Valerian Root for Anxiety

Valerian is an herb used for anxiety, psychological stress, and restlessness. It is generally recognized as safe when used at appropriate doses. In some studies, taking valerian resulted in a decrease in self-reported stress in people with social anxiety and anxiety disorders.

Valerian root for anxiety

Method

Most studies have employed valerian in doses of 400 to 900mg given 30 minutes to 2 hours prior to bedtime or 300 to 450mg given in three divided doses.

Why It Works

Valerian root contains valepotriates and volatile oils that confer its pharmacological effects. The main constituents are berneol, valerenic acid, valerenone, and kessyl glycol. These compounds are gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists. They may also inhibit the breakdown of GABA by blocking the enzyme responsible for GABA catabolism; this could increase GABA concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS). GABA is known to decrease CNS activity.

Precautions

Side effects of valerian may include headache, excitability, cardiac disturbances, insomnia, upset stomach, dry mouth, vivid dreams, and drowsiness. People taking valerian should avoid operating dangerous machinery or driving.

Withdrawal symptoms have been reported in patients who discontinue valerian after chronic use. The dose should be tapered slowly if valerian has been used for an extended period of time.

There have been some case reports of liver toxicity in people who use valerian. The long term-effect of valerian on liver function remains unknown so caution is advised.

Valerian should be avoided when taking other CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, kava, melatonin, St. John's wort, hops, L-tryptophan and others. It may interfere with some medications so consult with your healthcare professional before taking.

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