Valerian supplements come from the roots of the Valerian plant, which grows naturally in Europe and Asia.
The plant is green in color with white or pink (or a mixture of both) flowers during the summer months. It has been used in alternative and natural medicine for over 100 years.
Recently, it has become increasing popular as a natural remedy for sleep related problems, stress relief and a variety of other aliments. The Valerian plant is a natural sedative and has a calming effect on the user.



- Helps alleviate stress & anxiety
- Promotes better sleep & daytime alertness
- Boosts relaxation by enhancing GABA signalling
Uses of Valerian Supplements
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Valerian has been known to be an effective sedative and has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, which can cause sleep deprivation problems such as insomnia.
It is also commonly taken to relieve pain, particularly back pain. It’s effectiveness in this area is still under investigation and requires further research.
Evidence shows the Valerian supplements can have positive effect on your sleep patterns. It is natural and many supplements designed to improve mood and alleviate sleep disorders contain the natural extract of the herb.
Best type of Valerian supplement to Take?
As with many other types of supplements, Valerian Root come in a variety of different forms including capsules, essential oils for topical use, tinctures, tea bags and dried bulk powder. These forms can be factors in determining the herb’s effectiveness.
It is important to point out that in many cases and for many users, there is no single form that has been proven to be most effective. Pure organic extracts are usually the most convenient and it is highly recommended to find a product in capsule form that uses this ingredient.
When choosing a product or a brand that sells Valerian supplements, always read the label and see how much natural extract the product in question contains. It is recommended to avoid using products that contain the dried root form, as it can be difficult to determine how much active ingredients are in it or how old the Valerian is.
This is also the case with the liquid form Valerian Root supplement. If left too long, or if the product has expired, it can become ineffective or may cause side effects.
Are there Side Effects to Using Valerian
As with any drug or herb, whether natural or chemically engineered, it is important to be responsible and take the medication as directed.
Side effects can vary from user to user and greatly depend on a number of factors, such as intake, medical history, stress levels etc.
There have been inconclusive studies done which suggest that an overdose of Valerian supplements can led to severe drowsiness and stomach pains.
In the majority of case studies that have been conducted recently, there appears to be no general side effects experienced by all users. In very extreme and rare cases, a rash may develop on the body as a result of an allergic reaction. You are advised to seek immediate medical attention, should this happen to you.
Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should consult their doctor before taking any new medication or health supplements. The studies that have been conducted on the side effects of Valerian Root have never included woman in this category, thus evidence and conclusive results are very low.
For users who are taking existing medication for depression, anxiety or insomnia, it is highly recommended that you consult with your doctor first. Although Valerian generally has a mild effect on the body, its effect as a sedative can be greatly altered if it is used, unregulated, with any sedative or Benzodiazepine drug.
Is it safe to take Valerian Root Regularly?
At the time of writing, there does not appear to be any negative effects when using the product on a regular basis provided the dosage is low. No trend of withdrawal or tolerance is evident.
Studies have shown that Valerian supplements work very quickly as a stress reliever and thus users generally take it just before sleeping. If you do not notice any change or effect that Valerian has, it is recommended not to continue consumption. Prolonged use of any drug whether natural or chemical is not recommended without specific medical approval.
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- /pubmed/10599933 The influence of valerian treatment on reaction time Pharmacopsychiatry. 1999 Nov;32(6):235-41.
- Gao XQ, Björk L. Valerenic acid derivatives and valepotriates among individuals, varieties and species of Valeriana. Fitoterapia. 2000
- Poyares DR, Guilleminault C, Ohayon MM, Tufik S. Can valerian improve the sleep of insomniacs after benzodiazepine withdrawal? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2002
- Takeshita S, Takeshita J. A case of hyponatremia due to self-treatment of anxiety with a beverage containing valerian root. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2013
- Lacher SK, Mayer R, Sichardt K, Nieber K, Müller CE. Interaction of valerian extracts of different polarity with adenosine receptors: identification of isovaltrate as an inverse agonist at A1 receptors. Biochem Pharmacol. 2007
Article last updated on: May 4th, 2018 by Nootriment