valerian

noun

va·​le·​ri·​an və-ˈlir-ē-ən 

1

: any of a genus (Valeriana of the family Caprifoliaceae, the honeysuckle family) of perennial herbs and shrubs many of which possess medicinal properties

2

: a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) used especially formerly as a carminative and sedative

Examples of valerian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For these reasons, in its 2017 practice guidelines, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended against using valerian for insomnia. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024

Most of the studies covering valerian use the capsule form compared to the teas. —Valerie Agyeman, Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023

Field after field frothed with wildflowers — poppies, pink valerian, thistle — all swaying in the wake of the speeding supercars like fans at a rock concert. —Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2023

My doctor recommended the herbal supplement valerian. —Annie Lane, oregonlive, 27 Mar. 2020

Tidy boxwood hedging outlines the spring display and provides a framework for later waves of allium and lilies that bloom companionably among the roses, valerian, yarrow and other summer perennials in the small but striking space. —Lorene Edwards Forkner, The Seattle Times, 13 Apr. 2019

Out of the natural or herbal supplements available (including chamomile and lavender), valerian has the most studies supporting its sleep-inducing effects, Dr. Bollu says. —Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 30 Jan. 2019

Common over-the-counter sleeping medications have one of four ingredients: melatonin, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, or valerian. —Yvette D'entremont, SELF, 28 Nov. 2018

In these studies, the benefits were most pronounced when people used valerian for extended periods of time, as opposed to simply taking it for one night. —Sarah Jio, Woman's Day, 11 Nov. 2010

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French valeriane, borrowed from Medieval Latin valeriana, of obscure origin

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

valerian

noun

va·​le·​ri·​an və-ˈlir-ē-ən 

1

: any of a genus (Valeriana of the family Valerianaceae, the valerian family) of perennial herbs many of which possess medicinal properties

2

: a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) that is used as an herbal remedy and is held to be beneficial in treating nervousness and insomnia

called also valerian root

Biographical Definition

Valerian

biographical name

Va·​le·​ri·​an və-ˈlir-ē-ən 

died a.d. 260 Publius Licinius Valerianus Roman emperor (253–260)