Valerian Root Benefits, Side Effects & Interactions

The  effects of Valerian on the human body have been known to people since the Romans.

Nowadays, we still use this herb to ease the symptoms of stress and anxiety and to treat sleep disorder.

The extract derived from Valerian root is now available on the market in various forms such as teas, tinctures and capsules/tablets.

Drugs that contain extract of Valerian root are known to educe excitability and to calm people or in other words Valerian is a sedative.  

Moreover, people have used Valerian root to treat epilepsy. However, modern medicine does not use it for this purpose.

Nowadays, we use the extract of this herb to treat sleep disorder. Unfortunately, it tends to be addictive and if the sufferers stop the intake of Valerian some withdrawal symptoms may occur.

As well, because this root herb is hepatotoxic people with liver health problems should avoid taking Valerian root because it may have negative effect on them. Valeric acid is a compound derived from Valerian root. This compound is widely used in perfume and drug industry. Moreover, if valeric acid is applied directly, it can cure acne.

There is something important that everyone should know about this root. Although it  has a calming effect on people and the names of both medications are very similar, Valerian has nothing to do with Valium. It is just a mild sedative and Valium is a strong medication with powerful effects on people.

Although different valerian products are very similar, they are not actually the same. Depending on their content, activity and strength valerian-based drugs may vary significantly. However, people are usually recommended to take a standardized product.

To be more specific, the standardized product usually contains 0.5-1.0% valerenic acids.  When it is used as an anxiety tranquilizer or as a sleep aid drug, the recommended dosage is about 250-500mg.

Most scientific studies that prove the beneficial effects of valerian root on the humans are related with its popularity as a pain reliever and a sedative. The other positive effects of valerian root have not been well researched. 

How does it work?

Unfortunately, I cannot give a correct answer to this question because its mechanism of action as a sedative is still unknown. The Valerian root extracts are believed to have some effect on the GABA (benzodiazepine) receptor. However, no one is sure whether these effects are due to valerenic acid or most likely to the high content of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

The list of beneficial effects of valerian on humans usually includes its abilities to ease the symptoms of anxiety and stress, to help people with sleep disorder and to calm nerves.

The effectiveness of Valerian as a sedative is undeniable. However, it is still a mystery, which one of the compounds that valerian contains is “the active compound”. Some researches on this subject should be made. What we know for sure is that Valerian is a harmless herb, which has effects similar to those of prescription tranquilizers such as Valium and Halcion.

Another study of valerian root showed it is able to reduce the amount of time that it takes to fall asleep or in other words, it can help you fall asleep more easily. However, it is still unclear whether the quality of the sleep could be affected by valerian consumption.

Side Effects:

Unfortunately, the extract of Valerian may have some side effects. One of these side effects is its ability to act as a diuretic. For people who find it hard to fall asleep waking up during the night to urinate should be avoided. People who take Valerian for long periods may develop headaches, insomnia or agitation. Fortunately, such side effects occur rarely.

It could help people with sleeping problems but if it is taken in large doses, it may lead to sleep disorders.

Although it is a mild medication, Valerian should not be taken without a reason. Take Valerian only to treat symptoms of anxiety and sleep disorder. If the symptoms disappear, do not stop the intake of Valerian suddenly. Do not take Valerian and barbiturates and benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Valium, and Xanax.

A list of medications that interact with Valerian root :

1. Barbiturates/Sedatives agents - the sedative effect of these medications could be increased by Valerian;
2. Antidepressant medications, Anxiolytic medications, Hypnotic medications - Valerian herb may increase the effect of these medications.

The intake of Valerian root is recommended mainly to treat the following health conditions:

• Sleep disorder;
• Hyperthyroidism;
• Restless leg syndrome;
• Anxiety and stress;
• Insomnia  

References:http://supplementwatch.com/

                   :http://nccam.nih.gov/health/valerian/index.htm