Valeriana is a homeopathic remedy made from the root of valerian. In homeopathic practice it is traditionally associated with nervous restlessness, an over-excited, keyed-up state, difficulty settling to sleep, and changeable nervous complaints in oversensitive, hysterical-feeling people.
This page covers the plant it comes from, the complaints it has traditionally been linked to, the symptom picture that points to it, and the forms and potencies commonly used.
The short version: A valerian-root remedy classically linked with nervous restlessness, an over-excited mind and unsettled sleep.
What is Valeriana and where does it come from?
Valeriana is prepared from the root of valerian (Valeriana officinalis), a tall flowering plant whose root has a long herbal reputation for calm and rest. The root is used to make the homeopathic tincture, which is then diluted and succussed.
Where the herb is used in fuller doses, the homeopathic remedy is chosen on a picture of nervous over-excitement and changeability.
What is Valeriana traditionally used for?
The whole picture guides the choice. Valeriana is traditionally associated with:
- Nervous restlessness and an over-excited, keyed-up feeling.
- Difficulty settling to sleep from an overactive, buzzing mind.
- Changeable, shifting nervous complaints and fidgetiness.
- Oversensitivity of the nerves, with a hysterical, wound-up quality.
- A feeling of floating or lightness when the nerves are on edge.
Who typically reaches for it?
The classic Valeriana picture is someone wound up and unable to switch off, restless and fidgety, with a mind that races when they try to sleep. There is an over-strung, oversensitive quality, and moods and sensations that keep shifting.
Symptoms are typically worse from rest, standing and in the evening, and better from moving about and in the open air.
What forms and potencies does it come in?
Like most classical remedies, Valeriana is prepared by serial dilution and succussion from its source material. You will most often see it in small lactose pillules or tablets, and sometimes as liquid drops or in combination formulas alongside complementary remedies.
In home self-care it is commonly used in low to medium potencies such as 6C or 30C. Lower potencies are often chosen for more physical, everyday complaints, while 30C is a popular general-purpose strength. Higher potencies are usually reserved for guidance from an experienced homeopath.
Your natural toolkit — and which to reach for
You'll find Valeriana featured in combination remedies such as the pick below, prepared as easy-to-adjust liquid drops.
Valerianaheel - Drops — reach for this if you want Valeriana in a ready-made combination drop formula for the nerves.
Featured products
Valerianaheel - Drops
A combination drop formula built around Valeriana for the restless, keyed-up picture.
Explore the full United Remedies range — blending homeopathy from Heel, Guna and Sanum with Weleda’s plant-based topicals and Zooki’s liposomal supplements.
Common questions
What plant is Valeriana made from?
It is made from the root of valerian, a plant with a long herbal reputation for calm, prepared homeopathically by dilution.
What is Valeriana best known for?
Traditionally, nervous restlessness, an over-excited, keyed-up state and difficulty settling to sleep.
How is it usually taken?
It is available as single-remedy pillules and combination drops; low to medium potencies such as 6C or 30C are common in self-care.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a long tradition of self-care; they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, or if you are unsure, please speak to a qualified health professional.