valerian
noun
va·le·ri·an
| \ və-ˈlir-ē-ən
\
\
Definition of valerian
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: any of a genus (Valeriana of the family Valerianaceae, the valerian 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
Valerian
biographical name
Va·le·ri·an
| \ və-ˈlir-ē-ən
\
\
Definition of Valerian (Entry 2 of 2)
died a.d. 260 Publius Licinius Valerianus Roman emperor (253–260)
Examples of valerian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
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, "Richard Hartlage composes kaleidoscopic landscapes of bulbs — for Chihuly Garden and Glass, and his home," 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, "What You Need to Know About OTC Sleep Aids, According to Neurologists," 30 Jan. 2019 Common over-the-counter sleeping medications have one of four ingredients: melatonin, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, or valerian. — Yvette D'entremont, SELF, "I'm a Scientist With Insomnia So I Researched How to Actually Get Better Sleep," 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, "10 All-Natural Remedies to Get a Better Night's Sleep," 11 Nov. 2010 For stress and anxiety: Lavender, cedarwood, lemon, bergamot, orange, and valerian. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Essential Oils for Beginners: How to Use Them Safely in Your Beauty Routine," 7 May 2018 In Sleepytime EXTRA, the extra stands for the actual most powerful ingredient, our narcoleptic friend valerian. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit, "Which Sleepytime Tea Is the Sleepiest?," 2 Mar. 2017 Ingredients like valerian and chamomile promote healthy sleep, too. — Cassie Shortsleeve, Condé Nast Traveler, "What to Eat to Avoid Jet Lag," 19 Oct. 2017 Herbalists will note that human bodies react very different to herbs: some might even feel energized by valerian, while others might conk out after a watery cup of chamomile. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit, "Which Sleepytime Tea Is the Sleepiest?," 2 Mar. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'valerian.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for valerian
valerian
noun
va·le·ri·an
| \ və-ˈlir-ē-ən
\
\
Medical Definition of valerian
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