Uses for Valerian Root

Valeriana officinalis is the species of valerian that is most used in the realm of medicine. It is indigenous to Britain and was used by ancient physicians Galen and Dioscorides, who named the plant "Phu" because they disliked its odor. Today, V officinalis is grown in Europe and Northern Asia. The root is the part that renders the plant valuable as a medicine. The primary pharmacologically active compounds found in the root of V. officialis are valerinic acid, derivatives of valerinic acid and valepotriates. The latter compound is considered responsible for the majority of the pharmacologic properties of valerian. Valerian herbal supplements have many uses, but you should not take them without your doctor's consent.

Insomnia

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, valepotriates contained in V. officinalis have "sedative hypnotic and spasmolytic effects." The sedative effect of valerian may be due to its effect upon adenosine and 5 hydroxytryptamine-1. The sedative hypnotic effects of valerian are made more potent by ingestion of alcohol and benzodiazepam drugs.

For insomnia, the recommended dose of valerian is in the range of 400 to 900mg taken two hours before bedtime. The period of time for use is restricted to 28 days. Very little information is available about the long-term use of valerian. Symptoms resembling diazepam withdrawal have been observed following discontinuation of use. It is recommended that doses be tapered prior to discontinuation.

Valerian also has been found to interact with other herbal supplements that increase its sedative potential. Some of the herbal supplements that increase the sedative effect of valerian are: catnip, hops, California poppy, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, sage, SAMe, St. John's wort, sassafras and skullcap.

Anxiety

Valerian root has been touted as a treatment for anxiety; however, preliminary evidence shows that valerian does not reduce anxiety to a degree that is statistically significant when compared with placebo. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of valerian for treatment of anxiety and pediatric dyssomnia or pathological restlessness.

Other Conditions

Other conditions for which people use valerian include: depression, epilepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder--or ADHD--and chronic fatigue syndrome. Valerian has also been used to obtain relief for menstrual cramps, symptoms associated with menopause and migraine headaches. The effectiveness of valerian in treatment of these conditions has not been medically proven.

Do not take valerian or any other herbal supplement without consulting your doctor. Standards of purity have not been established by the FDA for valerian, nor has the FDA issued any statement regarding its efficacy. When purchasing valerian, make sure you buy from a reliable source to avoid risk of contamination with other herbs, metals or chemical substances.