Valerian Root and Alcohol – Is It Safe to Combine Them?

When taking Valerian Root pills, it is recommended to avoid certain substances that may interfere or interact with the way this supplement works.

Some herbal supplements may amplify the sedative effects of this supplement and should not be combined together. There are also a number of drugs such as benzodiazepines and other anti-anxiety medications that should be avoided.

Finally, it is not recommended to combine Valerian root and alcohol due to the potential for side effects. Both alcohol and Valerian extract work by stimulating GABA receptors in the brain to promote a sedative effect and relaxation.

When mixed together, this can cause excess sedation and potentially result in side effects at high dosages

Valerian Root

Herbal Supplement

Calmness

Mood

Sleep Onset

How It Works:

• Helps alleviate stress & anxiety
• Promotes better sleep & daytime alertness
• Boosts relaxation by enhancing GABA signalling

Dosage:

Between 300 - 900 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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How Do Valerian Supplements Work?

Valerian supplements contain natural extracts from the valerian plant, particularly the root.

The supplement has grown in popularity in recent years in Europe and in the United States, but traditional use dates back several centuries.

Users generally take Valerian supplements to improve their sleeping patterns, stress levels and anxiety.

This product is generally considered to be a mild sedative that is well tolerated with few side effects, provided it is used within a safe dosage range. The sedative effects are believed to be caused by increased levels of GABA in the brain.

GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that facilitates the communication of signals between neurons. It acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, preventing excess stimulation and balancing the signals sent by excitatory neurotransmitters.

We need GABA to prevent anxiety and help us to quiet our minds so we can focus on the most important stimuli. We also need this neurotransmitter to turn off the brain when we prepare to sleep at night.

Disorders including general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic attacks, ADHD, insomnia and more may be connected to deficiencies in GABA neurotransmitter. Natural compounds found in the Valerian plant are believed to increase GABA activity, though the exact mechanism for this has not yet been identified.

Research suggests that consumption of Valerian extract may inhibit the breakdown of GABA once it is released from neurons. It may also stimulate the brain to release more GABA, resulting in a calming effect. This can help users fight off symptoms of anxiety and achieve faster onset of sleep at the end of the day.

Valerian Root and Alcohol

There is a strong connection between the effects of valerian root pills and alcohol. Alcohol can also have a sedative on the body and depresses the Central Nervous System.

Studies have shown that alcohol stimulates a subtype of GABA receptors in the brain. This causes users to feel relaxed, less stressed, prevents racing thoughts in the minds and might help to lessen social anxiety. While small increases in GABA activity can provide benefits for sleep and anxiety, too much GABA stimulation can have a negative impact.

We are all familiar with the effects of excess alcohol. Drinking too much can cause drowsiness, memory loss, impaired movement and thinking, and lack of impulse control. At extreme levels of over-indulgence, nervous system functions such as the regulation of breathing can become impaired and cause serious health problems from unconsciousness to respiratory depression and even alcohol poisoning which can be fatal.

Combining Valerian Root and alcohol at low dosages might not cause side effects, but everyone will have a different sensitivity level. It is difficult to gauge how these substances will affect you on an individual level. For this reason, it is best to abstain from alcohol when taking Valerian.

At the very least, you will likely find that your tolerance to alcohol is diminished when mixing it with Valerian capsules. This means it is especially important not to drive or operate heavy machinery if you happen to accidentally combine the two.

Also, in some instances individuals may attempt to combine alcohol and Valerian to experience a type of “high” or feelings of euphoria. This is particularly dangerous due to the high dosages that individuals may experiment with.

Additional Risk Factors Related to Alcohol

In some cases, drinking alcohol can cause negative effects for the very issues you are taking Valerian root to address in the first place. Alcohol can have a negative effect on sleeping pattern.

Some studies show that sleeping while intoxicated (a result from heavy consumption of alcohol) is not as relaxing as sleeping normally.

When you sleep, the body is hard at work removing toxins and performing vital maintenance tasks to allow peak functioning the following day.

If your body is working hard to eliminate the damaging effects of too much alcohol, it will not have time or resources to perform the other necessary maintenance tasks.

Neurological tests have shown certain parts of the brain are activated during a deep sleep as part of memory consolidation processes. These parts have been shown to be inactive while sleeping under the influence of alcohol.

For this reason, alcohol may not only counter the benefits of valerian root supplements, it can also lead to worsened symptoms of anxiety and insomnia when you stop using this substance. This can in some instances result in a dependence on alcohol to fall asleep and reduce anxious thoughts.

Over-indulgence of alcohol is something that should be avoided. Doctors are in agreement that alcohol is a leading cause of a number of diseases, both physical and mental. Risk factors for high blood pressure, obesity, depression and addiction are correlated with heavy alcohol use.

It is recommended to always consume alcohol in moderation and to drink a lot of water, as it can dehydrate the body. Ideally, if Valerian root can help you address concerns related to sleeplessness and anxiety, alcohol should no longer be necessary.

Valerian Root Safety

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration, has listed Valerian as a safe product for adults to take. Side effects are relatively mild and the prevalence of negative effects is quite low.

However, side effects may occur if using it in excess dosages or if combining it with drugs that also affect GABA pathways in the brain. Alcohol is an example of a substance that can increase stimulation of GABA neuroreceptors.

Taking valerian root and alcohol together is not recommended as it can decrease your tolerance and potentially lead to excess sedation of the nervous system in high dosages.

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