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.

As Valerian root ages, it produces a substance known as isovaleric acid. This compound and another acid known as valerenic acid are significant active ingredients that are present in the volatile oils found in Valerian root. These volatile oils are thought to be responsible for Valerian root's ability to relax the central nervous system and promote a good night's sleep.

Does valerian root really work?

Double blind studies have shown that Valerian root can decrease the amount of time it takes for people with mild insomnia to fall asleep. Valerian root is also used to treat anxiety disorders and counteract stress. It has a sedative effect that helps to relax the central nervous system and provide a feeling of calmness. In addition to its use as a tranquilizer and sleep aid, many herbalists also recommend Valerian root as a remedy for tension headaches and muscular pain because of its ability to act as a muscle relaxant.

In contrast to prescription sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications, Valerian root has few side effects. Particularly significant is the fact that Valerian root does not cause the feeling of grogginess associated with the use of prescription sleep aids. Further, the herb is not addictive.

Valerian root is available in capsules, tablets, tinctures, and liquid extracts. The effective dosage varies depending on how the supplement is prepared.

Total daily intake should be no more than 15 grams of plant material, which is usually about 15 to 20 drops of tincture taken several times a day or 450 to 500 mg of concentrated, standardized extract. Standardized extracts should contain between .5 % and 1% volatile oils. Valerian root can also be prepared as a tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of the dried root in a cup of hot water for ten minutes. Time-release formulas of Valerian root are useful for maintaining a feeling of relaxation throughout the day. They can also be taken an hour or so before bedtime to help induce sleep.

Does Valerian root have any side effects?

Well, since Valerian root can act as a diuretic, people who tend to wake during the night to urinate may not find it effective as a sleep aid. Though side effects are rare, some people who use Valerian root for long periods of time may develop headaches, insomnia or agitation.

Though this may seem paradoxical, the same side effect is often noted with prescription sleep aids and anti-anxiety medications if they are over-used.

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.

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