Valerian Meaning and magickal uses
Also called All-Heal, Setwall, Garden Heliotrope
A sleepy, earthy root for rest, calm and quieting an anxious mind.
- Intentions
- Sleep and Dreams, Peace, Protection, Love
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- Venus
- Zodiac
- Taurus
- Day
- Friday
- Moon phase
- Waning Crescent
- Parts used
- Root
How to use it
- Sleep sachet
Place a little dried valerian root in a sachet with lavender under your pillow. The scent is strong, so start small and notice how it helps you settle.
- Peace in the home
Sprinkle a pinch of dried root in a small dish near where arguments tend to start, while you focus on calm words and patient listening.
- Protection pouch
Hang a small pouch of valerian root near a window, a folk charm said to keep the house quiet and safe. Hang it high, where curious cats cannot reach it.
Works well with
Substitutes
History and folklore
The name valerian likely comes from the Latin valere, to be strong or healthy, and it was used in ancient Greece and Rome. In medieval Europe it was called all-heal. Folk tradition also linked it to love, with some saying a sprig worn by a young woman drew suitors. One version of the Pied Piper story says he carried valerian to lure rats. Today witches value it most as a herb for rest, calm and peaceful homes.
A sleepy, earthy root for rest, calm and quieting an anxious mind.
- Intentions: Sleep and Dreams, Peace, Protection, Love
- Element: Water
- Planet: Venus
- Zodiac: Taurus
- Day: Friday
- Moon phase: Waning Crescent
- Parts used: Root
Safety: Valerian can cause drowsiness if swallowed and is unsafe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding without a healthcare provider's advice. Not on the ASPCA toxic plant list, but its scent excites many cats, so store it securely away from pets. Wash hands after handling.
How to use it
- Sleep sachet. Place a little dried valerian root in a sachet with lavender under your pillow. The scent is strong, so start small and notice how it helps you settle.
- Peace in the home. Sprinkle a pinch of dried root in a small dish near where arguments tend to start, while you focus on calm words and patient listening.
- Protection pouch. Hang a small pouch of valerian root near a window, a folk charm said to keep the house quiet and safe. Hang it high, where curious cats cannot reach it.
Works well with: Blue Candle, Amethyst, Lepidolite, Waning Crescent
Folklore
The name valerian likely comes from the Latin valere, to be strong or healthy, and it was used in ancient Greece and Rome. In medieval Europe it was called all-heal. Folk tradition also linked it to love, with some saying a sprig worn by a young woman drew suitors. One version of the Pied Piper story says he carried valerian to lure rats. Today witches value it most as a herb for rest, calm and peaceful homes.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.