Valerian Root Meaning, Healing, and Magical Uses
Welcome to the Masters’ Grimoire of Magical Herbs page for Valerian Root. Here you will learn everything you've ever wanted to know about this herb including Valerian Root's magical uses, Valerian Root physical healing, and emotional healing properties, plus its use in meditation, Valerian Root lore and legends, and much more!
Introduction to Valerian Root
Valerian or Valeriana officianalis is a perennial flowering plant that is native to Europe and Asia. The plant matures in the Summer and has a height of approximately five feet. The flowers that bloom have a sweet scent that attract many fly species. It is consumed by the larvae of butterflies and moths. The crude extract of the Valerian Root may have sedative and anxiolytic effects. It is commonly sold as a dietary supplement to promote sleep. The root and leaves of Valerian cause a catnip-like response in cats. It’s roots and leaves are one of three alternatives for the one-third of domestic cats who do not feel the effects of catnip.
The main ingredient of Valerian is a yellowish-green to brownish-yellow oil that is present in its dried root. The amount of oil that is in the root varies by location. The Valerian found in a dry, stony soil usually yields a much richer oil from the root than the plant found in moist, fertile soil. Valerian is an unusual plant in that it has flowers with “handedness” which means they neither have radial or bilateral symmetry.
Valerian is considered to be an invasive species outside of its natural range. It is completely banned in Connecticut, United States and New Brunswick, Canada where it has been listed as a concern.
The name of Valerian is derived from the personal name Valeria. It is also derived from the Latin verb “valere” which means to be strong and healthy. Other names for this plant include; garden valerian, garden heliotrope, setwall, all-heal, and red valerian. Though many of those species are either unrelated to their namesakes or also used for other genuses of plants.
The Sacred Number of Valerian is 44.
Valerian Root Magical Uses and Purposes
Valerian is used for grounding during an emotional crises. It can aid in creativity. It also helps with communication within a conflict and helps humans connect to the Other Realm. It is used when seeking truths behind secrets and thought to help access hidden knowledge.
Valerian root is useful in spells created to ending guilt and negativity. It aids in self-acceptance and can be used to turn bad situations to a person’s advantage and find a positive outcome.
Some believe that throwing some valerian into a fight will cause those involved to cease fighting instantly. The herb is often included in many love and sleeping options. Other magical uses include purification, consecrating ritual tools, promoting peace, breaking hexes, and providing stability and happiness.
Other magical uses of Valerian include; banishing, calming, cleansing, consecration, dream work, feline magic, healing, love & harmony, optimism, protection, self-acceptance, sleep, Samhain celebrations and Yule celebrations.
Some simple spells using valerian are for ending guilt and preventing negative self-talk and developing self-acceptance. It can also be used in animal magic, especially cats. It evokes the animal spirit. It can be used in spells to bring luck and also to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It is also useful in spell for pain relief.
Evil spirits do not like the smell of Valerian and can sniffed to cast out internal demons. The dried root dispels negative energy. Consuming valerian can promote a highly relaxed state before performing dream work or meditation. Put Valerian in sachets, amulets, or talismans and carry with your to protect yourself from evil and magic.
Healing with Valerian Root
Valerian Root Physical Health Benefits
Valerian has been used traditionally in healing for many years. In John Gerard’s “Herbal, or Generall Historie of Plantes” published first in 1597, he states that valerian was found to be useful for those suffering from croup and other similar convulsions. Also, it was used for those bruised due to falls. The dried root was valued as a medicine by the poor and in North England and the South of Scotland.
In the 17th century, Nicholas Culpeper, a astrological botanist, believed Valerian was under the influence of Mercury which gave it a warming faculty. He recommended both the herb and root for people suffering from coughs when boiled along with licorice, raisins, and aniseed. It was also given special value against those suffering with the plague. The herb itself after being bruised and applied to the head would take away pain.
Because of the historical use of Valerian in healing, it’s use in traditional medicine has many diverse purposes. Mostly its use is for sedation or pain relief. It is also traditionally used to treat insomnia though there is really no good evidence to support this claim.
Spiritual Healing with Valerian Root
Valerian provides spiritual healings by connection us better to other realms and the unknown. It’s deep meditative providing qualities bring a wonderful tool to explore spiritual healing by providing protection while going on a Spiritual journey. It also protects us from negativity so that spiritual healing can have a deeper effect.
Emotional Healing with Valerian Root
Valerian can provide emotional healing by banishing negativity and providing grounding. The smell of valerian alone can help ward of evil sources of energy and bring a balance to emotional stability. Place a sachet that includes valerian nearby while meditating to help heal emotional needs.
Valerian Root for Chakra Healing
Valerian is associate with three different chakras: Root, Sacral, and Throat.
The Root Chakra is the first chakra and is also sometimes known as the base chakra, or Muladhara. It is located at the base of the spine and controls the kinesthetic energy for feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical energy and spiritual energy for the body. When it is blocked or out of balance you may feel lethargic, feeling down, and low levels of energy. Some experience back or leg pain or have immune system issues.
The Sacral Chakra is the second chakra. It is located below the naval and above the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis. It is the reservoir of the life force energy and is the center of gravity in the body. It is the center of Life Force Energy in the body. It controls the flow of information from the body to the mind and mind to the body. Gut feelings, intuition, and other “non-linear” communication comes from this chakra.
The Throat Chakra is the fifth chakra. When it is in balance, we can express what we think and what we fee. We can communicate our beliefs and emotions. We can bring our personal trust into the world while this chakra is balanced and open. It brings an easy flow of energy within the body and spirit. It enables free expression of the values within the energy.
Color Energy of Valerian Root
Valerian Root is associated with the brown color ray.
The color brown is very comfortable to humans. It is the color of home, hearth, and nature. It makes us feel at home. It is the color of the earth’s surface. It possesses a grounding nature and connection with nature. It is the color of relaxation and rest. Most animals and plants are brown or partially brown.
Brown helps regain composure, relaxation and connection with the earth.
Angels Associated with Valerian Root
Valerian is associated with the flowing angels:
Achaiah, Angel of Patience
Daniel, Protector and Ruler of the dates Nov 28 - Dec 2 and Sagittarius.
Nakiel, Master of the 19th Tarot Card “The Sun”
Valerian Root and the Goddess
Hertha, a Nordic Goddess, was said to use valerian on her riding crop to cause the stag she rode to increase in speed. The stag’s bridle was said to be made of hops and the combination may have helped facilitate the journey between the realms. These being the liminal space of the shaman and witch or between waking and sleeping.
Valerian Root Birth Herb
Valerian Root is the birth herb for those born on the following dates: February 24, March 10, June 26, and December 15.
If you were born on one of these dates, you might find that you have a particular attraction to Valerian Root. You may feel drawn to it. Those with the birth herb of Valerian Root will likely find it more powerful and intuitive to work with.
Valerian Root I Ching Hexagram
Valerian Root is represented in the I Ching by the 44th hexagram. This hexagram is about resisting weakness.
It tells us that the empowered person sees heavy objects lifted by strong winds, and understands how those of strong character can be manipulated by subtle, invisible influence.
The keywords of this hexagram are: temptation, appeal, charisma, influence, manipulation, sway, persuasion, denigration, force, bribery, and blackmail.
This hexagram encourages us to hold fast to our ethics, make a conscious effort to be of strong character, understand that our agenda should not need to be set by those around us, take care that you influence others for good instead of allowing them to influence you for evil.
It cautions against allowing those of weak character to persuade you to adopt their methods and perspectives, giving up your dedication to ethics and fairness, slipping into old and destructive habits, allowing weaker individuals to set your direction for you.
Valerian Root Astrological Sign
Valerian is ruled by the planet Mercury, making it associated with the astrological signs Gemini and Virgo. This association also connects to the Roman god Mercury who was the “messenger to the gods”, therefor Mercury reflects the essence of communication.
Those people born under the sign of Gemini are usually interested in many pursuits. They are interested in so many things they wish they could double themselves. They are often misrepresented as being two-faced, when in reality they are constantly juggling their many passions. They are also social butterflies and enjoy dinner parties and dance floors.
Those people born under the sign of Virgo are usually logical and practical. They have a systematic approach to life. They are perfectionists at heart and they are not afraid to improve their skills through constant practice. They are hyper aware of every detail.
Uses of Valerian Root in Feng Shui
Valerian is associated with Earth Energy in Feng Shui.
The roots of Valerian bring us Earth Energy. Earth Energy is the Yin energy of home, roots, family, security, grounding, permanence, and tradition. Use the roots of valerian for security, family, and maintaining traditional values.
Uses of Valerian Root in Talismans and Amulets
Valerian is often used in talismans and amulets to provide protection. They are also used in sachets to help with dream work and deep meditative states. Including valerian in talismans and amulets can also protect the wearer of negative energy, hexes, and other negative sources.
Using Valerian Root in Divination
Valerian is often used in magical spells to find truth in the unknown or just beneath the surface. It provides clarity and also deep thought. The next time you practice divination, try including valerian nearby in either a tincture or sachet. The scent of valerian will provide a deeper connection with other realms.
Meditation with Valerian Root
Valerian is useful in providing a sense of calm and facilitation a deep serene state of mind. The next time you try to meditate, place a sachet nearby that includes valerian, the scent of this herb will lull you into a calm state of being that will make your meditation session more useful.
Lore and Legends of Valerian Root
Valerian has been used as a traditional medicine since the time of ancient Greece and Rome.
Hippocrates described its properties as a treatment for insomnia.
In medieval Sweden, it was sometimes placed in the wedding clothes of the groom to ward off the “envy” of the elves.
It was believed that the Pied Piper of Hamelin placed valerian in his pockets or rubbed himself with the herb to attract and draw out rats from the town. The rats loved the smell of the valerian!
Greeks used valerian to ward off evil. They would hang valerian in bunches in windows.
Celts hung valerian in homes to ward off lightning.
by Theresa Peters
Theresa Peters is an (almost) life-long Alaskan. She is a writer and artist for the Crystal Inner Circle and has been studying crystals and their metaphysical and magical properties since she was a teen. Living in Alaska she has grown to appreciate the magical qualities of nature and the way the effect it has on all living things.
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References
IChing for Beginners - by Mark McElroy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_(herb)
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/herbclip-news/2021/valerian-historical-mythical-and-magical-uses/
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