Valerian has been used medicinally since ancient times when its health benefits were recorded by Hippocrates, and its use continues today in traditional Chinese medicine and for homeopathic purposes. Valerian is available in the U.S. as a dietary supplement since its therapeutic effectiveness has not been proven in clinical studies. It is important to first talk to your health provider before starting valerian or any other herbal supplement.
Identification
Valerian is also known by other names such as all-heal, garden heliotrope, cat's love, and St. George's herb, among others. The roots and underground stems of the valerian plant are used for medicinal purposes. Valerian is available as a dietary supplement in various forms including liquid extracts, capsules, tablets, and as a tea.
Uses
Valerian is commonly used for sleep problems and anxiety and is often found in products that are used as mild sedatives to help sleep. Valerian is also used to help manage other conditions such as depression, abnormal heart rhythm, headache, and trembling. Historically, valerian was also used for epilepsy, hysteria and to aid digestion.
Effectiveness
According to the National Institutes of Health, there is insufficient information from reputable studies to confirm that valerian is effective for managing insomnia or any other conditions such as depression and anxiety. Research is underway to study the effectiveness of valerian for sleep disorders in the elderly and in those with Parkinson's disease. Additional research studies are evaluating valerian for alleviating symptoms of menopause.
Considerations
Valerian is considered to be normally safe when taken in short courses such as over four to six weeks, according to the NIH. However, it may cause some mild problems such as lightheadedness, stomach distress, diarrhea, headache and morning sleepiness or hangover. Currently, there is no scientific evidence regarding the safety of valerian when used for long periods of time, the NIH warns.
