Valerian.

Lamps low, the house going quiet, a few drops in the diffuser as the day winds down. Valerian has never been chosen for its perfume: some authorities have called it the essence of dirty socks. But it has a place of its own in a relaxing evening blend, and no other oil fills it quite the same way.

This is Valeriana officinalis, steam-distilled from roots organically grown, though not certified, in Nepal, and it is the least unpleasant version of valerian oil we have encountered. It is not an oil for perfumery. It is an oil for the evening, blended with Sweet Marjoram and Roman Chamomile, both relaxing companions in their own right.

Details

• Botanical name: Valeriana officinalis
• Origin: Nepal
• Method: steam distillation of the roots
• Organically grown, not certified
• Shelf life: about 3 to 4 years after opening

How to use

Add a drop or two to a relaxing evening blend with Sweet Marjoram and Roman Chamomile, in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil for massage. Valerian is an untested oil on the skin and could possibly be a sensitizing agent, so use it sparingly and well diluted. For external and aromatic use only; never take it internally. Store it in the dark and refrigerated, and decant a half-empty bottle into a smaller one to extend its shelf life.

An honest, earthy root for the last hour of the day.