Valerian Root

Aka: Valerian Root, Valerian, Valepotriate, Valeric Acid

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II. Indications

  1. Insomnia
  2. Proposed for anxiety (inconclusive data)

III. Physiology

  1. Sedative effects related to Valeric Acid component

IV. Dosing: Insomnia (taken 30-120 minutes before bedtime)

  1. Best efficacy with continuous use >10-14 days
  2. Extract: 300-600 mg PO qhs
  3. Dried root: 2-3 grams in hot water 15 minutes PO qhs

V. Efficacy: Insomnia

  1. Improved Sleep Latency and quality
  2. References
    1. Stevinson (2000) Sleep Med 1:91-9 [PubMed]
    2. Ziegler (2002) Eur J Med Res 25:480-6 [PubMed]

VI. Adverse effects (uncommon)

  1. Sleepiness on awakening (associated with 900 mg dose)
  2. Headache
  3. Gastrointestinal upset
  4. Withdrawal symptoms when stopped
    1. May be similar to Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

VII. Drug Interactions

  1. No significant Drug Interactions

VIII. References

  1. Asher (2017) Am Fam Physician 96(2): 101-7 [PubMed]
  2. Hadley (2003) Am Fam Physician 67(8):1755-8 [PubMed]

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