what are the health benefits of valerian root

How does valerian root help you relax and sleep better?

[ 11] If you do have adverse effects, here's what to look out for:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Itchiness

How much valerian root can I take safely?

There is no official dosage recommended for people wanting to take valerian root. Most research studies of valerian root’s effect on sleep have people take 300 to 600 milligrams, once per day, on a regular basis. When taking a supplement, it’s often best to start with a low dose, then gradually increase it over time, if needed.

Does valerian root really work for sleep problem?

Yes, valerian roots do help sleep. Valerian is an herb and its root has medicinal properties. It has been used to treat anxiety and nervousness, and as sleeping aid since ages. Valerian root extract can help improve sleep because it has about 150 nerve-calming compounds and promotes sleep latency, which assures a good night's sleep.

Is valerian root a good sleep aid?

Valerian root contains a number of compounds that may promote sleep and reduce stress and anxiety. This is because it has valerenic acid, isovaleric acid and some other antioxidants. Valerian root has this ability to interact with GABA which makes it useful for insomnia.

What does valerian do to your body?

One is that valerian increases the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. As a neurotransmitter, GABA inhibits unwanted nervous system activity. Studies have shown that increased levels of GABA in the brain lead to falling asleep faster and experiencing better sleep.

What are the side effects of valerian root?

Although valerian is thought to be fairly safe, side effects such as headache, dizziness, stomach problems or sleeplessness may occur. Valerian may not be safe if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. And it has not been evaluated to determine if it's safe for children under 3 years old.

What does valerian do to the brain?

Scientists aren't sure how valerian works, but they believe it increases the amount of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA helps regulate nerve cells and has a calming effect on anxiety.

What should you not take with valerian root?

Don't combine valerian root with alcohol, other sleep aids, or antidepressants. Also avoid combining it with sedative drugs, such as barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital, secobarbital) and benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Ativan). Valerian root also has a sedative effect, and the effect can be addictive.

Which is better melatonin or valerian root?

Should you get valerian root or melatonin? While some may find valerian root promotes relaxation and deep sleep, melatonin is a more natural way to get the rest you need. Since melatonin already exists within the body, it is less likely to have undesired side effects.

Can valerian root hurt your liver?

Hepatotoxicity. Valerian has been implicated in a small number of cases of clinically apparent liver injury, but usually in combination with other botanicals such as skullcap or black cohosh. In view of its wide scale use, valerian has to be considered a very rare cause of hepatic injury.

Does valerian root affect kidneys?

Development of acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis may have been precipitated by Valerian root interaction with hepatic metabolism of Rosuvastatin.

Does valerian lower blood pressure?

Valerian may have a sedative effect. It may have a stimulant effect for extreme fatigue. Valerian root may lower blood pressure and relax muscles.

Is valerian root safe to take daily?

Valerian has been used safely in doses of 300-600 mg daily for up to 6 weeks. The safety of long-term use is unknown. Valerian is usually well-tolerated. Some common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, and vivid dreams.

Can valerian cause heart palpitations?

Valerian root is a popular sleep aid that's widely considered safe. Still, some people have reported several minor side effects, such as vivid dreams, heart palpitations, dry mouth, digestive upset, headaches, and mental fogginess.

How long does valerian last in your body?

Various compounds present in valerian are metabolized through different mechanisms and at different rates, further complicating its use. However, it is apparent that clinical effects generally wear off after about 4–6 hours.

Does valerian root have estrogen?

Valerian is a phytoestrogenic herb that contains volatile oils including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and valepotriates beside the components resulted from their breakdown (15, 16). Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like complexes that can be found in plants and have estrogenic and antiestrogenic qualities.

What is Valerian?

Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ), also known as all-heal or garden heliotrope, is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. Since ancient times, the root of this plant has been used to treat insomnia, nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations [ 1 ].

Valerian Root Risks and Side Effects

This list does not cover all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Valerian Sources and Supplements

Valerian-based supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. In general, regulatory bodies aren’t assuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of supplements. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

Valerian Root vs. Melatonin

Both valerian and melatonin are sleep aids, although their mechanisms are different.

What is the purpose of valerian root?

Health Benefits. Hippocrates, the Greek doctor who inspired the name of the Hippocratic Oath, used valerian root to treat insomnia. Since then, people have used it for a variety of potential health benefits:

Why did people take Valerian root?

Anxiety and Stress Management. People took valerian root in the U.K. during World War II to relieve stress caused by air raids. Before that, medical practitioners used it to treat anxiety symptoms in the 1500s.

Where does Valerian root come from?

In this Article. Valerian root — also known by its scientific name Valeriana officinalis — is an herbal remedy that has roots in ancient Greece. The valerian plant features pink or white flowers. It is native to Europe and Asia, but now also grows in North America.

Does Valerenic acid help with hot flashes?

Again, more research is needed to fully prove this point. One study showed that taking valerian root helped reduce both the severity and frequency of hot flashes in people going through menopause.

Does Valerian root have an anti-anxiety effect?

Early research shows that valerian root may indeed have an anxiolytic effect — another term for an anti-anxiety property — but more research is needed. Preliminary studies show that valerenic acid may be the anxiety-reducing element of valerian root. In this early research, not only did this acid show anti-anxiety effects, ...

Does Valerian root help with insomnia?

Herbal medicine practitioners have prescribed valerian root for insomnia and trouble sleeping for centuries. However, modern scientific studies have not proven the mild sedative effect of valerian root. Several studies suggest that the effect exists, but further research is needed. The studies performed did show that valerian root may help people ...

Where does Valerian grow?

The valerian plant features pink or white flowers. It is native to Europe and Asia, but now also grows in North America. There are many forms available of this medicinal herb — including tinctures, pills, and teas.

What is Valerian root?

Valerian root contains volatile oils, including valerenic acids, less volatile sesquiterpenes and valepotriates (esters of short-chain fatty acids). These active constituents are likely responsible for valerian root’s ability to produce a calming and restorative effect on the body’s central nervous system. The name of the herb is derived ...

How long does it take for Valerian to work?

Valerian seems to be most effective after you take it regularly for two or more weeks. It may take a few weeks before the effects of valerian root supplementation are felt. For insomnia, it may be taken one to two hours before bedtime or up to three times in the course of the day, with the last dose near bedtime.

Does Valerian root help with heart health?

Now that you know that valerian root can be so calming to the mind and body, it’s probably not surprising to hear it can also help lower blood pressure, improving heart health. The same active components that make valerian root so effective for stress and anxiety management can also help the body properly regulate its blood pressure.

Is Valerian root a sedative?

Research indicates that valerian root is widely used and respected by the general population and physicians for its sedative effects and anti-anxiety capabilities. You may have even had valerian root before and not even realized it.

Does Xanax work as an anti-anxiety drug?

Drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) also work by increasing the amount of GABA in the brain. The valeric acid, valerenic acid and valerenol contained in valerian root extract act as anti-anxiety agents. It’s pretty amazing that an herbal remedy like valerian root can have the same anti-anxiety effects ...

Can Valerian root be taken with other sleep aids?

Valerian root may increase the effects of other sleep aids so it’s not recommended to combine valerian with other sleep aids. It should also not be combined with depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and narcotics since valerian can increase the sedative effect of depressants.

Is Valerian good for insomnia?

Both melato nin and valerian are used to treat insomnia and sleep issues. Both have shown positive effects on blood pressure. Valerian is also recommended to treat anxiety, stress, muscular spasms and cramps. Melatonin is being investigated to help with cancer care (improve response rates, survival time and quality of life).

What is Valerian root?

What to Look For. Valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. The root of the plant has long been used as a herbal remedy to treat insomnia. 1  The use of valerian root dates back to the Greek and Roman Empires and was noted by Hippocrates to treat headaches, nervousness, trembling, ...

How long does Valerian root take to work?

The effects of valerian root are said to be noticeable within one to two hours. It is usually best to take a dose 30 minutes or two hours before bedtime. To make valerian tea, add 2 to 3 grams of dried valerian root (roughly 1 to 2 teaspoons) to one cup of hot water and allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

What is the purpose of valeric acid?

It is believed that one of the purposes of GABA is to control fear or anxiety experienced when nerve cells are overexcited.

What enzyme breaks down Valerian?

Valerian is broken down in the liver by an enzyme known as cytochrome P450 (CYP450). Theoretically, it could interfere with the effectiveness of medications that are also broken down by CYP450, including: 8 

What herbs are used to treat anxiety?

A 2015 review from Harvard Medical School contends that of 12 traditional herbs used to treat anxiety (including hops, gotu kola, and gingko), valerian was the "most promising candidate" for treating anxiety associated with bipolar disorder.

Does Valerian root help with headaches?

Alternative practitioners believe that valerian root can treat a variety of health conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, headaches, digestive problems, menopause symptoms, and post-exercise muscle pain and fatigue. The evidence supporting these claims is generally mixed.

Is Valerian root safe to take?

Most clinical studies have shown that valerian root is well-tolerated and safe for short-term use. 5  Side effects, if any, tend to be mild and may include headache, dizziness, itchiness, upset stomach, dry mouth, vivid dreams, and daytime drowsiness.

What are the benefits of Valerian root?

There is less published research on the effects on other conditions. However, some studies suggest that valerian root can provide benefits for: 1 Menopause: One study in menopausal women found significant reductions in hot flash severity and modest reductions in hot flash frequency during eight weeks of treatment with 765 mg of valerian daily ( 34 ). 2 Menstrual problems: Women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or painful menstruation may benefit from valerian. One study found it improved physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms of PMS ( 35, 36, 37 ). 3 Restless legs syndrome: An eight-week study in people with restless legs syndrome showed that taking 800 mg per day improved symptoms and decreased daytime sleepiness ( 38 ). 4 Parkinson’s disease: A study found that treating mice with Parkinson’s disease with valerian extract led to better behavior, a decrease in inflammation and an increase in antioxidant levels ( 39 ).

Why does Valerian root smell so strong?

Unlike its delicately scented flowers, valerian root has a very strong, earthy odor due to the volatile oils and other compounds responsible for its sedative effects. Interestingly, the name “valerian” is derived from the Latin verb valere, which means “to be strong” or “to be healthy.”.

What is the chemical that helps regulate nerve impulses in the brain?

These include valerenic acid, isovaleric acid and a variety of antioxidants. Valerian has received attention for its interaction with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger that helps regulate nerve impulses in your brain and nervous system. ).

Is Valerian safe for cancer patients?

Valerian has been shown to be remarkably safe for most people. Studies have found that it does not cause adverse changes in DNA, nor does it interfere with cancer therapy in patients who take it to relieve anxiety and promote sleep ( 40. Trusted Source. , 41.

Does Valerian help with insomnia?

Trusted Source. ). Valerian may also help people who have insomnia after they stop taking benzodiazepines, sedative medications that may lead to dependence over time ( 26.

Can Valerian help with anxiety?

While studies suggest that many people experience great results with valerian, others may not see the same improvements. However, given its safety and potential benefits, you may want to give valerian a try if you have problems with sleep or anxiety. It just may improve your sleep, mood and ability to deal with stress.

Where does Valeriana grow?

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is an herb native to Asia and Europe. It is now also grown in the US, China and other countries. Flowers from the valerian plant were used to make perfume centuries ago, and the root portion has been used in traditional medicine for at least 2,000 years.

What is Valerian root used for?

Valerian roots have used to suppres the entire cental nervous system. Essential oil in it can handle that. So calming effects in valerian root can be a stimulants. Essential oil can use to treat hysteria, hypochondriasis, nerveous weakness, and epilepsi.

How much Valerian root extract should I take daily?

Valerian extract dose varies between 2-10 mg per day. This limited use caused by difficulty of determining the dose. Lack of standardization and variability of valerian extract also a matter. So do not ever valerian roots extract in high doses more than 500 mg.

What are the benefits of VO?

The most populer about the VO benefits is cure insomnia. But we will talk about another benefits of it. The medicine metabolism of this valerian root happen in liver. That is why usage of this natural medicine needs strict supervision. Because the possibility of damage to this organ will so worst.

Why is VO called "Valerian"?

Because VO scattered along rivers of it. VO names was taken from Latin. Valarae, meaning “to be healthy“. Another name of valerian is all heal. In England it was named setwall. In Germany it was named baldrianwurzel. Greece call it phu. Other call it garden valerian. VO is one of the natural ingredients.

What is a VO pill?

Today and before VO used to treat imsomnia. In the days of ancient Greece and Rome VO has been known as sleeping pill. This plants was described the properties by Hippocrates. Then, Galen writedown the benefits. He prescribe that VO can helping for sleeping treatmen. VO also can use sometimes to reduce night sleep disorder before surgery.

Where are Valerian roots native to?

Valerian roots like was said above is native of Britain. In that land VO use as antiemetic. Valerian roots has benefits also can strengthen the digestive organ and digestive system.

Is Valerian root a nitrogeneous base?

This are contents in one stem Valerian root: This is a nitrogeneous base classes of compounds that cotained in plants like VO. But it is also derived from animals. In VO extracts of valerian also contains: In VO varieties pratensis there is 35% bornil acetate but in VO varieties illyrica just 0,45%.

Health benefits of Valerian root

Studies show that the health benefits of valerian root reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep, so if you have constant sleep disturbances, valerian root is what you are looking for.

Origin of valerian root and chemical properties

Valerian root is derived from valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ), a perennial flowering plant in the Valerianaceae family; the plant has sweetly scented pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer; Valerian (often misspelled “valarian”) is native to Europe and parts of Asia and now grows in North America as well.

How to use valerian root

Valerian has been classified as generally recognized as safe in the US; Valerian root can be purchased as a supplement in a variety of forms online or at your local health food store.

What is the best-recommended dose of valerian root for insomnia?

The recommendations may vary slightly, but for insomnia, it can be taken in the following ways at the recommended doses:

Possible Side Effects and Caution of Valerian Root

Although valerian root is generally considered safe, side effects such as headache, dizziness, or stomach problems can occur.

Final thoughts on the benefits of valerian root

Valerian root is a safe and natural way to help with one of the most annoying and common health problems: poor sleep; With minor and rare side effects, it may outperform prescription sleep medications when it comes to their overall effect on your health.

History

Valerian has a long history of use in western medicine as a mild sedative, in fact, it was even recommended by Dioscorides and Galen, two ancient physicians and fathers of western medicine ( 1 ).

Types of Valerian

There are a couple of different varieties of Valerian, with Valerian officinalis L. being the main variety used in western medicine. Other varieties include V. edulis (Mexican valerian), V. wallichii (Indian valerian), and V. fauriei (Asian valerian).

Valerian Dosing

Various respected herbalists and researchers ( 1, 17) note the following as appropriate dosages:

Valerian Safety

According to the Botanical Safety Handbook ( 15 ), the most trusted source on herbal medicine safety, they give Valerian a safety class rating of 1 (the safest class) and an interaction class B (some outside interaction).

Valerian Root vs. Other Herbs

Valerian is often compared with many other different types of herbs. We have put together helpful articles going over the most common comparisons.

In Closing

If you find yourself struggling with sleep, Valerian is one of the first herbs to consider.

Why is Valerian used in England?

During World War II, it was used in England to relieve the stress of air raids [ 9 ]. In addition to sleep disorders, valerian has been used for gastrointestinal spasms and distress, epileptic seizures, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

What is the name of the Valerian?

Other names include setwall (English), Valerianae radix (Latin), Baldrianwurzel (German), and phu (Greek). The genus Valerian includes over 250 species, but V. officinalis is the species most often used in the United States and Europe and is the only species discussed in this fact sheet [ 3, 4 ].

What is Valerian made of?

Preparations of valerian marketed as dietary supplements are made from its roots, rhizomes (underground stems), and stolons (horizontal stems). Dried roots are prepared as teas or tinctures, and dried plant materials and extracts are put into capsules or incorporated into tablets [ 5 ].

Where does Valeriana grow?

Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ), a member of the Valerianaceae family, is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America [ 1 ]. It has a distinctive odor that many find unpleasant [ 2, 3 ]. Other names include setwall (English), Valerianae radix (Latin), Baldrianwurzel (German), and phu (Greek).

Is Valerian a sedative?

Valerian is a common ingredient in products promoted as mild sedatives and sleep aids for nervous tension and insomnia. Evidence from clinical studies of the efficacy of valerian in treating sleep disorders such as insomnia is inconclusive.

Is Valerian good for insomnia?

This fact sheet provides an overview of the use of valerian for insomnia and other sleep disorders and contains the following key information: Valerian is an herb sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Valerian is a common ingredient in products promoted as mild sedatives and sleep aids for nervous tension and insomnia.

Does Valerian affect sleep?

Valerian had no effect on any of the 15 objective or subjective measurements except for a decrease in slow-wave sleep onset (1 3.5 minutes) compared with placebo (21.3 minutes). During slow-wave sleep, arousability, skeletal muscle tone, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory frequency decreased.

What Is Valerian Root?

Valerian vs. Melatonin

Uses and Recommended Dosage

Risks and Side Effects

• Although valerian root is generally regarded as safe, side effects such as headache, dizziness or stomach problems can occur. Sometimes people may have a reaction to valerian that’s the opposite of what they were aiming for — feeling anxious and restless instead of calm and sleepy. Most studies show no harmful effects on fertility or fetal developm...

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What Is Valerian Root Used for?

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Possible Side Effects

Dosage and Preparation

What to Look For