Indian Valerian

(Indian Valerian)
Sanskrit: तगर • Botanical: Valeriana wallichii DC.

Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC., Fam. Valerianaceae) is Indian Valerian, a well-known sedative herb. The rhizome is the medicinal part. Found in the Himalayas at 5000-9000 feet. The plant has a characteristic strong, somewhat unpleasant odor due to isovaleric acid. It is one of the most important Ayurvedic nervine sedatives. Primarily used for insomnia, epilepsy, psychosis, and headache. Also employed as a cardiac tonic and anti-toxic agent. The root contains essential oil rich in valerenic acid and sesquiterpenes. Some confusion exists between Tagara and Nakhui (Celery seed) — they are different plants. V. hardwickii Wall. is also used in South India under the same name. Asarum europaeum (Europiyan Tagar) was historically used in European practice. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Valerenic acid, Sesquiterpenes, Valeranone, Terpene alcohols, Arachidic acid, Isovaleric acid (responsible for the characteristic pungent odor). Essential oil 0.5-2.15%.
Also Known As
English: Indian Valerian
Sanskrit: तगर, नताम्बुज
Hindi: तगर, मुश्कबाला, सुगन्धबाला

What is Indian Valerian (Tagara / तगर)?

Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC., Fam. Valerianaceae) is Indian Valerian, a well-known sedative herb. The rhizome is the medicinal part. Found in the Himalayas at 5000-9000 feet. The plant has a characteristic strong, somewhat unpleasant odor due to isovaleric acid. It is one of the most important Ayurvedic nervine sedatives. Primarily used for insomnia, epilepsy, psychosis, and headache. Also employed as a cardiac tonic and anti-toxic agent. The root contains essential oil rich in valerenic acid and sesquiterpenes. Some confusion exists between Tagara and Nakhui (Celery seed) — they are different plants. V. hardwickii Wall. is also used in South India under the same name. Asarum europaeum (Europiyan Tagar) was historically used in European practice. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Nidrajanana (sedative/sleep-inducing)
  • Vatahara (pacifies Vata)
  • Kaphahara (pacifies Kapha)
  • Shoolahara (pain relieving)
  • Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Krimighna (anti-parasitic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Classical Therapeutic Uses

  • Anidra (insomnia)
  • Apasmara (epilepsy)
  • Unmada (psychosis)
  • Shirahshool (headache)
  • Netra Roga (eye diseases)
  • Visha (poisoning)
  • Kushtha (skin diseases)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Indian Valerian by Condition

Explore how Indian Valerian is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Indian Valerian for Anxiety & Stress
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Indian Valerian for Eye Health
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Indian Valerian for Immunity & Disease Prevention
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Indian Valerian for Inflammation
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Indian Valerian for Male Sexual Health
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Indian Valerian for Pain Management
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Indian Valerian for Skin Disorders
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Indian Valerian for Sleep Disorders

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.