Valerian

Valerian Benefits

Valerian root is a mild sedative and is frequently combined with hops, lemon balm, and other natural herbs that cause drowsiness. It is often used to treat insomnia, especially in people who cannot tolerate, or wish not to take, benzodiazepine drugs (narcotic sleeping pills).  

It has also been used in this manner to assist people who are trying to stop taking or reduce their intake of benzodiazepines. There is some scientific evidence to support valerian root’s use in this manner although further research is needed.  Valerian is much weaker than prescription sleep medications and needs to be taken for several days or weeks in order to build up enough in the body to be effective.

There are several other uses for valerian root that are common, yet not supported by a lot of evidence scientifically. Valerian has often been described as a mood stabilizer and has been used in this manner to treat disorders such as stress, anxiety, depression, and hypochondria. Additionally it has been considered a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant and used in patients with epilepsy. Several other possible uses are listed below.

• Relief of headaches including migraines
• Relief of stomach upset
• Treatment of disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Relief of muscle and joint pain
• Prevention of menstrual cramps
• Decreasing symptoms of menopause including hot flashes

Valerian Side Effects

Valerian is generally considered safe in small amounts such as those found in food and beverages. Medicinal amounts are considered possibly safe, although in smaller dosages side effects are rarely seen.

When consumed in larger doses people have shown signs of being overly excitable, disoriented, dizzy, and very tired. Some people experience a feeling of sluggishness that continues into the next day after taking valerian root. When you first take valerian it is recommended that you refrain from driving until you know how it will affect you. 

In some patients taking valerian for symptoms of anxiety valerian has been known to cause agitation, headaches, and night terrors. This may be due to the fact that some people do not have the proper digestive enzymes to break the herb down.

Valerian can also cause more significant side effects when taken for a long duration. These include chronic stomach aches, apathy, and depression. In rare cases allergic reactions have been reported causing skin rashes, hives, and difficulty breathing.

Valerian root should not be combined with other depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepine drugs, barbiturates, and opiates because both slow down the central nervous system. Additionally, for this reason, valerian supplements should not be taken within two weeks of surgery because of the dangers of combining it with anesthesia.

There is no conclusive evidence to show that valerian root is safe during pregnancy and for infants. Therefore, it is recommended that women who are pregnant or breast feeding avoid taking the nutritional supplement.

Valerian Dosage

It is difficult to determine an exact dosage due to the fact that there is no standardization for valerian root consumption. Typical doses of the herb itself range from two to ten grams per day. This equates to the following common dosages listed on product packages when using valerian to treat insomnia.

• 400-900 mg. per day for up to 28 days straight, taken once a day, two hours before bed
• 120 mg. valerian root combined with 80 mg. lemon balm extract, three times daily for up to 30 days
• Combination products containing hops, lemon balm, and other herbs in 187 mg tablet form daily at bedtime for up to 28 days

Due to the fact that dosages differ widely and there are several possible drug interactions, it is recommended that anyone considering taking a valerian root supplement consult their physician first.  Use the free supplement finder to locate and compare valerian supplements now!