Anxiety disorders vary from panic disorder, general anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia and post-traumatic syndrome, or PTSD. General anxiety disorder, also known as GAD, affects approximately 6.8 million Americans, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety medications are often prescribed by physicians to treat anxiety disorders; however, valerian root may help reduce feelings of anxiety. Speak with your doctor before using valerian root as an alternative treatment for this condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of general anxiety disorder may vary with each person. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorder is diagnosed when excessive worry affects someone for a period of at least six months. Excessive worry can touch upon family problems, health, finances and constant anticipation of a disaster happening. Anxiety carries with it physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, nausea and sweating, to name a few.
Valerian
Since the second century A.D., valerian has been used to treat insomnia, anxiety and other nerve related disorders. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, listed valerian as Generally Recognized as Safe, and it is also approved by Germany's Commission E as an effective mild sedative. Valerian root is believed to increase gamma aminobutyric acid in the brain, which in turn regulates nerve cells while having a calming effect on anxiety.
Dosage
Valerian root is available as herbal tea, capsules, tablets and tinctures. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 150 mg of valerian may be taken up to three times per day to help reduce feelings of anxiety. It is strongly recommended that you consult with your doctor to determine the proper dosage of valerian for your individual symptoms. However, valerian should not be taken with medications such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, narcotics or barbiturates.
Warnings
Valerian may be safe for most people when used on a short-term basis; however, valerian can cause side effects such as headaches, insomnia, uneasiness and a feeling of sluggishness. Women who may be pregnant or nursing should not use valerian root without first speaking to their doctors. The use of valerian has not been thoroughly studied on children. Therefore, speak with your child's pediatrician before allowing him to take herbs.
