Valerian has been used as an herbal relaxant and sleep inducer since ancient times. Now a naturalized plant, valerian was carried to the New World by European settlers and was one of the mainstay herbs in early American gardens. Although there are more than 250 members of the genus Valerian, Valeriana officinalis is the species most commonly used in the United States and Europe.
Plant Usage
Valerian roots, the rhizomes and connecting stolons of the plant, are the useful part of the plant. The roots are dried and ground into a fine powder, then commonly prepared as tea or as tinctures or extracts, or manufactured as dietary supplements in capsule or tablet form.
Studies
According to the National Institutes of Health, studies of the efficacy of valerian are inconclusive. Most of the studies reported were flawed. Researchers in the United States have some disagreement on the active constituents of valerian, however it is clear that valerenic acids and valepotriates do have a sedative effect. Other compounds are present in various botanical valerian preparations, and the combinations may enhance the effects of valerian. The FDA has listed valerian as a Generally Recognized As Safe herbal sedative.
Actions
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that scientists believe that valerian may increase the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in the brain. GABA has a calming effect by helping to regulate nerve cells. Benzodiazepines, the class of drugs that includes alprazolam, or Xanax, and diazepam, or Valium, work by increasing GABA levels, and researchers think that valerian works in a similar way. The UMMC reports that one study found that the effects of valerian were no better than a placebo for the first four weeks, but that continued use of valerian improved sleep.
Cautions
Valerian is generally considered to be a gentle sleep aid that does not cause morning drowsiness. Women should not take valerian during pregnancy and lactation. Avoid operating machinery after taking valerian. Do not combine valerian with other medications, and use valerian only under your doctor's supervision.
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