note": it lasts a long time and the other oils stand on it. Combinations for calm evenings can also be found in the article 9 aromatherapy blends for relaxation.

Use in practice

How the number of drops changes with the room is discussed in the article how many drops of essential oil to put in a diffuser and aroma lamp.

Evening massage oil: method

1. Pour 30 ml of jojoba oil into a dark bottle.
2. Add 2 drops of valerian, 6 drops of lavender and 2 drops of cedar. About 1.7% in total.
3. Close the bottle and turn it upside down; let the scent "settle" for a day.
4. Patch test on the forearm, 24 hours.
5. Massage into the back, shoulders or feet. Use up within 3 months.

More tips on evening massages can be found in the article relaxing massages with essential oils.

Tradition and what the EMA recognises

Valerian root is traditionally used in Europe for calming and for difficulty falling asleep. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) assessed both the root and the essential oil and recognises valerian essential oil as a traditional herbal medicinal product for the relief of mild symptoms of mental stress and to aid sleep, in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age. This concerns registered products for use by mouth or in the bath, not a cosmetic raw material.

Our oil is intended for aromatherapy and external use, not for internal use. People add it to evening blends for calming, but a therapeutic effect of a scented oil has not been proven. A comparison with other evening oils can be found in the article essential oils for relaxation and sleep.

Valerian and cats: why "cat's root"

Valerian attracts cats similarly to catnip. In a study with 100 domestic cats, 47% of cats responded to valerian root (68% to catnip). According to the authors, the reaction may be caused, among other things, by the substance actinidine.

For a household with a cat this yields simple rules. Keep the bottle closed and out of reach; a cat can knock it over and lick it. Do not drip the oil on beds or toys. Do not run the aroma lamp in a room the cat cannot leave. More in the article essential oils and pets.

Safety

• Skin: Tisserand and Young list no special restrictions for valerian oil. Even so, dilute it and do a patch test on the forearm before first use.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: leave it out; safety has not been verified and the manufacturer does not recommend use.
• Children: under 6 years of age rather lavender or chamomile, as the article essential oils and children recommends. From 6 years of age 1 drop in a blend in an aroma lamp, on the skin 1% at most.
• Not internally: drops and teas from the pharmacy are different products with a different dose. Do not swallow the essential oil.
• Storage: dark glass, a cool place, tightly closed. The oil is stable; use it up within 2–3 years.

Valerian is also easy to grow in the garden; the method is in the article valerian: a medicinal herb, not a goat.

Frequently asked questions

What does valerian essential oil smell like?

Earthy, musky and balsamic, with a sharper note that people compare to ripe cheese. On its own it bothers many people, but in a blend with lavender or cedar it adds a pleasant depth.

Does valerian oil help with sleep?

Valerian root is traditionally used for calming and to aid sleep, but for the oil in an aroma lamp the effect has not been proven. People add it to evening blends for the atmosphere. Deal with long-term insomnia together with a doctor.

Can I take valerian oil internally?

No. The essential oil is highly concentrated and is not intended for internal use. For use by mouth there are registered root products at the pharmacy.

Why do cats love valerian?

The root contains substances to which cats react similarly as to catnip, for example actinidine. In a study roughly half of the cats responded. Store the oil out of their reach.

How many drops of valerian should I put in an aroma lamp?

One drop to 3–4 drops of other oils, for example lavender. More drops will not improve the scent, they will only weigh it down.

Recommended products

• BIO Valerian, essential oil 10 ml – a distillate from the root, the base of evening blends.
• BIO Lavender, essential oil 10 ml – the best partner, it softens valerian's sharp note.
• BIO Chamomile, essential oil 10 ml – a herbal evening blend with lavender.
• BIO Himalayan cedar, essential oil 10 ml – a woody companion for massages.
• BIO Jojoba 10 ml – carrier oil for massage blends.
• White ceramic aroma lamp – for evening blends.

Sources

• EMA: Valerianae aetheroleum – herbal medicinal product
• EMA/HMPC: Assessment report on Valeriana officinalis L., radix and aetheroleum
• Bol S. et al.: Responsiveness of cats to silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian and catnip, BMC Veterinary Research 2017
• Letchamo W. et al.: Variation in the Composition of the Essential Oil of Commercial Valeriana officinalis L. Roots from Different Countries
• Tisserand R., Young R.: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd edition, Churchill Livingstone 2014

Updated: 27 September 2026