You should think about taking valerian if you are having trouble sleeping. Though study results are mixed, valerian may be helpful for people with insomnia or anxiety. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with headaches, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, restlessness or trembling, you should take valerian.
Valerian
Valerian, a perennial flowering plant, is an herbal remedy used to help people sleep. The valerian plant roots are crushed and dried for use in this sleep-aid. As with any herbal remedies please consult your health provider for treatment, correct dosage, benefits and risk factors.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredValerian is generally considered to be safe. If you take valerian for longer than two to four months and suddenly stop using it, you risk suffering from valerian withdrawal. It has been reported that valerian gives a drug "hangover" effect when taking high doses. In some cases, if you take valerian for a long period of time, you increase your risk of developing insomnia. -
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Dr. William B. Salt, MD , Gastroenterology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersObtained from the root of a European plant, Valeriana officinalis or Valerian was the main sedative and hypnotic in use in Europe and America before the invention of barbiturates in the early twentieth century. It is used as a sleep aid. -
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Dr. Michael Breus, PhD , Psychology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThere has been no significant research into the long-term effects of valerian use, which is a significant omission -- as with any medicinal sleep aid, “herbal” or not, we need an understanding of its effects on the body over the long term, both in terms of its safety and its effectiveness. The short-term side effects of valerian, however, we know to be relatively mild, consisting of headaches and stomach upset. -
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RealAge answeredSee All 2 AnswersEvidence for improved sleep from clinical trials in humans using valerian is limited, and results are moderately positive.
In the largest controlled study of 128 asymptomatic persons, the participants reported a subjective improvement in sleep quality for valerian extract compared to a placebo. For participants taking the valerian extract, the greatest improvements were reported by those considering themselves to be poor sleepers.
In another controlled trial a valerian preparation containing primarily fat-soluble compounds (sesquiterpenes) improved poor sleep significantly more than the placebo. A high proportion of participants in the valerian group reported improved sleep. -
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RealAge answered
Valerian is a perennial herb native to Europe. Extracts of valerian are made from the thickened, underground rootlike stem of the plant.
Use: Preparations of valerian can be used to treat the following:- sleeping disorders arising from nervous conditions
- restlessness
Dose: Valerian is available in a variety of product types.
- The recommended dose of valerian is an amount equal to 2 to 3 grams of dried root taken once or several times daily. Various dosages may be tried to identify the one that works best.
- No time limitation for using valerian has been established.
Cautions: Situations in which use of valerian is not advised:
- Do not use valerian before driving or operating heavy machinery.
- The safety of valerian during pregnancy or lactation has not been established.
Side Effects: Do not exceed the recommended dosage of valerian: Overdose is possible.
Drug Interactions: Do not use valerian with sedative or tranquilizing drugs.Take the RealAge Test!
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1 AnswerA
RealAge answered
A randomized trial among 80 healthy volunteers with no sleep problems compared a valerian syrup and a combination tablet of valerian and hops (another herb with a sleep-promoting effect) to a prescription sedative and to a placebo. All three active treatments resulted in subjective reports of better sleep, while only the prescription sedative (flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine drug) resulted in impaired vigilance and decreased dexterity on the following morning (hangover effect).
A combined preparation of hops and valerian was found to be as effective as the sleep medication benzodiazepine. One person in the valerian group and one person on the benzodiazepine group had stomach complaints.
Because of the known side effects and risk of dependence for benzodiazepine sleeping pills, recent reviews recommend that plant-based sedatives be evaluated in adequately controlled randomized trials among people with sleep problems. -
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Dr. Maoshing Ni, PhD, LAc , Geriatric Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersOften called nature's tranquilizer, valerian has been used for centuries to regulate the nervous system and relieve insomnia, tension, irritability, stress, and anxiety. Valerian is also a natural pain reliever that reduces sensitivity of the nerves. Try a cup of valerian tea the next time you're in need of pain relief! -
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Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answeredSee All 2 AnswersValerian (valeriana officinalis) has a sedative effect and may be useful in treating insomnia, particularly in helping to reduce the amount of time that it takes to fall asleep. Valerian is regarded as a mild tranquilizer and has been deemed safe by the German Commission E for treating sleep disorders brought on by nervous conditions. Unlike prescription or OTC sleep and anxiety medication, valerian is not habit-forming, nor does it produce a hang-over-like side effect. -
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredYou should not take valerian if you're pregnant, unless you are doing so under your doctor's supervision. There is not enough evidence to know if valerian, which may act as a sedative, is safe to take during pregnancy.