Valerian

Valerian is an herb that is primarily used as a supplement to help treat insomnia. Although it is not exactly clear as to how valerian works, it may affect a certain brain chemical that produces a naturally calming effect. If you have epilepsy or liver disease, talk to your healthcare provider before taking it. Possible side effects include headaches, excitability, and morning drowsiness.

 

What Is Valerian?

Valerian is an herbal supplement that is commonly used to treat insomnia, although it is sometimes claimed to be helpful for other purposes as well. Valerian is a perennial plant that has been used medicinally for various health conditions since ancient times.
 
(Click Benefits of Valerian for more information on what valerian is used for.)
 

How Does Valerian Work?

It is not exactly clear how valerian works to treat insomnia or other health conditions. There are a variety of different active compounds in valerian, and researchers are not sure which of these compounds are responsible for the sedative-like properties of the supplement. Some of the compounds seem to increase gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that has a naturally calming effect.
 

Is Valerian Effective?

Some studies have shown that valerian is effective at treating insomnia, although further research is needed to establish how best to safely and effectively use the supplement for this condition. There is not enough evidence to recommend valerian for other uses at this time.
 
(Click Does Valerian Work? for more information.)
 

Dosing Information for Valerian

Valerian is available in a large range of doses. For many uses, the safe and effective doses of valerian have not yet been established. However, general dosing information is available based on clinical studies and years of experience with these products.
 
(Click Valerian Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Valerian

Many people believe that natural products, such as valerian, do not have any side effects. However, many natural products do cause side effects, some of which can be quite serious. Valerian can cause side effects such as:
 
  • Headaches
  • Excitability
  • Uneasiness
  • Morning drowsiness.
     
(Click Valerian Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Valerian

Valerian may interact with several other medications or supplements (see Valerian Drug Interactions).
 

Is Valerian Safe?

Some people are more likely than others to experience problems due to valerian. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking it if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medication you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Valerian Safety for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Valerian?

It is not known what exactly to expect from a valerian overdose, although there have been reports of the following problems:
 
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal cramps (stomach cramps)
  • Tightness of the chest
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shaky hands and feet.
     
If you think you may have taken too much valerian, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Valerian Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Valerian Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual valerian product for information on how best to store it. Keep valerian and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;