Valerian, Tagar (organic)

Tagar is often sold as a substitute for European valerian. It is a separate species. Valeriana wallichii is a Himalayan plant with its own root chemistry, and the two oils differ in both odour and composition.

01 · Origin

A low perennial of Himalayan slopes, long used in South Asian incense and perfumery under the name tagar. This oil is distilled in Nepal from the roots of wild-crafted, certified organic plants. The genus sits in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae.

02 · Chemistry

Isovaleric acid is the defining note: sharp, cheesy and animalic, and it dominates the first impression. Maaliol, a sesquiterpene alcohol, and beta-gurjunene give the woody, earthy body beneath it.

03 · In Practice

Pungent and musky at first, settling to a dry, mossy, woody tone. A base note used in trace amounts in natural perfumery and incense formulation. Meditation practice and olfactory study. Comparative work alongside Valerian (No. 1100) shows the difference between the Himalayan and European species. Blends with patchouli, vetiver, spikenard, cedarwood, lavender and oakmoss.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.