Valerian is an herb that is popular in supplements, especially in those used for treating sleep disorders such as
insomnia. As with most other supplements, valerian may be beneficial for several different uses. The supplements are often claimed to help with the following conditions:
These are just some of the uses for valerian, and some of these uses are more credible than others.
In general, studies have shown that valerian can help people fall asleep more quickly and may improve the quality of sleep. This is important, as the quality, not just the quantity, of sleep is crucial for
insomnia treatment. However, not all of the studies have shown good results. Overall, though, valerian seems to be effective at treating insomnia.
There is limited evidence that valerian works to treat sleeping problems in children. However, more research is necessary to determine if it is safe and effective before valerian can be recommended for use in children.
For
anxiety treatment, studies have been inconclusive. Some studies have shown promise, while others have shown that valerian was not any more effective than a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients).
For most other uses, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that valerian is effective at treating these conditions. More research is necessary before any conclusions can be made.
