If you use herbs for sleep, you’re probably familiar with valerian root. Yet few North Americans have heard of its close cousin, tagar.

Also known as Indian valerian, tagar is a popular calming herb and essential oil in Ayurveda and traditional Himalayan wellness practices, used to support relaxation, increase sleep pressure, and help people ease into a natural nighttime rhythm. 

It’s particularly valued for its soothing and grounding properties, which make it a cherished staple for those who struggle to wind down and surrender to sleep.

Here, we’ll explore the details behind tagar for sleep, relaxation, immune support, and more, including its origins, historical use, and safe use.

The Many Names of Indian Valerian

Tagar is one of many names for Indian Valerian in Ayurveda. A sampling of others includes:

• Tagar Root
• Valeriana wallichii (older texts)
• Valeriana jatamansi (modern)
• Sugandhbala
• Kalaanusari
• Himalaya tagara
• Nata
• Tagarai
• Valeriana wallichii 
• Tagar Tree (even though it’s not a tree)
• Tagar Oil (the essential oil of the tagar plant)

Tagar has other names in other cultures, all of which refer to the same plant.

Where Indian Valerian Grows (Himalayan Origins)

Tagar grows in cool, high‑altitude Himalayan regions across India, Nepal, Pakistan, and China, where its roots are typically harvested in the fall.

Its environment contributes to its rich, grounding aroma, earthy flavor—often described as tasting of the forest, and naturally soothing characteristics.

Tagar Versus Valerian Versus Indian Valerian

Although tagar and valerian share similar sedative and sleep-promoting properties, they are different plant species. The primary difference is their aroma and flavor, but they provide comparable benefits for sleep support.

However, as mentioned previously, Indian valerian is the same plant as tagar. 

Tagar Versus Jatamansi: Clearing the Confusion

Tagar (Valeriana jatamansi) is also often confused with another Himalayan herb, jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), which also has calming properties. 

However, they are different plants. 

In this article, we’re sharing the benefits of tagar.

Traditional Use of Indian Valerian

Tagar has long been used in Ayurveda and Himalayan herbal traditions as a nervine (nervous system support), adaptogen (supports a healthy stress response), and a sedative, as well as for immune support, respiratory support, nervous system complaints, and mental-emotional well-being.

Considered a spiritual herb, it’s also used to enhance meditation practices and help facilitate spiritual growth and healing.

Tagar is also widely used to support mental and emotional well-being, and has a long-standing reputation as a helpful herb and essential oil for hair growth.

Learn more about how to use Ayurvedic herbs for hair in: 5 Best Herbs for Hair Growth and How to Use Them.

What’s Inside the Root: How Indian Valerian Works to Promote Sleep & Relaxation

Tagar root, used in teas, tinctures, and supplements, and for its essential oil, is rich in naturally aromatic compounds that create its warm, soothing aroma and grounding presence.

Analytical studies have shown tagar root and oil contain various chemical constituents responsible for its benefits, most notably:

• Valerenic acid
• Valeranone
• Valerenol

These active plant compounds are foundational to tagar’s benefits for sleep, relaxation, groundedness, immune function, joint comfort, tension reduction, and normal nervous system regulation and function.

Where to Find Indian Valerian Today

Once reserved for Himalayan natives and their close neighbors, tagar is now widely distributed worldwide as a supplement and functional food.

Today, you can find it in:

• Root powders
• Traditional decoctions
• Infusions and teas, including Organic India’s new Deep Sleep Tea
• Multi‑herb sleep and relaxation blends

As always, when sourcing herbs, it’s important to look for organic, ethically wild-crafted, or regeneratively grown tagar, both to avoid pesticide exposure and help protect this precious resource.

Indian Valerian Benefits (Tagar)

As noted previously, tagar has many health benefits thanks to its active plant compounds, which studies suggest help support normal nervous system function, the sleep cycle, immune function, and overall wellness.

Here are some of Tagar’s most notable benefits:

• Sleep Support: Historical use and studies suggest active plant compounds in tagar, such as valepotriates and sesquiterpenes, may help calm the nervous system and prime the body for an easier transition to sleep.
• Calming Ease & Relaxation: Tagar’s nervine (herb that supports the nervous system) and adaptogen (herb that supports a healthy stress response) properties, along with emotionally supportive compounds like alkaloids and iridoids, help support a state of calm alertness and relaxation.
• Nervous System Calm: As a nervine and adaptogen, tagar supports normal nervous system regulation, which has downstream effects on our stress response, sleep, mood, and other aspects of physical and emotional well-being.
• Stress Soothing: Nervine herbs, like tagar, are excellent for soothing stress and eliciting a state of calm.
• Gentle Wind‑Down: According to Ayurvedic principles, tagar possesses strong grounding properties, making it useful for those who have trouble winding down or shutting off their brains at night.
• Cooling: Tagar is considered a cooling herb in Ayurveda, making it appropriate for those with heat-related challenges that may interfere with sleep, relaxation, and other normal biological functions.
• Tridoshic: Though tagar is most often used to pacify Vata and Kapha doshas, it is considered beneficial for all doshas/body types (tridoshic).
• Occasional headaches: Tagar has been traditionally used to help soothe tension headaches by reducing stress and supporting normal muscle relaxation.
• Digestive support: This lesser-known use of tagar can work well for those who suffer from nervous-system-related digestive complaints.

As a spiritual herb, tagar can also help bring a grounded presence to meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices, as well as throughout the day.

Why Indian Valerian Is a Valuable Sleep Herb

As anyone who has used herbs for sleep will tell you, it can take some experimentation to find the right herb or herbal formula that works consistently.

For those who have trouble winding down, shutting down their thoughts, or feeling ungrounded at night, tagar can often be a game-changer.

Its benefits are comparable to Western valerian, but with a more grounding quality, making it perfect for evening herbal infusions. 

This is why we’ve included organic, sustainably-sourced tagar in our new Deep Sleep Tea. 

Combined with complementary herbs (in function and flavor) like tulsi, chamomile, and lemongrass, its earthy flavor and calming, grounding effects help increase sleep pressure, leading to a more easeful transition to sleep and a refreshed feeling upon waking.

Indian Valerian FAQs

Now that you know the difference between Indian valerian/tagar and valerian, how it works, and its benefits, let’s dive deeper with some FAQs. 

Q: Is tagar the same as Indian valerian?

A: Yes! Indian valerian is another name for tagar. They are the same plant. 

Q: How does tagar compare to Western valerian?

A: Tagar shares many comparable properties with Western valerian, specifically for sleep. However, according to Ayurvedic principles, tagar may be more beneficial for those who have trouble winding down at night and feeling grounded. It may also be especially beneficial for pacifying Vata and Kapha doshas.

Q: What does tagar traditionally support?

A: Tagar has a wealth of traditional uses, as mentioned previously, most notably for supporting sleep, relaxation, groundedness, spiritual growth, meditation, and immune function. It’s also popular as a hair growth supplement and topical treatment. 

Q: How is tagar used in modern calming or bedtime routines?

A: Tagar is used to help promote calmness, relaxation, and sleep pressure before bed. Many people enjoy it as a hot tea, such as Organic India’s Deep Sleep tea, for additional relaxation benefits.

Q: What does tagar taste or smell like?

A: Tagar has an earthy, sweet smell and is often described as “tasting of the forest”. In Ayurveda, its taste is described as sweet-bitter.

Related reading: 6 Tastes of Ayurveda Explained

Q: Which herbs pair well with tagar for nighttime support?

A: Tagar pairs well with various other nervines, sedatives, and adaptogens for sleep support, including tulsi, ashwagandha, chamomile, passionflower, bacopa, and lemongrass.

Q: How can tagar fit into a nightly relaxation ritual?

A: Talk to a healthcare practitioner trained in Ayurvedic herbs for individual recommendations on how tagar can fit into your nighttime ritual.

As a general starting point, taking it as a tea, such as our new Deep Sleep Tea, can be helpful. People also enjoy using it as an essential oil, either diffused or added to massage oil for added benefits.