Herbal preparations have become popular as people look to "natural" remedies to cure various health problems. One such herbal preparation, valerian, is sometimes used in the treatment of sleep disorders and anxiety. Although many people use valerian to treat anxiety and sleep problems, more research still needs to be done to determine how effective and safe this herb is.
Preparations
Valerian preparations can be made from the roots, the rhizomes or the stems of the plant, explains the Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. The dried roots are used to make tinctures or teas, and dried parts of the plant are put into tablets or capsules for supplements. It is now known which parts of valerian are "active" in treating psychological disorders, and valerian's effects may be due to interactions across multiple constituents and compounds contained in the plant.
Mechanism
One of the difficulties in assessing the effectiveness of valerian for the treatment of anxiety is that scientists are still trying to understand the mechanism by which the plant relieves anxiety and treats insomnia. It may work by increasing the levels in the brain of a chemical known as gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA. GABA works to decrease the activity of neurons, so if valerian increases GABA levels it would slow brain activity, which would make it easier to fall asleep and could also reduce anxiety.
Evidence
Anxiety often manifests as sleeping difficulties, and valerian may be effective at treating insomnia, MedLinePlus explains. Although valerian pills do not relieve insomnia as rapidly as sleeping pills, it can help some people fall asleep, particularly if used regularly for an extended period of time. Its effectiveness in treating anxiety is still being examined. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that for some people, valerian preparations can reduce feelings of anxiety and arousal, though larger and more thorough studies still need to be done.
Dosage
Valerian root extract is generally taken in doses between 300 and 600 mg, the American Academy of Family Physicians explains. If you plan to take dried valerian root, you may need between 2 and 3 g to get an equivalent amount of the herb, which can then be soaked in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes and then consumed. When used for treating sleep problems, valerian should be ingested 30 to 120 minutes before bedtime.
Safety
Valerian is generally well tolerated and has few side effects. It can cause a headache, dizziness and drowsiness in some people, MedLinePlus notes. You should avoid sedatives, including alcohol, while taking valerian root, as it can exacerbate the drowsiness. In addition, you should not take Xanax, also known as alprazolam, while taking valerian, as valerian can slow the metabolism of alprazolam.
