What is Valeriana officinalis used for?
Historically, valerian was used to treat insomnia, migraine, fatigue, and stomach cramps. Today, valerian is promoted for insomnia, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, and headaches. The roots and rhizomes (underground stems) of valerian are used for medicinal purposes.
What are the benefits of valerian tea?
Valerian tea is an herbal beverage made from the roots and underground stems of the valerian plant. Possible benefits of drinking the tea include improved sleep, decreased stress, menstrual symptom relief, and even a reduction of menopausal symptoms.
Is valerian good for sleep?
After analyzing 60 research studies published over nearly 40 years, researchers determined that valerian root can likely improve sleep and reduce anxiety in many people. Valerian root supplements have been found to help people fall asleep faster, improve their sleep quality, and spend more time in a deep sleep stage.
Does valerian have side effects?
Side effects may occur. Although valerian is thought to be fairly safe, side effects such as headache, dizziness, stomach problems or sleeplessness may occur. Valerian may not be safe if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. And it has not been evaluated to determine if it’s safe for children under 3 years old.
What happens if you take too much valerian?
While this herb is usually tolerated well, there are a few reports of possible valerian toxicity linked to more severe symptoms, including headaches, liver toxicity, chest tightness, abdominal pain, and tremors ( 10 , 16 , 17 , 18 ).
How does valerian make you feel?
How does valerian root work? Researchers aren’t sure how valerian root works to ease insomnia and anxiety. They think it subtly increases the levels of a chemical known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA contributes to a calming effect in the body.
How long before bed should I drink valerian tea?
For treating insomnia, valerian tea should be consumed 30 minutes to 2 hours before your bedtime, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
How fast does valerian work?
How long does it take to see effects? While some people will feel the effects of valerian root very quickly, many note that the herb works best when they take it for a week or two.
Is valerian safe to take everyday?
Valerian has been used safely in doses of 300-600 mg daily for up to 6 weeks. The safety of long-term use is unknown. Valerian is usually well-tolerated. Some common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, and vivid dreams.
Does valerian affect blood pressure?
Valerian root may lower blood pressure and relax muscles.
Is valerian toxic to the liver?
Hepatotoxicity. Valerian has been implicated in a small number of cases of clinically apparent liver injury, but usually in combination with other botanicals such as skullcap or black cohosh. In view of its wide scale use, valerian has to be considered a very rare cause of hepatic injury.
Does valerian help anxiety?
Valerian has been used to ease insomnia, anxiety, and nervous restlessness since the second century A.D. It became popular in Europe in the 17th century. It has also been suggested to treat stomach cramps.
How long does it take for valerian to kick in?
Is valerian good for depression?
Studies have indicated that valerian is effective in treating anxiety and depression in menopausal women. Valerian is a safe herbal remedy in HD. Valerian has also shown efficacy with few or no adverse effects when used correctly and following expert recommendations.
Can valerian tea get you high?
Valerian tea cannot make people high. It can, however, cause a person to experience more vivid dreams. As a result, those who frequently have nightmares may want to avoid drinking valerian tea.