Valerian: magical uses, folklore and safety

How to read the labels Historical what the old sources say. Later tradition what later writers added. Modern modern practice and my own notes.

Valerian smells terrible. The dried root has a strong, earthy, old-socks smell that makes people laugh the first time they open a bag. It is also one of the best-loved sleep herbs in Europe, and modern witches use it for rest, calm and peace between people. Respect it as a sedative.

At a glance

How witches use valerian today

Modern Valerian is mostly used in sealed pouches and pillows rather than as a drink.

Dream and sleep pillows. Cunningham describes powdered root placed in pillows to help you fall asleep. A small muslin pouch of root inside a pillowcase, mixed with lavender to soften the smell, is a modern favourite. It fits well with my sleep spell.

Peace between people. Cunningham writes that if a couple is quarrelling, some valerian brought into the area will calm things. A sealed pouch in a shared room is a gentle way to try this.

Protection. A piece of root hung by a window follows the Greek custom Cunningham mentions of hanging a sprig under a window to charm away evil.

Love. Valerian also goes into love sachets in Cunningham’s book. The smell makes it better suited to a hidden pouch than a perfume.

Rest rituals. On the dark moon, set aside an evening for rest: low light, a warm bath and a valerian pouch by the bed.

Tarot pairing. I pair valerian with the Four of Swords: rest as a necessary act, not a luxury.

Journal prompt. What would truly rest me, beyond simply sleeping?

Try this: a quiet-night pillow pouch

1. Mix a teaspoon of dried valerian root with a tablespoon of dried lavender or chamomile.
2. Sew or tie the mix into a small muslin bag, double layered so nothing escapes.
3. Hold it and name what keeps you awake. Say: “Rest now. It can wait until morning.”
4. Slip it inside your pillowcase, not loose on the bed where a cat will find it.
5. Replace the herbs every month or two.

Folklore and history

Historical Valerian was known to ancient Greek and Roman physicians and has been used as a sleep and calming herb in Europe for centuries.

Later tradition In European folk practice the root was hung in houses for protection and used in love charms. Cunningham adds that powdered valerian root has been used as a substitute for “graveyard dust.”

Modern Valerian appears in modern sleep spells and pillow magic, usually blended with sweeter herbs.

Safety

Sedation. NCCIH notes valerian is generally safe for short-term use by most adults, but side effects include headache, stomach upset, mental dullness and vivid dreams, and stopping after long use can cause withdrawal symptoms. Rare liver injury has been reported, mostly with other herbs. Do not combine it with alcohol or sedative medicines, and do not drive if it makes you drowsy.

Pregnancy, children and medicines. Ask a health care provider before taking valerian.

Cats. A 2017 study in BMC Veterinary Research found that many cats respond to valerian root, much as to catnip. Keep pouches sealed and out of reach.

What next

Pair valerian with lavender and chamomile for sleep magic, and see my sleep spell.