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
Since insomnia is a common complaint during menopause, valerian root can help someone sleep better.
—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025
As a result, almost 93% have tried over-the-counter sleeping aids such as valerian or melatonin, while 83.5% have used prescription sleeping pills.
—A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
The three amino acids are combined with vitamins B6 and B3, magnesium and valerian, all ingredients that support stress-relief.
—Anna Haines, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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
Or try the Pukka Night Time Herbal Tea, $22.49 for a four-pack, for a blend of chamomile, lavender and valerian.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 21 Feb. 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
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Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025
As a result, almost 93% have tried over-the-counter sleeping aids such as valerian or melatonin, while 83.5% have used prescription sleeping pills.
—A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
The three amino acids are combined with vitamins B6 and B3, magnesium and valerian, all ingredients that support stress-relief.
—Anna Haines, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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
Or try the Pukka Night Time Herbal Tea, $22.49 for a four-pack, for a blend of chamomile, lavender and valerian.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 21 Feb. 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
Cite this Entry
“Valerian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valerian. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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)
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