Valerian Root reviews describe this herb as providing relief from sleep disorders and a profound calming effect.
Users take this natural plant extract to overcome sleep disorders, relieve anxiety and improve sociability and focus.
Despite anecdotal evidence supporting the use of Valerian root for its stress reducing properties, research has yet to answer why.
Numerous studies have been conducted into the effects of the various plant compounds found in Valerian extract, but most conflict in findings.



- Helps alleviate stress & anxiety
- Promotes better sleep & daytime alertness
- Boosts relaxation by enhancing GABA signalling
Valerian Root Reviews
Related Topics
Research has been undertaken which primarily examines the effectiveness of Valerian as a sleep aid.
Historically, Valerian has been well recorded as assisting in nervous conditions and attributed with relaxation-inducing properties.
Valerian has been mentioned as an anti-stress herb since the times of ancient Greece. According to historical reviews, the effects of Valerian appear to have more soothing and subtle qualities rather than acting as a powerful, immediate relaxant.
Contemporary medicine may also support this theory. There appears to be evidence that Valerian taken over time will have beneficial effects. However once again findings are not conclusive.
One study found that participants taking Valerian over longer periods of time gained positive results. It took 28 days before participants given Valerian pills reported better sleeping patterns than those given a placebo.
Another study reported short-term improvements in sleep patterns when participants were given Valerian combined with other herbs. In this study, when Valerian was taken with hops it appeared to have immediate beneficial effects for sleep disorders.
Valerian Reviews for Insomnia
Internet forums and health websites abound with reviews regarding Valerian root. By far the most prevalent references relate to Valerian and its ability to reduce the effects of insomnia. Most reviewers do comment that this herb has the ability to induce a state of relaxation conducive to sleep. This is seen by most as being a primary benefit of the herb.
Many over-the-counter sleep aids and prescribed medications can cause general drowsiness and may lead to fatigue the following morning. Valerian root does not appear to cause the same drowsiness and there are no reported “hangover” effects the next morning.
This aspect in particular appears to be one of the main influencing factors when buyers choose to purchase Valerian. Users want to feel relaxed, but without losing comprehension skills.
Mny people report that they were directed to try Valerian by their own physicians. Some doctors see this product as preferable to prescribed medications in cases of occasional insomnia and minor anxiety.
There are some reviewers who report that Valerian has no effects as a sleep aid. The numbers, however, are relatively small compared to the percentages who find beneficial effects ranging from useful to excellent.
Valerian Root for Anxiety
Fewer people use Valerian root as a supplement for anxiety and coping with everyday stress.
Reviews posted online note that Valerian is only useful in reducing the effects of mild stress and anxiety.
The supplement is not a suitable alternative for coping with severe anxiety disorders and it is not as effective for panic attacks, according to some users.
Further benefits attributed to using Valerian during the day include support for muscular problems. Many Valerian reviews state that considerable results can be achieved when taken in tablet form during the day or by putting a few drops into bathwater. These benefits usually relate to general muscle strain or stiffness, but also symptoms of restless-leg syndrome.
Valerian Root for Digestion
There are fewer reviews relating to the effects of Valerian tea on digestive conditions, such as IBV. This is not to say reviews are negative, simply that it would appear the product is purchased less for this reason than others.
In this area, reviews seem more balanced between negative and positive effects. Any effects are, unlike reviews for insomnia, less obviously beneficial. Some comments are made to the diuretic effects of Valerian. This effect was first noted by Dioscorides around 40-90 AD.
Valerian Root and Children
A number of children respond positively to Valerian root. This product in normally given to children in drop form.
The products in this case are especially designed for children and the dosage rates include not only age guidance, but also weight. Many parents report that this herb assists children in sleeping who are not only hyperactive but also suffer from ADHD.
There are cautions; in some children the product may have the opposite effect and some reviewers support these findings. Valerian can make some children more active than they would normally be.
Another negative is that the product smells unpleasant. This finding is commented on throughout reviews no matter which product is purchased and in all the forms. This can be problematic when giving children Valerian as some will refuse to take it due to the unpleasant smell. Many parents resort to putting tincture drops in milk or fruit juice to overcome the resistance.
Some consideration has to be given to the positive findings in this particular situation. Children are less likely to be influenced by any placebo effect. This may indicate a higher level of accuracy in Valerian Root reviews related to effects seen in children.
- Ortiz JG, Rassi N, Maldonado PM, González-Cabrera S, Ramos I. Commercial valerian interactions with [3H]Flunitrazepam and [3H]MK-801 binding to rat synaptic membranes. Phytother Res. 2006
- Jiang X, Zhang JC, Liu YW, Fang Y. [Studies on chemical constituents of Valeriana officinalis]. Zhong Yao Cai. 2007
- Safaralie A, Fatemi S, Sefidkon F. Essential oil composition of Valeriana officinalis L. roots cultivated in Iran. Comparative analysis between supercritical CO2 extraction and hydrodistillation. J Chromatogr A. 2008
- Leuschner J, Müller J, Rudmann M. Characterisation of the central nervous depressant activity of a commercially available valerian root extract. Arzneimittelforschung. 1993
- Kelber O, Nieber K, Kraft K. Valerian: no evidence for clinically relevant interactions. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014
- Eadie MJ. Could valerian have been the first anticonvulsant? Epilepsia. 2004
- Vorbach EU, Gortelmeyer R, Bruning J: Treatment of insomnia: effectiveness and tolerance of a valerian extract [in German]. Psychopharmakotherapie 3: 109-115, 1996.
- Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, et al. Aqueous extract of valerian root ( Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1982;17:65-71.
- Mrs M Grieve: A Modern Herbal 1931 p 826
Article last updated on: May 9th, 2018 by Nootriment