Comparisons 11

Valerian is easiest to understand next to something else. Our comparison articles set the oil beside its nearest neighbors and rivals: vetiver, the other great root oil; lavender, the softer floral people most often weigh it against; valerian tea and valerian capsules, two products from the same plant with very different purposes; and the confusing pair of valerian root oil and valerian essential oil, which share a name and little else. A brand round-up covers Mountain Rose Herbs, Young Living and their peers side by side.

Every comparison follows the same structure. The criteria are set out first, each option is measured against them in turn, and the verdict explains which choice suits which situation rather than crowning a single winner. Scent, cost, ease of use and sourcing are compared in plain terms.

If you are deciding between two bottles or two forms of the same root, start here. The full set of matchups is listed below.