Valerian root is derived from a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It has also become popular in North America for its herbal properties. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, reports valerian has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient Greek and Roman times. It is typically used for insomnia and anxiety, and is found in mild sedatives and "natural" sleep aids. Because your liver acts as a filter and storage bin for all chemicals and toxins you take into your body, including herbs, it is prudent to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of any substance you introduce to this vital abdominal organ.
Toxicity
According to Dr. Karen Wolfe at the University of Illinois Medical Center, "herbal remedies are one of the most controversial classes of complementary medicine." Dr. Wolfe explains that some herbs can have "severe, even fatal side effects, but more often, there is a lack of quality control and standardizing when herbs are prepared." The NIH reports that the FDA has no testing for herbal supplements to prove safety or effectiveness. This fact makes it difficult to point to valerian root alone as being harmful to the liver, as supplements and dried roots have many compounds present in most marketed herbal remedies. According to MedlinePlus, "liver toxicity has been associated with some multi-herb preparations that include valerian." Toxins destroy liver cells and tissues and replace them with scar tissue. These toxins then build up in the liver, causing virtual poisoning.
Failure to Metabolize
The American Society of Anesthesiologists, or ASA, has issued warnings about herbal remedies and supplements, including valerian, noting that herbs may interact with surgery-related medicines. Medications and anesthesias must be metabolized by the liver, and therefore should not have any competition on board with liver cells and tissues. The ASA recommends the cessation of all herbal remedies at least two weeks before any type of scheduled surgery. They also strongly advise that should you need surgery, be sure to mention to your surgeon and the anesthesiologist that you have taken valerian root or any other herbs before the procedure. Two other common names of valerian root are all-heal and garden heliotrope. Make sure your doctors are aware of the amount you take and how often . Keep in mind that dried valerian roots are also often made into teas. Valerian root has an unpleasant odor, and this has led manufacturers to add other substances to lessen this odor, such as kava, which is also associated with liver damage.
Interference With Other Medications
Another concern for the liver while using valerian root is that it may interfere with other medications and their effectiveness. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that "because valerian is broken down by certain liver enzymes, it may interact with other drugs that are broken down by the same enzymes." These drugs include antihistamines, some antifungals and a group of medications known as statins, which are prescribed to lower cholesterol. Because valerian has mild sedation effects, do not use it with alcohol, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, anti-seizure medications or barbiturates. These combinations can become toxic to your liver. Signs and symptoms of liver problems to watch for with valerian and other herbs are jaundice, dark urine, nausea, light-colored stools, fatigue and fluid distention in the abdomen, known as ascites.
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