Valerian Root Benefits for Stress, Health & Sleep Disorders

Valerian Root benefits derive from the natural sedative properties of the plant.

It has been found effective for improving sleep habit and reducing episodes of insomnia.

It is also used to control anxiety and prevent panic attacks. Many take Valerian pills to help them relax, improve mood and reduce stress after a long week.

The extracts of the plant are sold in several forms, including liquid drops, capsules containing root extracts, essential oils and loose powders. Depending on the benefits sought by the user, different formulations and methods of administration are recommended.

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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Valerian Root Benefits

Valerian is an herb that has been used medicinally for over 2000 years. Its popularity is due to its effectiveness as a mild, natural sedative.

Despite the well-documented historical uses, research is still on-going into the medical properties of this plant. From the existing studies that can be found online, Valerian has been observed to regulate stress levels and improve sleeping patterns.

Stress is becoming an increasing serious health problem which can lead to many physical and mental complications. A major scientific study undertaken in 2010 in the United States shows that 62% of people experience difficulty with sleeping on a weekly basis.

Valerian Root may help those who experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep through the night. It can also reduce signs of anxiety by activating GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is the chief neurotransmitter that is responsible for preventing us from becoming anxious or feeling stressed.

When anxious thoughts become difficult to overcome, our neurons release GABA to control the level of stimulation in the brain. By serving as an “off-switch”, GABA helps us to calm down and deal with anxiousness.

Is Valerian Safer than Prescription Sedatives?

Many prescription sleep medications and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugs work on GABA receptors. These drugs are often linked to high rates of side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

Compared to these, Valerian is said to have a much milder effect on the body. Unlike pharmaceutical grade drugs, Valerian is not associated with a “hangover effect” of sleepiness and drowsiness the following day.

This is one of the main reasons why the Valerian herb has become so widely used for sleep disorders. Some doctors may also recommend Valerian Root, in conjunction with other medications for the treatment of depression.

Best Way to Take Valerian

The supplements come in a variety of different forms. No specific form is the most effective effective for experiencing the benefits of Valerian root. However, there are some instances in which one form may be superior to another depending on the user and their circumstances.

When choosing a Valerian Root product, opt for a formulation that contains as much natural root extract of the herb as possible. The roots of this plant contain the highest percentage of active ingredients.

Formulations that primarily use the leaves, flowers and stems of this plant may require larger dosages to see the same benefits. Especially avoid products that contain the dried leaf or liquid form as these can become toxic if left for extremely long periods of time.

Valerian Dosage Guidelines

Users can mix Valerian extract drops into an herbal tea at nighttime or take a supplement capsule with a drink.

It is recommended to take Valerian approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours before you intend to fall asleep. Using it during the day can cause drowsiness or sleepiness which may not be desirable to the user.

However, it is also possible to take a small dosage of Valerian Root to relieve nerves before stressful events like speaking in public or an exam. Its effectiveness in this area has not currently been scientifically validated and is under review.

You should not use Valerian root for the first time before an important event unless you know how this herb will affect you. Always start with the smallest effective dosage and only increase if you are not experiencing desired benefits.

The dosage of Valerian that you use can greatly determine its effectiveness as a natural sedative. Some online guides suggest that if you take between 500 and 700 mg of Valerian Root extract each night, you should only use this supplement for one month.

Or you can reduce the dosage to between 200 and 300 mg and take the supplement for a longer period of time, up to 60 days. Valerian root benefits may take up to one month to develop fully, according to study results.

Is Valerian Root Safe to Use?

Valerian Root is still being studied in clinical and research settings to determine the exact mechanisms of action and effects on the body. Medical use is limited at this point in time due to the lack of conclusive research data on the herb.

However, those studies that have been done on the consumption of Valerian Root so far have found that there are no serious side effects when using the herb.

Valerian Root effects have been documented extensively in online user testimonials and reviews. While anecdotal information should not be relied on primarily, the consensus among users is that this herb is safe with few known side effects.

Overdoses can occur if used in excess, but the dosage threshold is quite high. Typically, it has a mild effect on the body and it may take a week to notice it working.

There have been rare cases of users reporting a rash developing on the skin as a result of using the herb. However, this is uncommon with oral administration and may only occur when the term is being applied topically to the skin.

Users that do not notice Valerian benefits or positive results within the first week are advised not to continue using it without first consulting a doctor. Do not increase your dosage beyond the recommended range without first seeking advice.

As with any herb or supplement, always consult your doctor before you start taking it if you are taking other medications, pregnant or breast-feeding, or have another health condition that may interfere with safe use.

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