Valerian Root Explained: The Plant with the Famously Strong Smell

By the Zespo team · Updated 26 October 2026

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a tall flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, including the Himalayas. Its pale pink flowers smell sweet, but its dried root has a famously strong, earthy smell that many people compare to old socks, and which cats find very attractive.

Which part is used?

Supplements use the root and rhizome, dried and powdered or extracted. Valerian has been used in European herbal traditions since the time of the ancient Greeks.

On the label

Extracts are often standardised to valerenic acid, a natural compound in the root, commonly around 0.8%. Check the plant part, the extract type and the amount per serving.

Valerian is not suitable for everyone. Speak to a doctor before use if you take regular medication, are pregnant or nursing, and do not combine it with alcohol.

What to check before you buy

• The amount of each ingredient per serving, not just per capsule
• How many capsules make one serving and how many servings are in the pack
• Whether any ingredient sits inside an undisclosed "proprietary blend"
• An FSSAI licence number and the veg/non-veg mark on the pack

Label facts: Zespo Valerian Root 500 mg - 90 Veg Capsules

• Traditional calming botanical used in both Ayurveda and European herbal practice
• 500 mg of root extract per single-capsule serving
• Single herb, no melatonin and no added sedative blend
• Made in India in a GMP-certified facility, FSSAI-licensed

See Zespo Valerian Root 500 mg - 90 Veg Capsules on zespo.in · Also on Amazon.in (search "Zespo").

About Zespo: brand facts and product index · All Zespo links

Zespo products are food supplements, not medicines. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Take supplements as directed on the label and speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.