Valerian Root: Benefits and Side Effects Of This Natural Sleep Aid!
Valerian is a perennial plant that has been used as an herbal remedy since the time of the Ancient Greeks, who used it to treat digestive problems. The herb grows in damp areas throughout the Americas, Europe and northern Asia. Valerian root has been used for centuries to treat nervous system disorders, and it is commonly used as a sleep aid as well.
Valerian root extracts contain a number of biologically active compounds, including valerenic acid and various valepotriates. These components are thought to be responsible for the extract's sedative effects, although this has not been conclusively proven.
A number of studies have shown that Valerian root extract can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia, although methodological issues make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about its efficacy.
Nonetheless, it is approved by Germany's Commission E (a counterpart to the US FDA) for treating sleep disturbances.
It also has mild tranquilizing effects that may be useful for relieving anxiety.
In contrast to prescription sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications, Valerian root has few side effects. Users often report deeper/faster sleep without the grogginess associated with prescription medications.
Valerian root is available in capsules, tablets, tinctures, and liquid extracts.
Valerian root is also marketed as a blend with hops—a combination that has been shown to be useful for treating insomnia in human volunteers and improving sleep quality. Limited research suggests that Valerian + hops may be more effective than Valerian alone.
Quality may be an issue with some Valerian root supplements. In 2006, ConsumerLab.com revealed that, out of 16 brands, 10 failed their quality control tests.
Does Valerian root have any side effects?
Valerian root can act as a diuretic, so people who tend to wake during the night to
urinate may not find it effective as a sleep aid. Other adverse effects are rare. Clinical trials have reported occasional symptoms such as dizziness, headache or gastrointestinal distress, although the frequency was similar to placebo.
Nonetheless, Valerian should not be taken by pregnant/nursing women or very young children, as its safety has not been fully evaluated. In addition, Valerian should not be taken with alcohol.
Valerian root should be used conservatively to treat symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, and it should not be discontinued suddenly. Because of possible negative interaction with barbiturates and benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Valium, and Xanax, people taking these medications should not use Valerian root.
If you decide to experiment with Valerian, don't get scammed into paying too much; it's an extremely affordable supplement. At a reputable online dealer like iHerb.com, you can buy three month's supply of the NOW brand Valerian root for less than $10 (use the coupon code FAT259 to receive $5 off your first order).
Another product worth investigating if you're looking for a natural sleep aid is Xtend-Life's Neuro-Natural Sleep. It contains valerian as a part of a more intensive formulation, and it's designed specifically to promote deep sleep and improved sleep patterns—learn more about Xtend-Life's Neuro-Natural Sleep here!
We highly recommend the Xtend-Life brand of vitamins. A New Zealand based-company with a passion for developing excellent products and backing them up with stellar customer service, we highly recommend you visit their web site and investigate their offerings.
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