Valerian Root: Natural Relaxation Aid

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What is valerian root used for?

Valerian root is often referred to as “nature’s Valium,” and people have used it since the Middle Ages to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia ( 1 ). This article uncovers everything you need to know about valerian, including what conditions it may benefit, its safety, and how to take it. What is valerian root?

What are the side effects of Valerian?

Side effects of valerian include headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness, heart disturbances, and even insomnia in some people. A few people feel drowsy in the morning after taking valerian, especially at higher doses. Some people experience dry mouth or vivid dreams.

Is valerian root safe?

Research suggests valerian root may help improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, improve symptoms of OCD, and reduce hyperactive behavior in children. It may also offer a few other benefits. However, more research is needed. Valerian is considered safe for most people when used at the recommended doses.

Where does Valerian come from?

Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia; it also grows in North America. Valerian has been used medicinally since the times of early Greece and Rome. Historically, valerian was used to treat insomnia, migraine, fatigue, and stomach cramps.

What is valerian root?

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is an herb native to Asia and Europe that now grows wild in many other areas of the world, including the United States and Canada ( 2, 3 ). People have used this perennial plant as a natural medicine since as far back as the time of ancient Greece and Rome ( 3 ).

Is valerian root an anti-anxiolytic?

People took valerian root in the U.K. during World War II to relieve stress caused by air raids. Before that, medical practitioners used it to treat anxiety symptoms in the 1500s. Early research shows that valerian root may indeed have an anxiolytic effect — another term for an anti-anxiety property — but more research is needed.

What Is Valerian Root

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-valerian-88336
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/valerian-root
3. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/valerian-root
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/valerian-root
5. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-870/valerian
6. https://www.health.com/valerian-root-benefits-7094035
7. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/valerian
8. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian/

Valerian Root Information

1. https://examine.com/supplements/valerian/