1.      Stress Management

In a study of 27 patients regularly kept awake at night by stress-inducing thoughts, 89% of those patients had better sleep after one month of valerian treatment.

Valerian may also reduce physical reactions during stressful situations. It slowed heart rate and reduced blood pressure in response to stress in a 2-week study of 56 healthy people.

A 4-day study of 24 healthy volunteers found that the combination of lemon balm and valerian improved laboratory-induced stress scores at 600 mg compared to placebo, but increased anxiety at a higher dose (1800 mg).

In another study, valerian reduced physical and psychological stress in rats by maintaining serotonin and norepinephrine levels in brain regions associated with fear and anxiety (hippocampus and amygdala).

In mice, valerian reduced blood levels of a hormone involved in the stress response.

This essential oil also helps regulate blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension generally leads to increased risk of heart strokes and problems. Active components present in valerian essential oil that helps reduce anxiety also works quite well when it comes to lowering down high blood pressure.

2.      Anxiety Reduction

Valerian root is touted by some as a safe and natural alternative to prescription anxiety drugs, most especially those like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) that act on GABA receptors.

There is some evidence, to support these claims. Valerenic acid appears to act on receptors in a way that enhances GABA transmission but without the pronounced sedative effects of a drug like Valium. This may benefit people in treatment for anxiety and other mood disorders.

When it comes to cardiovascular health, valerian essential oil helps a lot. It contains volatile compounds that help in lowering risk of heart palpitations. These components found in this essential oil react with acids in heart and encourages balanced metabolic rate that helps in relaxing cardiovascular system significantly.

3.      Curb Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a sudden wave of mild or intense body heat caused by rushes of hormonal changes resulting from decreased levels of estrogen. Hot flashes can occur at any time and may last from a few seconds to a half-hour. They are due to blood vessel opening and constricting and a symptom of menopause.

Valerian essential oil may be useful in minimizing hot flashes commonly affecting women during menopause. The exact mechanism of action is unknown since valerian doesn’t appear to directly influence hormone levels.  Valerian essential oil is also effective in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) significantly.

4.      Insomnia Remedy

It’s estimated that about 30% of people experience insomnia, meaning they have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving high-quality and restorative sleep. Research suggests that taking valerian root in the form of valerian essential oil may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, as well as improve sleep quality and quantity.

Slow-wave sleep, also known as deep sleep, is important for repairing and recharging your body so that you wake up feeling well-rested and energetic. One study in adults with insomnia found that a single dose of valerian allowed them to achieve deep sleep 36% faster. Additionally, the time they spent in deep sleep increased during 14 days of taking valerian.  Valerian also seems to improve the sleep quality of people who are withdrawing from the use of sleeping pills.