At a glance
- Common name
- Valerian
- Botanical name
- Valeriana officinalis
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Rhizome and root
- Traditional correspondences
- Venus / Jupiter; Water / Earth
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Historical record
Derived from Latin 'valere' (to be strong or healthy). Galen prescribed it for insomnia. During World War I and II, European doctors administered valerian tincture to soldiers and civilians to treat shell shock and bomb neurosis.
Folklore and mythology
Folk tales identify valerian as the secret herb carried in the pockets of the Pied Piper of Hamelin to entrance rats and children. Cats are entranced by its pungent root, which acts on feline receptors similarly to catnip.
In Norse mythology, connected to the quiet earth and tranquil sleep; hung in homes to ensure domestic peace and fidelity between warring spouses.
Some traditions sprinkled it between quarrelling spouses or placed it in wine to encourage affection.
Tradition: Germanic & Celtic Associated figures: Pied Piper & Freya
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Is valerian safe to use?
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Valerian is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Valerian.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.
Exposure note: EPA indoor-particle guidance says burning can add particles and advises ventilation. ASPCA plant entries address ingestion, not smoke exposure. See the sourced burning, pet and pregnancy lookup; neither source clears this plant as safe to burn.