Valerian Calming Oil Blend
oil-blend
Ingredients
Conditions addressed
How to use
Apply a small amount to the affected area 1–2× daily. Patch-test on a small area of skin first.
- A traditional oil-blend made from Valerian root extract, Lavender oil, Jojoba oil, Chamomile oil.
- Prepare in small batches and store in a cool, dark place.
Interactions & contraindications
Valerian root extract
Full profile- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
Pregnancy
Use CautionSome midwives use valerian short-term for pregnancy-related anxiety/sleep, but formal safety studies are limited — generally used cautiously and not as a long-term or high-dose remedy.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionLimited formal safety data; sedative herbs can cause infant drowsiness via milk, so cautious, short-term use is typical.
Children
Use CautionSometimes used short-term for children's sleep under guidance, but dosing for children isn't well established — start low and use short-term only.
Sedatives, benzodiazepines, alcohol
Additive drowsiness and CNS depression.
Anesthesia (pre-surgery)
May prolong sedation — inform your surgical team and typically discontinue 1–2 weeks prior.
Lavender oil
Full profile- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
Pregnancy
Likely SafeAromatherapy and mild tea use are widely considered safe throughout pregnancy; internal use of concentrated lavender oil/capsules is less studied and generally kept to topical/inhaled use instead.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeAromatherapy and topical use are considered compatible with breastfeeding; avoid direct application near the nipple/areola before nursing.
Children
Use CautionDiluted aromatherapy is commonly used to help children sleep. Repeated topical exposure in prepubertal boys has been raised as a possible (though not conclusively proven) factor in rare cases of hormone-related breast tissue changes — avoid regular, undiluted topical use.
Sedatives
Additive drowsiness, particularly with oral use.
Jojoba oil
- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Jojoba oil in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Jojoba oil itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb is associated with calming/sedative activity. CNS-active herbs are generally used cautiously and short-term in pregnancy rather than as a routine remedy — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionSedative herbs can cause infant drowsiness via breast milk — generally used cautiously and briefly, watching the baby for excess sleepiness or poor feeding.
Children
Use CautionSedative herbs are dose-sensitive in children, whose smaller body size makes effects less predictable — start low and use short-term under guidance.
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
Chamomile oil
Full profile- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
Pregnancy
Use CautionOccasional culinary-strength tea is widely used traditionally, but German chamomile has mild emmenagogue (uterine-stimulant) activity — concentrated extracts, capsules, or frequent strong tea are generally advised against, especially in the first trimester or with a history of miscarriage.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeCommonly used traditionally in normal tea amounts to support let-down and calm the nursing parent; considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Children
Likely SafeWidely used in mild diluted tea form for infant colic and sleep in traditional practice. Rare allergic reactions occur in children with a known ragweed/daisy (Asteraceae) family allergy.
As a member of the Asteraceae (ragweed/daisy) family, this herb carries a real chance of cross-reaction in anyone allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies — introduce cautiously if there's a known allergy.
Blood thinners (warfarin)
Contains natural coumarins with mild anticoagulant activity.
Sedatives
Additive drowsiness.

