Valerian is a popular herbal supplement used primarily as a sleep aid. Valerian may be taken as a tea, a capsule, or in an alcohol-based liquid tincture. While there is scientific basis for valerian as a sleep aid, there is inadequate evidence for its use as a treatment for anxiety, depression or headaches. There is no information on the safety of long-term use of valerian tinctures or other preparations.
Types
Valerian liquid is typically made with grain alcohol or 100 proof vodka but can also be prepared with glycerin or apple cider vinegar. According to HerbalRemediesInfo.com, glycerin and vinegar tinctures are somewhat weaker than an alcohol tincture. Dosage guidelines typically assume a tincture made with 100 proof vodka, which produces a tincture of equal parts water and alcohol.
The root or rhizome of the valerian plant is used for medicinal purposes according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The root is chopped and immersed in the tincture liquid for six to eight weeks to prepare valerian liquid. Valerian may also be taken as a tea or aqueous extract by steeping it in water. Aqueous extracts have been used for a number of studies on valerian according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Function
Valerian tea or tinctures have been used in folk medicine to treat insomnia, anxiety, depression, irregular heartbeat, headaches and trembling. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the active constituents of valerian are unknown. Its effects may result from a combination of compounds in the plant. It is possible that valerian works by increasing the levels of gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA in the synaptic cleft of the brain.
History
Valerian was mentioned by ancient philosophers, including Hippocrates and Galen, as a treatment for insomnia. By the 16th century, valerian was used to treat a variety of disorders for its sedating effects. In the 19th century, valerian fell out of favor as a medicinal herb and was considered a stimulant.
Valerian has also been used to treat gastrointestinal distress, epileptic seizures and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Modern medical evidence only supports its use as a sleep aid and it has not been adequately studied for other purposes, however.
Considerations
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine or NCCAM, research suggests that valerian may be helpful for insomnia; however, the evidence remains inconclusive. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that three well-regarded studies showed a significant statistical improvement in sleep latency and the amount of time it took to fall asleep. These studies suggest that valerian is safe for short-term use, but you should always discuss complementary medicines with your health care provider.
Effects
The Mayo Clinic reports that valerian may cause headaches, dizziness, sleeplessness or gastrointestinal upset. If you take sedating medications or substances, like sleep aids, alcohol or Valium, valerian may increase the effects according to NCCAM. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports an increase in sleepiness the morning after taking valerian, but the information is contradicted by other research.
