Valerian's use as a medicinal treatment dates back to ancient Rome and Greece, when its therapeutic properties were described by Hippocrates and later recommended by the Greek physician and philosopher Galen as a remedy for insomnia, according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). In the 16th century, valerian emerged as a treatment for nervousness and anxiety as well as other medical conditions. Today, valerian is commonly found in preparations such as teas that purport to treat nervous tension and insomnia.
About Valerian
Valerian is a perennial native to Europe and Asia, but it also grows in North America. It grows uncultivated in damp, grassy areas but is also used to adorn gardens, as its lavender, pink or white flowers are decorative and smell pleasant. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) states that it's unclear how valerian reduces anxiety, but it is believed that it increases gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in the human brain, a chemical that has a soothing effect on anxiety and nervousness. Drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called benzodiazepines, which include Xanax and Valium, also perform the same function. The UMMC notes that it's believed that valerian gives similar but less noticeable benefits.
Valerian Tea
Valerian preparations are derived from the plant's roots and stems. Valerian tea is made from the plant's dried roots, which are also used in tinctures, extracts, capsules and tablets. Other herbs such as passionflower, lemon balm and skullcap are often used in tea preparations to mask the sharp aroma of valerian's roots. Kava may also be used in combination with valerian, but the UMMC advises avoiding this herb, as it may cause liver damage. Valerian tea is prepared by mixing a cup of boiling water with a teaspoon of the dried roots and letting the mixture steep for between five and 10 minutes.
Proper Use
Valerian tea can be taken up to three times daily, with the last dose close to bedtime. Effects are not immediate; it make take a few weeks to notice them, according to the UMMC. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that valerian tea can be safely used for a brief time, generally four to six weeks. No studies have been conducted to determine the long-term safety of valerian use. Headache, dizziness, stomach upset and fatigue in the morning are potential side effects of valerian tea.
Cautions
Valerian tea can cause some people to become even more anxious and nervous. Although generally not considered to cause dependency, when used over a long period of time, withdrawal symptoms may be noted when valerian use is stopped. Do not drink valerian tea before driving, operating heavy equipment or when mental alertness is required, cautions the UMMC. Pregnant and nursing women should not drink valerian tea without getting their doctor's OK, according to the NCCAM, nor should children under the age of 3 be given valerian. Valerian tea may increase the sedative effects of alcohol and drugs such as barbituates and benzodiazepines. If taking other medication, do not use valerian without first speaking to your health care practitioner, advises the UMMC. Integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil also points out that valerian should be discontinued at least a week before going under anesthesia.
Considerations
The ODS points out that in the U.S., valerian is considered a dietary supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Unless a valerian product makes a specific claim that it treats a medical condition or prevents disease, no evaluation or approval by the FDA is needed. According to NCCAM data, although some research indicates that valerian may be beneficial for insomia, there is not enough evidence to ascertain if it's helpful for anxiety and other conditions such as headache and depression. Consult a doctor before using valerian tea for anxiety.
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