The roots of the valerian plant have been used in traditional medicine in Asia and Europe for at least 2,000 years. The word “valerian” comes from the Latin valere, “to be strong” or “to be healthy.” Valerian root contains several compounds that create a feeling of relaxation, and calm a sense of anxiety. Valerian extract promotes sleepiness and can bring about sedation by increasing the brain’s level of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
valerian root dietary supplement
Valerian Root extract has been marketed as one of the over the counter sleeping aids without an adverse effect the next day. The effect of valerian can be found in herbal supplements to help treat sleep disorder like chronic insomnia. Some herbal supplements have undergone a clinical trial like valeriana officinalis. It is known to help calm down or as one of the OTC sleeping aids to assist in transitioning to a more relaxed and calm state. National institutes of health have undergone placebocontrolled trial clinical studies to monitor improvements in sleep by healthcare professionals. Make sure to monitor drug interactions and withdrawal symptoms. Valerian can assist in healthy sleep patterns or treatment of insomnia with a mildly sedative effect. Health benefits are outlined in detail but the benefits of valerian root have been used to treat anxiety and various other health conditions.
- Uncover the synergy and differences between Ashwagandha and Valerian Root in our latest blog post: Ashwagandha and Valerian Root: Synergy and Differences.
