The herbal remedy valerian root is primarily used for improving sleep and treating insomnia. People also take it for relieving anxiety and stress. Rare instances of liver dysfunction have been connected to valerian use, although in some cases the remedy contained an additional herb. This could mean valerian root is not safe for people with hepatitis C. Talk with a qualified health care provider before taking valerian, especially if you have a history of any liver problems.
Effectiveness
Analyses of clinical trials show that some people who take valerian root extract obtain modest improvements in sleep quality, but many studies have found that valerian extract is no better than a placebo, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. When valerian is effective, it works slower than sleep medication does. You may need to take valerian anywhere from several days to four weeks before you see improvement.
Dosage
Valerian root is likely safe for most people when taken in recommended doses on a short-term basis of up to 28 days; more than 12,000 study participants have reported safe use of this herb, notes MedlinePlus, a website provided by the National Library of Medicine. Long-term safety is unknown, however. MedlinePlus lists a standard dosage of 400 to 900 mg valerian extract.
Side Effects
At recommended doses, side effects of valerian root are few and infrequent, according to Aetna InteliHealth. There are occasional reports of headaches, dizziness, excitability, reduced concentration, stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Paradoxically, some people also experience an inability to sleep while taking valerian. Some rare cases of liver problems are connected with valerian use.
Liver Issues
Valerian root may have negative effects on the liver, especially if you take high doses for a long time. Long-term use of valerian has been connected with liver toxicity in one person, and her symptoms improved after she stopped taking the herb, according to Sloan-Kettering. Symptoms of liver dysfunction include fatigue, dark urine and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, known as jaundice. You may be more likely to experience problems with valerian if you have hepatitis, cirrhosis or another type of liver dysfunction, according to eMedTV. Hepatitis is the medical term for liver inflammation, and some types of the disorder, including hepatitis C, are caused by a virus.
Herbal Blends
An article published in a 2002 issue of the "Medical Journal of Australia" detailed six cases of abnormal liver function that developed while the individuals were taking various herbal remedies. The authors excluded other possible causes. The form of liver injury associated with a mixture of valerian and skullcap involved an immune-related reaction similar to liver changes seen in acute viral hepatitis, including an abnormal level of cell death. The authors remarked that previous studies have identified valerian and skullcap blends as causing hepatitis.
