Obtained from a “flowering plant” is an essential oil known as Valerian oil. This oil is extracted from a “perennial flowering plant” belonging to the “Valeriana officinalis” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is derived from the “root” of the flowering plant using the process of “steam distillation”. In addition, this oil is basically “yellowish-green” in colour, and comprises of a “warm woody” aroma. In addition, apart from its medicinal property this oil has also been used as a “fragrant” for centuries now.
A. Chemical constituents of Valerian oil:
This oil is extracted from a “flowering plant” belonging to the “Valeriana officinalis” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil also comprises of organic compounds such as chatinine, shyanthine, valeriannine, and valerine. In addition, this oil also consists of isovaleramide, gamma-amminobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, iridoids, sesquiterpenes, and flavones such as hesperidin and linarin.
B. The uses and benefits of Valerian oil:
There are a number of benefits that an individual can gain by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Hypnotic:
This oil when used serves as a “hypnotic” by inducing sleep and helps in the treatment of individuals suffering from insomnia.
2. Antidepressant:
This oil also possesses an “antidepressant” property, and thereby helps in suppressing depression.
3. Digestive:
This oil serves as a “digestive” by enabling normal digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices, bile etc into the stomach.
4. Analgesic:
This oil when used also helps in providing relief from pain caused by headaches, and thereby serves as an analgesic.
5. Antibacterial:
When used this oil acts as an “antibacterial” and helps in treating cuts, wounds, burns etc by destroying all kinds of disease causing bacteria.
C. The adverse effects of Valerian Oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that may occur on using this oil. They are as follows:
- The excessive use of this oil could lead to dizziness, cramps, stomachaches, mild depression etc.
The use of this oil could also lead to skin rash or hives.
