Earthy

Valerian

Note Profile

Botanical 7 perfumes

About

Valerian is the essential oil of Valeriana officinalis, steam distilled from the dried roots of a plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. It smells pungent, earthy and slightly musky, with green, woody and faintly animalic tones, like damp roots and turned soil. A sweet, medicinal touch follows. It is used sparingly as a base note.

Scent Profile

Valerian has a pungent, earthy, and slightly musky aroma with green, woody, and subtly animalic undertones. Its scent can be reminiscent of damp roots and freshly turned soil, evolving to reveal faintly sweet and medicinal facets. The overall impression is robust and grounding, with a lingering herbal depth.

ScentWheel

Breadthmedium

EnvelopeBase · ~18h lasting

Family Woody & Earthy, Fruity, Amber · Musk · Leather, Fresh & Citrus

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Valerian root oil

A natural extract

CAS 8008-88-6

The note names the material.

How the layers join

Origin

Valerian is derived from the roots of the Valeriana officinalis plant, native to Europe and parts of Asia. The essential oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the dried roots, which are harvested after the plant has matured for at least two years.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use valerian primarily as a base note to impart earthy, grounding effects and to add complexity to herbal, fougère, and chypre compositions. It is often blended with vetiver, patchouli, and woody notes to enhance depth and persistence. Its strong character means it is used sparingly to avoid overpowering a blend.