Science & Research 4

Valerian's aroma has a chemistry behind it, and understanding that chemistry makes the oil easier to use. This section covers the constituents that give the root its character, including valerenal, valeranone, bornyl acetate and the isovaleric notes responsible for its sharper edge, and explains how those molecules behave as a base note in natural perfumery. It also traces the plant's long history, from ancient apothecary shelves to modern steam stills.

Our approach is to report what has been measured and to label the rest as unknown. Articles distinguish between what a GC/MS analysis shows about a batch and what published studies have examined, and they do not stretch a laboratory observation into a promise about what the oil will do for a reader. Terms are defined as they appear so the wider literature becomes easier to read.

No chemistry background is needed. Read on below to explore the science of this bold root oil.