Valerian root is an herb native to Europe, South Africa and parts of Asia that have been used medicinally for centuries dating all the way back to the Ancient Greeks. Today, valerian root is grown across the United States and is most commonly used to treat sleeplessness or insomnia. It may also be effective for treating excessive nervousness and anxiety disorders.
Identification and Description
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a perennial plant that grows about 5 feet tall and about one foot wide. The valerian plant has small pink and white flowers that by themselves have a sweet, cherry pie smell. However, the rest of the plant has a very strong odor that is often described as smelling like rotting cheese or dirty gym socks. The stems and root of this plant are used to make dietary supplements and herbal medicine. Valerian can be found in tinctures, teas, capsule and tablet forms.
Insomnia
The most common use for valerian root is as a treatment for sleep disorders such as insomnia, which is characterized by difficulty of falling asleep, staying asleep and feeling refreshed after sleep. Unlike a sleeping pill that has an immediate sedative effect, it may take some time for valerian to produce an effect in the body. There have been many studies done on valerian and sleep. Though evidence is scant, there does seem to be some positive correlations between this herb and insomnia. In a study published in the May 2008 issue of the "European Journal of Medical Research," researchers found that using valerian mixed with hops may be an effective sleep aid. The participants who used the valerian/hops combination during this study spent more time asleep and felt significantly more rested than those participants who were given a placebo. However, it did not cure insomnia. In another study published in the journal of "Neurochemical Research" in August 2009, clinicians showed that valerian reduced insomnia symptoms due to its antioxidant properties. Again, this study showed that valerian may help offset the severity of the symptoms insomnia causes but does not appear to cure it.
Other Uses
Aside from insomnia and sleep issues, valerian can be used for psychological conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, hypochondria, hysteria, and nervous asthma. Valerian may also be effective for migraine headaches, stomach upsets, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual and menopausal issues, liver problems, urinary tract infections, digestive ailments and muscle and joint pain. It is imperative, however, that before using valerian for any of these conditions that you clear it with a doctor first.
Side Effects
The long-term side effects of using valerian are still unknown. Common short-term side effects could include headaches, anxiousness, excitability, sluggishness, gastrointestinal issues and uneasiness. Valerian may even cause restless sleep or insomnia if abused. If you are currently taking a sedative or an anxiety/depression medication, drinking alcohol, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised that you do not use valerian. Of course, it is in your best interest to consult a physician before using valerian or any herb for medicinal reasons.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Valerian
- PubMed.gov: In vitro antioxidant activity of Valeriana officinalis against different neurotoxic agents; JH Sudati et al; August 2009
- PubMed.gov: Sleep improving effects of a single dose administration of a valerian/hops fluid extract - a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled sleep-EEG study in a parallel design using electrohypnograms; W. Dimpfel et al; May 2008
- Insight Journal: Valerian Root
- MedlinePlus: Velerian
- Gardens Ablaze: Valerian
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