Valerian-Topic Overview
Valerian Guide
Valerian is an herb that people have used for centuries for anxiety and as a sleep aid. It is also used to ease menstrual and stomachcramps. It comes from the root of the valerian plant, found in areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Of the more than 200 known species of valerian, the Eurasian variety V. officinalis is the one people use most often as medicine. Valerian root is known for smelling like sweaty socks.
Valerian is sold as a dietary supplement and is available as an extract in powder or liquid form, as a dried herb in tea form, or in pills. As a sleep aid, valerian is most effective if you take it shortly before bedtime. For anxiety, you may take a dose 3 times or more during the day, including before bedtime.
When Nightmares Won't Go Away
Yael Levy recalls having chronic nightmares as far back as elementary school, when she was living in Israel. The grandchild of Holocaust survivors, she says her dreams were filled with images of suffering and death.In one recurrent nightmare, Levy was trapped in a concentration camp, facing death. In another, she was drowning in deep water. At their worst, the nightmares occurred on an almost weekly basis, leaving her jittery and desperately fatigued."I would wake up so terrified that I was afraid...
Read the When Nightmares Won't Go Away article > >
People often use valerian in combination with other herbs, including St. John's wort, passionflower, lemon balm, kava, and hops.
Valerian does not interfere with sleep cycles or with restful REM sleep.
People use valerian to relieve anxiety, depression, and poor sleep, and also to ease menstrual and stomach cramps. Valerian has a mild calming effect that does not usually result in sleepiness the next day. As a sleep aid, valerian seems to be most effective for people who have trouble falling asleep and who consider themselves to be poor sleepers. It also has had good results for people who wake up during the night. Some studies show that valerian may provide quick relief for poor sleep. But it may take 2 to 4 weeks of daily use to bring improved sleep for people with serious insomnia.1 Other studies show that valerian did not help with insomnia.
Side effects from valerian are rare but can include mild headache or stomach upset, abnormal heartbeats, and insomnia. Because of valerian's calming effect, you should not take it at the same time as other calming medicines or antidepressants (or do so only under medical supervision). You also should not take valerian if you will be driving or need to be alert.
Valerian - Topic Overview
Valerian Guide
What is valerian?
Valerian is an herb that people have used for centuries for anxiety and as a sleep aid. It is also used to ease menstrual and stomachcramps. It comes from the root of the valerian plant, found in areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Of the more than 200 known species of valerian, the Eurasian variety V. officinalis is the one people use most often as medicine. Valerian root is known for smelling like sweaty socks.
Valerian is sold as a dietary supplement and is available as an extract in powder or liquid form, as a dried herb in tea form, or in pills. As a sleep aid, valerian is most effective if you take it shortly before bedtime. For anxiety, you may take a dose 3 times or more during the day, including before bedtime.
Recommended Related to Sleep Disorders
When Nightmares Won't Go Away
Yael Levy recalls having chronic nightmares as far back as elementary school, when she was living in Israel. The grandchild of Holocaust survivors, she says her dreams were filled with images of suffering and death.In one recurrent nightmare, Levy was trapped in a concentration camp, facing death. In another, she was drowning in deep water. At their worst, the nightmares occurred on an almost weekly basis, leaving her jittery and desperately fatigued."I would wake up so terrified that I was afraid...
Read the When Nightmares Won't Go Away article > >
People often use valerian in combination with other herbs, including St. John's wort, passionflower, lemon balm, kava, and hops.
Valerian does not interfere with sleep cycles or with restful REM sleep.
What is valerian root used for?
People use valerian to relieve anxiety, depression, and poor sleep, and also to ease menstrual and stomach cramps. Valerian has a mild calming effect that does not usually result in sleepiness the next day. As a sleep aid, valerian seems to be most effective for people who have trouble falling asleep and who consider themselves to be poor sleepers. It also has had good results for people who wake up during the night. Some studies show that valerian may provide quick relief for poor sleep. But it may take 2 to 4 weeks of daily use to bring improved sleep for people with serious insomnia.1 Other studies show that valerian did not help with insomnia.
Is valerian root safe?
Side effects from valerian are rare but can include mild headache or stomach upset, abnormal heartbeats, and insomnia. Because of valerian's calming effect, you should not take it at the same time as other calming medicines or antidepressants (or do so only under medical supervision). You also should not take valerian if you will be driving or need to be alert.
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