I opened up my bottle of Valerian (Valeriana wallichii) for the first time today and I was surprised by its aroma. I'm still processing it... I think it's more balsamic (?) than I thought it would be? Valerian oil's aroma can vary greatly and depends on its age, how it was distilled, and its origin. I've read that some Valerian Oils can be so unpleasant and pungent and "have an aromatic quality that resembles smelly feet." I did not know that before I bought it, ha! What I did know is that it helps with sleep and nervous tension. And, what I've learned is that the Valerian herb has been used medicinally since the Greco-Roman period. The name is derived from the Latin verb "valere," which refers to being well and feeling well. Energetically and emotionally, Valerian promotes equilibrium.
For today's (tonight's) blend I mixed it with Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and Buddha Wood (Eremophila mitchellii) because both help with sleep issues, nervous energy, and tension. I have to say at first it didn't smell all that great, and now I know why... But it is growing on me and I think it definitely will help with sleep. My son, however, had a very strong reaction: he said it smelled like armpits. Hahahaha. That’s close to smelly feet.
