Valerian Root for Anxiety, Stress, Panic Attacks and Social Anxiety

Valerian is one of the most well-known herbal remedies for stress and anxiety. It is said to be effective as a mild sedative and sleep aid, promoting a sense of tranquility and peace.

Valerian is believed to promote a calming effect on the central nervous system, triggering receptors in the brain that are connected to feelings of relaxation.

When it comes to using Valerian root for anxiety, it is important for consumers to know how and why this herb is effective, and to also be aware of potential side effects, cautions, or contraindications. This article will discuss how Valerian pills can reduce anxiousness and the correct dosage to take for mood disorders.

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 Valerian Root Supplements Work

Valerian is a plant commonly found in Asia, North America, and Europe.

It is an attractive flowering plant with pink or white flowers that produces an unpleasant smell. During ancient Greek and Roman times, Valerian root was often used to treat insomnia.

What are the properties of the valerian plant that helps reduce anxiety? What does this plant root contain that gives it the ability to enhance relaxation as a nonprescription anxiolytic?

Valerian root contains a number of chemicals, among which include valerenic acid. This compound is observed to interact with receptors for the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals from one neuron in the brain to another.

Some neurotransmitter are excitatory, causing the receiving neuron to be more likely to activate and fire a specific response. Others, like GABA, are inhibitory and make it less likely that the receiving neuron will activate. GABA also responsible for sending “calming” messages from with center of the brain to receptor sites.

The calming mechanisms of GABA produce the same effects as prescription tranquilizers like Valium and Librium. The effects of alcohol are also mediated by GABA receptors, as are the effects of common prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Valerian root is believed to contain chemicals that stimulate these GABA receptors, to a lesser degree. The effects on GABA receptors not only helps to lower anxiety and stress levels, but at the same time promotes a sense of calm or relaxation.

While many prescription GABAergic drugs can produce side effects, the adverse effects of Valerian are extremely mild and the supplement is not believed to cause problems of addiction or withdrawal.

How to take Valerian Root for Anxiety?

Valerian root is available in a variety of forms found in drugstores and natural health food stores.

It is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States as a nutritional supplement and is often sold as a capsule or pill.

It is also sold in loose leaf forms intended to brew Valerian Root tea. You can find a variety of tea brands in your local grocery store that contain Valerian designed to reduce stress and promote restful sleep.

Dosage recommendations for Valerian as an anti-anxiety supplement typically fall between 400 to 900 mg daily. To prevent anxiety throughout the day, it is common to split this dosage into two or three equal administrations of between 150 to 300 mg per serving.

Dosages will be dependent on the form of supplement used and the strength of the extract. For this reason, guidelines provided by the manufacturer may differ and should be followed closely.

If using Valerian for anxiety in children, dosages will generally be much lower and should be determined in consultation with a physician.

Be aware that most natural remedies will take some time to build up in the body enough to notice a difference. For example, when taking Valerian root for anxiety, it may take up to two weeks or more of regular ingestion to begin seeing the effects.

Consumers are cautioned not to try and speed up this onset time by taking more capsules or milligrams of Valerian than recommended on package labels. High dosages will increase the likelihood of side effects occurring.

Contraindications for Valerian Root

Use caution when taking any herbal remedies for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to make sure that Valerian root supplements will not interact or interfere with any medications you are currently taking.

Also be aware that some mild symptoms appear in some individuals taking Valerian root that can include drowsiness, upset stomach, and dizziness. Valerian root is not meant as a long-term remedy for anxiety or in the treatment of depression.

There is no FDA recommendation regarding dosage for Valerian in treatment for insomnia or anxiety. Talk to your doctor or health care practitioner for personalized advice on doses and follow label instructions.

Be aware that different brands and manufacturers of Valerian root supplements may be stronger or weaker or better or worse in quality than others, so it is important to read label instructions regarding dosage.

Valerian in any form may affect how the liver breaks down certain medications in the body, including antidepressants like alprazolam (Xanax) and benzodiazepines as well as sedative medications such as pentobarbital (Nembutal) , diazepam (Valium), and midazolam (Versed).

Do not take Valerian root for anxiety if you’re currently taking prescription medication such as sedatives, antidepressants, or anti-seizure medications due to possible negative interactions. It may also interact with supplements like Phenibut and Picamilon that increase GABA activity in the brain. Avoid use of alcohol when taking Valerian for any reason.

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