Valerian Root

Some studies have shown that valerian root, an herbal supplement, is effective at treating insomnia. However, more research is needed to establish how best to safely and effectively use the herb for this condition. It is not exactly known how valerian root works, but it is thought to increase a certain chemical in the brain that produces a naturally calming effect.

 

What Is Valerian Root?

Valerian root is an herbal supplement that is commonly used to treat insomnia, although it is sometimes claimed to be helpful for other purposes as well. Valerian root is a perennial plant that has been used medicinally for various health conditions since ancient times.
 
(Click Valerian Root Benefits for more information on what valerian root is used for.)
 

Side Effects of Valerian Root

Many people believe that natural products, such as valerian root, do not have any side effects. However, many natural products do cause side effects, some of which can be quite serious. Valerian root can cause side effects such as:
 
  • Headaches
  • Excitability
  • Uneasiness
  • Morning drowsiness.
     
(Click Valerian Root Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Is Valerian Root Safe?

Some people are more likely than others to experience problems due to valerian root. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking it if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Safety of Valerian Root for more information, including any available warnings and precautions with valerian root.)
 

Dosing Information for Valerian Root

Valerian root is available in a large range of doses. For many uses, the safe and effective doses have not yet been established. However, general dosing information is available based on clinical studies and years of experience with these products.
 
(Click Valerian Root Dosage for more information.)
 

Valerian Root Drug Interactions

Valerian root may interact with several other medications or supplements (see Drug Interactions With Valerian Root).
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Valerian Root?

It is not known what exactly to expect from a valerian root overdose, although there have been reports of the following problems:
 
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal cramps (stomach cramps)
  • Tightness of the chest
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shaky hands and feet.
     
If you think you may have taken too much valerian root, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Valerian Overdose for more information.)
 

How Does Valerian Root Work?

It is not exactly clear how valerian root works to treat insomnia or other health conditions. There are a variety of different active compounds in it, and researchers are not sure which ones are responsible for the sedative-like properties of valerian root. Some of the compounds seem to increase gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that has a naturally calming effect.
 

Is Valerian Root Effective?

Some studies have shown that valerian root is effective at treating insomnia, although further research is needed to establish how best to safely and effectively use the supplement for this condition. There is not enough evidence to recommend valerian root for other uses at this time.
 
(Click Does Valerian Work? for more information.)
 

How Should Valerian Root Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual valerian root product for information on how best to store it. Keep valerian root and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;