﻿ Valerian Information | Evidenced-Based Supplement Guide on MedicineNet.com


What other names is Valerian known by?


What is Valerian?

Valerian is an herb. Medicine is made from the root.







Is Valerian effective?

There is some scientific evidence that valerian can help people who have trouble sleeping. It seems to help people fall asleep faster and get a better night's rest. Valerian might work about as well as some low-dose sleeping pills, but it may take up to a month of nightly use before sleeping improves.

There is also some evidence that valerian can improve mood and the ability to concentrate.

There isn't enough information to know whether or not valerian is effective for the other conditions people use it for, including: depression, convulsions, mild tremors, epilepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), muscle and joint pain, headache, stomach upset, menstrual pains, menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and anxiety, and many others. Do not use valerian for these conditions until more is known.

Possibly Effective for...

  • Inability to sleep (insomnia). Some research suggests that valerian does not relieve insomnia as fast as "sleeping pills." Continuous use for several days, even up to four weeks, may be needed before an effect is noticeable. Valerian seems to improve the sleep quality of people who are withdrawing from the use of sleeping pills. Not all evidence is positive, however. Some studies have found that valerian doesn't improve insomnia any better than a "sugar pill" (placebo).

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Depression. Some early research suggests that taking valerian plus St. John's wort improves symptoms of depression. Taking higher doses of valerian with St. John's wort improves depression symptoms faster than low doses.
  • Convulsions.
  • Mild tremors.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
  • Muscle and joint pain.
  • Headache.
  • Stomach upset.
  • Menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and anxiety.
  • Other conditions.


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