If you suffer from anxiety or insomnia, you may want to try herbal remedies before surrendering to harsh medications. Valerian is dietary supplement commonly used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and prevent insomnia. This herb has sedative effects, which can increase the sedative effects of alcohol. It is best to avoid valerian while consuming alcohol. Consult your health care physician before adding valerian to your diet, as it may interact with other medications and substances.
Valerian
Second century Greek and Roman civilizations used the roots of valerian as a sleep aid. In the 16th century, valerian roots were also utilized as a treatment to ease nerves, trembling, headaches and heart palpitations, according to the National Institutes of Health. Today, valerian roots are pressed and made into extract form or tea form. While further research needs to be done on what exactly causes valerians effects on the brain, the National Institutes of Health explains it is likely due to valerian's effect on increasing the amount of GABA, or gamma aminobutyric acid in your brain. GABA has a direct impact on mood and a sedating effect. Valerian also inhibits the enzyme that naturally rids GABA.
Alcohol
The use of alcohol dates back to at least 1700 B.C. Alcohol, similar to valerian, impacts the amount of GABA in your brain. Alcohol is stronger than valerian and causes your brain to release higher amounts GABA. It also produces sedating effects on your nerves, which is why your motor skills can be compromised from intoxication. Mayo Clinic states that moderate alcohol intake is two drinks or less in one day for men and one drink or less per day for women. This amount of alcohol may benefit your cardiovascular health. However, exceeding this dose can have adverse effects on your heart, brain, liver and memory. If you experience blackouts or short-term memory loss from your alcohol consumption lower your intake to prevent permanent damage to your health.
Interaction
Valerian root can increase the effects of any sedating drug, and alcohol is no exception. Valerian in combination with alcohol can cause severe drowsiness, short-term memory loss and delayed motor skills. Even with moderate alcohol intake pairing it with valerian may impair your judgment and coordination and lead to feelings of fatigue and depression. Your mental alertness and focus may also be compromised. Talk with your doctor before pairing valerian with any drug that effects the quantity of GABA in your brain or produce sedating effects.
Warning
Valerian has been deemed as safe. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns that, it is best for women who are pregnant or breast feeding to avoid use of valerian. Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy and breast feeding as well. Side effects of valerian can include paradoxical effects such as increased anxiety and trouble sleeping, states UMMC. Long term use of alcohol can increase your risk of liver disease and certain heart diseases. It can also cause brain shrinkage. Women are at higher risk of brain shrinkage and blackouts from alcohol than men, according to the National Institutes on Alcohol Use and Alcoholism.
References
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Valerian
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Valerian
- MayoClinic: Alcohol Use; If You Drink, Keep it Moderate
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Impacts of Drugs on Neurotransmission
- Drugs.com: Alcohol
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Possible Interactions with: Valerian
