Valerian Tablets – How to Take for Best Effects

Valerian tablets are promoted as sleep aids and natural anxiolytics, able to induce calm, peaceful states of mind.

The use of Valerian root has also been shown helpful for mitigating symptoms of PMS and menopause as well as reducing behaviors linked to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

This herb is used by many to help them sleep at night, to relax anxious pets and as a recreational product for mood enhancement.

Not all Valerian supplements are the same and you should keep your eye out for capsules that contain only extract from the roots of the plant.

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 Dosage and Effects

Reactions to Valerian tablets appear to vary. They are often deemed useful in overcoming temporary issues with insomnia and disrupted sleep.

It is clear that for many they do not produce the instantaneous stress-relief results that modern life may demand. The constituents of each product may account for the variability in success.

It is noted that some products are made not from the root of the plant, but from the stem. It has long since been known that products derived only from the oil extracted from the root or from the root itself, appear to be more effective. Therefore it is advisable to check on the source of a product before purchasing.

Tablets and capsules provide the best basis for titrating dosage. Most supplements in this form provide individual dosages ranging from 300 mg to 600 mg. In many instances, the equivalent to the whole root will also be given.

Although many people purchase Valerian tablets specifically as an aid to insomnia, others are seeking to achieve relief from mild anxiety. It is recommended that users take a low dose for anti-anxiety effects and increase it as necessary dependent on individual reaction.

Valerian is reported as possibly causing drowsiness. Large dosages should be avoided during the day if you need to stay awake. It is also recommended to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after using this herb.

Many people prefer to take Valerian pills as opposed to prescription preparations for sleeping problems. The reported side effects of the supplement are few compared to conventional sleeping tablets.

Research into Valerian Tablets

Modern medicine has made life slightly easier since the age of Galen and Dioscorides. These physicians of ancient times had to discover the benefits of Valerian by taking root or imbibing the oils.

Today consumers have a more convenient and altogether more pleasant option: Valerian in tablet form. Back in 40-90 AD, when Dioscorides made mention of the possible benefits of Valerian in his De Matera Medica, little was known about this prolific herb.

Modern research is closer to identifying the active constituents of this supplement and understanding how it works. Today, Valerian is one of the most popular alternative nerve tonics. It is used to promote better sleep, help people relax and to alleviate signs of stress or agitation.

Recent research suggests that when it is combined with other supplements, the herb may work synergistically. In this way, the attributes of Valerian as a nerve tonic, are possibly enhanced.

Valerian and Hops

Commercial producers of Valerian tablets now offer products that take advantage of the synergistic interactions of the supplement.

There now appear to be around 80 preparations which can be bought over the counter containing Valerian with additional calming herbs.

One of the most popular is the combination of Valerian with the hops flower. This may be as a result of a recent research study which suggests the potency of Valerian is enhanced when used in this particular combination.

Hops has long since been appreciated as aiding sleep. It is not considered to be a nerve tonic, which Valerian is. Yet in combination, when responses were measured in respect of reducing the effects of caffeine, the conclusions were positive.

This is not however to say that Valerian as a standalone ingredient is ineffective. Reports seem to indicate that the actions of the supplement in isolation have a more gradual and subtle effect, taking as much as one month to be visible.

Valerian Tablets for Pets

Use of Valerian within the veterinary field has also seen a resurgence. Tablets and drops are now widely available to treat nervous conditions of both dogs and cats. Cats in particular, are noted to be attracted to Valerian due to it containing actinidine. This chemical component produces a somewhat similar effect to that of Cat Nip.

It is recommended for use in situations for calming pets who are suffering from anxiety, phobias, apprehension and hyperactivity. Many pets are distressed by such noises as fireworks, thunderstorms and gunfire and Valerian can be used in these situations to reduce anxiety. It is recommended that cats in particular will benefit if Valerian drops are used on pet bedding.

Another benefit is with regard to pets who are notoriously poor travelers. Valerian given half an hour before a journey is said to have an anxiety-reducing effect. Additionally many pets are not anxious, but they do have a tendency to vomit when traveling. Reviews claim that in many cases this reaction is reduced.

The increased benefits of combining supplements is visible in Valerian tablets for dogs and cats. Skullcap is a supplement which appears to have beneficial effects on pets. Valerian and Skullcap can be purchased as a combined product in both tablet and drop formulations.

The effects of Skullcap and Valerian, together with conventional drugs, are now said to be effective in treating epilepsy in pets. Some veterinarians will advise on how to administer the supplement in conjunction with the prescribed medications.

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