Valerian Root and Lavendin Infused Oil

This infused oil was made with the goal of being both anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety.

Applying the infused oil topically can help ease stress, anxiety, physical pains, and more.

Valerian root

Features

Scientific name: Valeriana officinalis

Appearance: Brown, fibrous root with a strong, earthy smell

Smell: Musky, sometimes described as earthy

Properties

Sedative and relaxing: Calms the nervous system and promotes sleep

Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety): Helps reduce stress and tension

Muscle relaxant: Soothes cramps, muscle spasms, and tension headaches

Mild pain reliever: May help with headaches and menstrual cramps

Digestive aid: Supports digestion, especially for nervous stomach issues

Use cases for Valerian root

  • Supports better sleep by reducing insomnia and improving sleep quality.
  • Calms the nervous system, helping to relieve stress and anxiety.
  • Eases menstrual cramps and alleviates PMS or PMDD symptoms.
  • Aids digestion by soothing bloating and a nervous stomach.
  • Helps reduce tension headaches and related discomfort.

Lavendin

Features

Scientific name: Lavandula x intermedia

Appearance: Similar to lavender, with tall stems and purple flowers

Taste: Slightly bitter, floral, and camphor-like

Smell: Stronger and more camphorous than true lavender

Properties

Calming and relaxing: Helps reduce stress and anxiety

Antiseptic and antibacterial: Supports wound healing and skin health

Anti-inflammatory: Soothes irritated skin and sore muscles

Respiratory support: Helps clear congestion and ease breathing

Use cases for Lavendin

  • Helps promote relaxation and mental clarity in aromatherapy
  • Calms the nervous system and reduces stress and anxiety
  • Provides muscle pain relief when used in massage oils and salves
  • Helps with breathing and congestion when used in steam inhalation

Details on making this infused oil

This infused oil uses:

  • Sunflower oil
  • Dried valerian root
  • Dried lavendin

Originally, I learn how to make infused oil thanks to First Curve Apothocary’s courses through Greenspell (Alex is so great, highly reccommend taking a class!)

In the class we learned about basic herb properties and how to combine them to get any combination of desired outcomes.

Having used Valerian in tea before to help with chronic pain, I knew that this is where I wanted to start. I added Lavendin to this oil to help aid in promoting mental clarity, ease etc. It works pretty well! I’ve also lent it to a friend to use.

What’s the difference between Lavender and Lavendin?

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a gentle, sweet-smelling herb known for its calming and relaxing effects, making it ideal for sleep, anxiety relief, and skincare.

Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), a hybrid of lavender and spike lavender, has a stronger, more camphorous scent with higher camphor content, making it better for muscle pain relief, respiratory support, and insect repellent. Lavender is softer and more sedative, while lavandin is more stimulating and medicinal.

Where do I buy herbs?

As a recommendation from Alex at Greenspell, I bought herbs and sunflower oil from these places:

Online resource the learn more about making infused oils at home, safely