Valerian Root

Valerian Root Product Information

Valerian root is derived from a plant called Valeriana officinalis. It is a horrible smelling plant found throughout North America. The roots have been used for centuries to bring a calming effect and to induce sleep. Does it really work?

If you’re a chronic insomniac, you will probably be disappointed. Several scientific studies in England and North America showed little difference between a placebo and Valerian root in doses of 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and even 1600mg. The participants were all healthy adult volunteers who suffered from insomnia.

If the studies showed no measurable benefit to the people tested, why is the root so widely used?

Those case studies were of people who had chronic insomnia. These are insomniacs who have trouble sleeping the majority of the time. The root (along with many other homeopathic remedies) did not prove to be effective for them.

However, in clinical studies in Brazil, Australia, and the United States, Valerian root showed a calming effect on most participants. Many people experiencing anxiety due to mental illness or stressful situations felt calmer after even relatively small (600mg) doses of the root. The Valerian mixtures also helped relax people who experienced occasional sleeplessness. In addition, when used with Kava, Valerian extracts proved very calming for people with anxiety based disorders.

So what does all of this mean for you?

If you are a chronic insomniac, you should see a doctor. You may have underlying problems that contribute to or account for your inability to sleep. Many sleep disorders cause people to be unable to sleep or to feel rested after a night of what they assume is normal sleep. Mental illnesses, such as depression, can also cause periods of insomnia. In fact, changes in sleeping patterns are leading indicators of many types of depression and other illnesses. If you have a hard time sleeping three or more days a week, you should have a physical examination done and talk to a doctor about your problem.

If you experience occasional sleeplessness, such as the night before a big meeting or some other stressful event, you might try Valerian root. While it obviously doesn’t work for everyone, it has been shown in studies to have no psychological or physical side effects on healthy adults. It is also not addictive, in contrast to a lot of the sleep aids available only by prescription.

Valerian root may also be helpful during stressful times in your life. Whether it is stress at work or something more serious, like the loss of a loved one, Valerian root extract just might help you feel less anxious so you can more calmly adapt to necessary changes.

Valerian root is available in a variety of doses in pill, powder, and liquid form. You should try the smallest, most diluted dose suggested. If you feel no effect, try a bit more, following the directions on the bottle. Hopefully, this natural supplement can help you with any anxiety or sleeplessness you might be experiencing.