Valerian Absolute

#### Valerian Absolute. In the preparation of valerian extract for pharmaceutical purposes, certain methods lead to the isolation of the (essential) oil of this botanical. Separated by solvent extraction, this oil is not truly an essential oil, but it does resemble an absolute from a perfumery point of view. Ether-extracted valerian oil is available from various producers of pharmaceutical valerian extract. It has certain advantages over the steam distilled essential oil (e.g. little or no heating involved in the preparation) and shall be briefly mentioned here. For details on the botanical source, see monograph on **Valerian Oil**. **Valerian "Absolute" **is an olive-brown or pale brown colored liquid with a very powerful, balsamic-green, sweet-woody, yet somewhat sour odor. The sour notes are practically absent in fresh absolutes. Characteristic is a green-woody undertone of great tenacity, reminiscent of hops (beer), balsam poplar buds and pine forests. Valerian absolute is used in perfumery (although very rarely) in combination with oakmoss and patchouli, rosemary, lavender, pine needle oils, etc. for special effects in forest notes, chypres, fougères, etc. The power of this perfume material is easily under-estimated. In flavors, its richness and peculiar root-like, herbaceous-green taste gives interesting effects in apple flavors, beer flavors, tobacco flavors, liqueurs, etc. When exposed to moisture or air, the absolute (oil) turns acid and its odor is ruined by the appearance of isovaleric acid notes. In a way, **Valerian Absolute **is a by-product in the manufacture of the pharmaceutical, odorless extract of valerian rhizome, and is not regularly available. Its high price is compensated for by the outstanding power of the material. See also **Valeriana**** ****Wallichii**** **and **Valerian**** ****Oil**.