Therapeutic Uses
Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, and Menopause-Related Problems – One of the most common side effects of anxiety and depression is sleep disorders. In one study, people with depression, anxiety, and sleeping issues benefitted from a combination of St. John’s wort and valerian. Scientific studies have confirmed valerian’s ability to improve the quality of sleep and relieve insomnia, especially the insomnia that sometimes accompanies menopause. Valerian relieves insomnia without causing grogginess or “hangover” the next morning. Studies have found that valerian is as effective in inducing sleep as barbiturates such a pentobarbital and benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium). Valerian, in contrast, reduces morning sleepiness, appears to be nonaddictive, and its effects seem to be milder. Valerian has a much more pronounced effect when used by people with chronic insomnia than when used by people whose sleeping difficulties are temporary. It is especially suitable for older adults who fall asleep relatively easily but have difficulty staying asleep throughout the night. In addition, this herb relieves panic attacks that occur at night. Valerian has been used safely and effectively in children aged five to fourteen years with sleep difficulties. However, do not give valerian to your child without speaking to a pediatrician.
Indigestion – Valerian relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract when under stress. It soothes the digestive system and relieves some types of indigestion, constipation, and stomach cramps, especially when these problems are due to nervous tension.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Naturopathic physicians sometimes prescribe valerian as one of a combination of herbs useful for the treatment of IBS. One of the chemicals produced when valerian is processed, valerenic acid makes sleeping easier, it does not force sleep by inducing drowsiness.
Medicinal Uses: * Addiction * Cardiovascular * Cough * Cramps/abdominal * Headache/Migraine * Herbal Teas * Pet * Sleep/Insomnia * Stop Smoking
Valerian Side Effects: Generally considered safe, large amounts can cause stomach upsets. In about 5 percent of the population, valerian acts as a stimulant, be aware of this effect if you are new to the herb.
Valerian Drug Interactions: Taking large amounts of valerian along with alcohol might cause too much sleepiness. Taking valerian with alprazolam (Xanax) might increase the effects and side effects of alprazolam (Xanax) such as drowsiness. Taking valerian along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Taking valerian along with sedative medications used in surgery might cause prolonged sedation. Taking valerian along with some medications that are broken down by the liver (lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others) can increase the effects and side effects of some medications.
