Benefits of Valerian Root

What is Valerian Root?

The valerian plant grows up to 4 feet and it has trumpet-shaped pink flowers. The flowers smell sweet and are quite overpowering when put in a vase. The plant is native to Europe and Asia.

The root however stinks, some say it smells like dirty socks.

In ancient Greece and Rome, people used valerian root as an herbal remedy. They used it to treat:

sleeping problems

stress

headaches

nervousness

Why did people stop using it? Well, the development of prescription sleep medications killed the popularity of valerian root.

But...are sleeping pills more effective?

Yes, most likely.

However, valerian root doesn’t have the groggy after-effects of sleeping pills. And it doesn’t carry the risk of becoming addicted.

Valerian Root Side Effects

Some precautions:

1. Pregnant and nursing women shouldn’t use valerian root.

2. Don’t combine with sedatives or antidepressants.

3. Don't use with alcohol.

Generally, valerian root is non-toxic
if taken properly---250-500 mg per day.

Valerian Root Extract Supplements

Take valerian root in the most potent extract form. It should be standardized to contain 0.8 percent valerenic acids.

Recommended: Since this herb mainly treats the brain---gets neurotransmitters functioning properly again---I suggest looking for valerian root in a multi-nutrient supplement. It is more effective for sleep when formulated with other nutrients that have a sedative nature.

Nutrients like: passionflower, kava, tryptophan (5-HTP), and hops.

Although some studies conclude that valerian root extract helps people sleep and relieves stress, other studies don't support this finding.