Approximately 10 percent of the American population suffers from restless legs syndrome, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Classified as a movement disorder, restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is often a lifelong condition and has no known cure. Although the need for further scientific evidence exists, research indicates that valerian root may help manage symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplement.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome causes deep discomfort in your legs, typically in your calves. However, discomfort can occur anywhere from your thighs to your ankles, as well as in your arms, trunk and genitals. Symptoms include leg agitation, numbness, painful pins-and-needles sensations, jumpiness and leg thrashing. These symptoms frequently occur at the onset of sleep, creating an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. The majority of RLS patients have periodic, involuntary limb movements of sleep, called PLMS, that disrupt sleep, but the cause of RLS remains unclear, according to Johns Hopkins Center for Restless Legs Syndrome.
About Valerian
Native to Europe and northern Asia, valerian grows about 4 feet tall and bears pinnate leaves and pink flowers. The perennial herb has a sweet and spicy taste with a pungent odor. Used for medicinal purposes, the root of the non-addictive natural relaxant contains active compounds such as volatile oil, alkaloids and chemically unstable compounds called valepotriates. Valerian root is available as dried root, powder, pills and tinctures.
Benefits of Valerian Root
Valerian root's key ingredients have the ability to depress the central nervous system, relax and sedate smooth muscle tissue, relieve insomnia, improve the quality of sleep and reduce the time needed to fall asleep, according to Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book, "Prescription for Herbal Healing." Balch notes that scores of commercial sleep aids contain valerian root. In 2009, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in Philadelphia found that patients who took 800 mg of valerian for eight weeks had fewer symptoms of RLS, along with a decrease in daytime sleepiness in some individuals. This leads researchers to speculate that valerian root might work as an effective alternative treatment for RLS symptoms, providing sufferers with improved quality of life. Talk to your doctor before taking valerian root for RLS.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe when used by itself, valerian root can increase the effects of tranquilizers and barbiturates. When taken over a period of several months, it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headache, agitation, racing heart and insomnia. Do not drive or operate heavy equipment immediately after taking valerian root. Pregnant and nursing women, as well as children, should refrain from using the herb. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you consult a physician before using valerian root for periods exceeding one month.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: The Johns Hopkins Center for Restless Legs Syndrome
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- PubMed: Does Valerian Improve Sleepiness and Symptom Severity in People With Restless Legs Syndrome?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Valerian
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Restless Legs Syndrome
