Application of essential oil valerian

Valerian officinalis belongs to the Valerian family and is a perennial herbaceous plant. Cultivate this plant in South America and Eurasia. In the wild, valerian grows on the banks of water bodies, forest glades and wet meadows. In the period of spring vegetation, essential oil is extracted from the roots and rhizomes of the plant. In this article, we would like to tell you more about the use of essential oil valerian in more detail.

There is a version that the plant owes its name to the Roman emperor Valerian. Since ancient times knew about the wonderful properties of valerian, among which the ability to calm the soul and stimulate the brain.

The oil is an oily liquid of dark color, having a refreshing aroma with woody-musky notes. To get 1 kg of valerian oil by steam distillation, use up to 120 kg of raw material. The composition of valerian oil includes such components as termel, pinene, kampfen, as well as aromatic and other substances.

Application of valerian oil

Like almost any essential oil, valerian oil is widely used in aromatherapy. Its pleasant aroma helps calm the nervous system, so it is recommended to use it for relaxation and meditation. Due to its general strengthening properties, valerian essential oil is widely used in folk medicine.

The use of this oil is shown to people suffering from intestinal colic, spasms, cramps, muscle pains, constipation and similar problems. Since ancient times, valerian oil has been recommended for use in women during menopause.

The essential oil of valerian favorably affects the work of the entire cardiovascular system. So it can help improve blood circulation, strengthen blood vessels, improve heart function, which can reduce the risk of heart diseases such as myocardial infarction and tachycardia. Experts recommend the use of valerian oil for immunodeficiency and diseases associated with it, as well as in violation of the thyroid gland. Also, oil is an effective natural anesthetic.

The essential oil of valerian is well used in diseases of the central nervous system. It will help people who suffer from nervous disorders, hysteria, neuroses, nervous excitability, chronic headaches and even caffeine dependence. Due to the calming properties of the oil, it is effective for insomnia and other sleep problems. In addition, it can also have a hypnotic effect.

External application of this oil will be beneficial for the skin. So it is able to refresh and soothe the skin, reduce its sensitivity, and also to remove swelling. Using valerian oil, you can treat back pain, because it has an analgesic effect. It can be used to treat cuts, wounds, insect bites.

Variations of Valerian essential oil

In aromatherapy

I use valerian oil in aromatherapy, adding it up to 7 drops in the aroma-lamp, based on a room of 15 m 2 , as well as in the aroma melon - 1-2 drops.

For Bath

For a bath with a capacity of 150 liters, mix well 5 drops of valerian oil with 5 ml of honey, milk or base oil and add the mixture to warm water, mixing everything thoroughly. Bath should not take more than 15 minutes, then, without rinsing, wipe yourself with a towel.

For inhalations

In a shallow container of hot water add 1-2 drops of valerian essential oil. Covered with a towel, inhale pairs with closed eyes no more than 5 minutes.

For compresses

Dilute 5 drops of oil in 100 ml of warm water, moisten with a solution a towel, gauze or cotton wool and apply to a sore spot. Keep no more than 2 hours.

For massage and rubbing

Mix 10 ml of base oil with 4-6 drops of valerian oil. Applying a small amount of the mixture on the palm to warm it up, massage the desired areas of the body for several minutes, until the oil is completely absorbed.

For abdominal massage with intestinal and gastric spasms

Mix 5 drops of oil with 10 ml of base oil. The resulting mixture of stroking movements massage the stomach for several minutes.

For the enrichment of cosmetics

For 5 ml of the base, add 3-4 drops of valerian oil.

For oral administration

For ½ tsp. honey drip 1 drop of valerian oil, take 1-2 times a day, squeezed milk.

Contraindications to the use of valerian oil

It is not recommended to use oil during pregnancy and lactating women. With prolonged or excessive use of valerian oil, nausea, headache, drowsiness, heart rhythm disturbance, overexcitation or depression can occur.

Before starting the use of valerian oil, it should be checked for individual tolerability. Apply only observing the dosage. It is forbidden to use valerian oil in moments that require concentration, quick reaction or concentration of attention.

When applying valerian essential oil to the skin, a normal reaction is considered if within 1-2 minutes you feel a slight tingling and chilling.