valerian

noun

va·​le·​ri·​an və-ˈlir-ē-ən 

1

: any of a genus (Valeriana of the family Caprifoliaceae, the honeysuckle family) of perennial herbs and shrubs many of which possess medicinal properties

2

: a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) used especially formerly as a carminative and sedative

Examples of valerian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Stefan Gafner, PhD, chief science officer of the American Botanical Council in Texas, confirmed that some clinical trials have explored valerian root's effects. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026

The bag is a blend of magnesium glycinate, adaptogens like ashwagandha and reishi, and an herbal mix of passionflower, valerian root, and hops. —Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026

Hallucinations Some people who suddenly stop taking valerian after using it regularly report seeing things that are not there (hallucinations).5 8. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026

According to the expert, herbal remedies such as valerian, passionflower, hops, or ashwagandha can also have a supportive effect, especially in cases of stress or inner restlessness. —Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2025

Since insomnia is a common complaint during menopause, valerian root can help someone sleep better. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025

As a result, almost 93% have tried over-the-counter sleeping aids such as valerian or melatonin, while 83.5% have used prescription sleeping pills. —A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025

The three amino acids are combined with vitamins B6 and B3, magnesium and valerian, all ingredients that support stress-relief. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

For these reasons, in its 2017 practice guidelines, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended against using valerian for insomnia. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French valeriane, borrowed from Medieval Latin valeriana, of obscure origin

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for valerian

• assyrian
• counterion
• criterion
• hyperion
• iberian
• illyrian
• mousterian
• shakespearean
• shakespearian
• hanoverian
• presbyterian
• virion

Medical Definition

valerian

noun

va·​le·​ri·​an və-ˈlir-ē-ən 

1

: any of a genus (Valeriana) of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) many of which possess medicinal properties

2

: a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) that is used as an herbal remedy and is held to be beneficial in treating nervousness and insomnia

called also valerian root

Biographical Definition

Valerian

biographical name

Va·​le·​ri·​an və-ˈlir-ē-ən 

died a.d. 260 Publius Licinius Valerianus Roman emperor (253–260)