Valerian Root: One of Nature’s Best Answers to Insomnia

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Valerian root, a herbal remedy with a history that spans centuries, has earned a place as one of nature’s best solutions to sleep and anxiety disorders. Native to Europe and Asia, this perennial plant’s medicinal properties have been embraced by various cultures, from ancient Greeks and Romans to modern herbalists. Today, valerian’s therapeutic benefits continue to gain recognition and credibility in scientific circles.

If Valerian supplements are right for you, this article will show you the best place to order Valerian online. In this article, we’ll explore the specific advantages of Valerian, including its calming effects and applications in improving overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking a natural path to restful sleep or simply curious about herbal alternatives, Valerian may hold the answers.

What Is Valerian?

Valerian is a natural herb that is commonly used as a dietary supplement for its potential sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. The scientific name for valerian is Valeriana officinalis, and it is native to Europe and Asia. The root of the valerian plant is the part that is used for medicinal purposes, and it can be consumed in various forms, including teas, capsules, and extracts. Valerian root is known for its strong and distinct odor, which is often described as unpleasant. Valerian is used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it a popular natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders. It may also have potential benefits in reducing anxiety and improving mood, although more research is needed to fully understand these effects.

What are the Benefits of Valerian?

  • Improving sleep quality: Valerian is commonly used as a natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders due to its potential sedative effects. It may help improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
  • Reducing anxiety: Valerian may have potential anxiolytic effects, making it a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. It may help promote relaxation and improve mood. [PMID: 33086877].
  • Relieving menstrual cramps: Valerian may have potential muscle-relaxing effects, making it a natural remedy for menstrual cramps and other muscle-related pain.
  • Premenstrual Symptoms: In one study, women were given 530 mg of valerian root capsules twice per day for the last 7 days of their menstrual cycle. The results of this study showed that Valerian root extract reduced the emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Reference: [PMC4936757]. Some preliminary evidence suggests that valerian may help alleviate menstrual cramps.
  • Reducing symptoms of menopause: Valerian may have potential hormone-balancing effects, making it a natural remedy for symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings. A study provided 255 mg Valerian capsules 3 times a day for 8 weeks and found that it did reduce hot flashes. [PMCID: PMC3813196]
  • Supporting digestion: Valerian may have potential digestive benefits, such as reducing bloating and abdominal pain, making it a natural remedy for digestive disorders.

Is Valerian Safe?

Valerian is generally considered safe when used as directed, although it may cause side effects such as headaches, upset stomach, and dizziness in some individuals. Valerian may interact with certain medications and supplements to create additive effects. This may not be a disadvantage when it comes to achieving good sleep, but be careful of excessive drowsiness.

Medication Interactions with Valerian

  • Sedatives and hypnotics: Valerian may increase the effects of sedatives and hypnotics, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which can cause excessive drowsiness and respiratory depression.
  • Antidepressants: Valerian may interact with antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause symptoms such as high fever, seizures, and agitation.
  • Anti-seizure medications: Valerian may interact with anti-seizure medications, such as phenytoin and valproic acid, and reduce their effectiveness.
  • Muscle relaxants: Valerian may increase the effects of muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol, which can cause excessive drowsiness and respiratory depression.
  • Antihistamines: Valerian may increase the effects of antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine, which can cause excessive drowsiness and respiratory depression.

Supplement Interactions with Valerian

  • Kava: Kava and valerian may have additive effects and increase the risk of excessive sedation and respiratory depression.
  • St. John’s Wort: St. John’s Wort and valerian may interact and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Melatonin: Valerian and melatonin may have additive effects and increase the risk of excessive drowsiness and respiratory depression.
  • 5-HTP: 5-HTP and valerian may interact and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Valerian For Sleep

Valerian is a popular choice for sleep that has a rich history in traditional medicine. A comprehensive review of 60 studies on Valerian involving 6,894 participants was conducted. The results suggest that the variable quality of valerian extracts may explain the inconsistent outcomes of previous studies. They found that better effects can be expected from using the whole root/rhizome and combining valerian with suitable herbal partners was also found to optimize therapeutic benefits. The researchers concluded that valerian appears to be a safe and effective herb for improving sleep and preventing associated disorders, although quality control processes may be an issue with many suppliers. [PMC7585905] The usual research dose is often 400 to 600 mg per day.

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Valerian: Restful Sleep Support Gaia Herbs by Professional Solutions

Restful Sleep Support* Valerian has long been used to promote deep and restful sleep in those with occasional sleeplessness.* Made from Valerian grown on Gaia’s own certified organic farm, this extract delivers 1.8 mg of Valerenic acid derivatives per serving. By promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, Valerian supports the body in falling asleep naturally.*


Suggested Use: Adults take 2 capsules 1 hour before bed.

Amount Per 2 Capsule Serving:
Calories … 5
Total Carbohydrate … 1g
Proprietary Extract Blend … 1047mg
Organic Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis), Organic Valerian Root Extract (Valeriana officinalis)


Valerian Standardized by Nature’s Way 59734

Manufacturer’s Description: A good night’s sleep is so important to your daily well-being and mood, so support sleep with Nature’s Way Valerian, a traditional sleep aid.* Valerian has been used for centuries, dating all the way back to the 11th century! Nature’s Way sources valerian from European farms in places like Poland, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria, where it grows best.

Suggested Use: Take 2 capsules one hour before bedtime. For daytime use: Take 1 capsule with water at mealtime.

Amount Per 2 Capsule Serving:

  • Valerian … 800mg** (root)
  • Valerian … 220mg (root) (Extract standardized to 0.8% valerenic acids) (1.76 mg)

Valerian: Restful Sleep Support by Gaia Herbs/Professional Solutions

Restful Sleep Support* Valerian has long been used to promote deep and restful sleep in those with occasional sleeplessness.* Made from Valerian grown on Gaia’s own certified organic farm, this extract delivers 1.8 mg of Valerenic acid derivatives per serving. By promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, Valerian supports the body in falling asleep naturally.* Suggested Use: Adults take 2 capsules 1 hour before bed.

Amount Per 2 Capsule Serving
Calories … 5
Total Carbohydrate … 1g
Proprietary Extract Blend … 1047mg
Organic Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis), Organic Valerian Root Extract (Valeriana officinalis)


To Sum it Up


Valerian, with its millennia-old history of use, remains an integral part of traditional and modern herbal medicine practices. Its calming properties, evidenced both through anecdotal accounts and numerous scientific studies, position it as a preferred natural remedy for various sleep and anxiety disorders. Whether consumed as a tea, taken in pill form, or used in aromatherapy, this age-old herb continues to offer a bridge between ancient traditions and contemporary well-being practices.


This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.


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