What Is Valerian Used For?
Valerian is a hardy perennial plant that is used as an herbal supplement to help people get a good night's sleep and as a natural tranquilizer to treat anxiety. Valerian bears sweet-smelling pink or white flowers. In the 16th century, valerian was used as a perfume. But today, valerian is used as a dietary supplement by people who want a natural remedy to treat mild to moderate insomnia and anxiety.
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Background
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Valerian is native to Europe and Asia and is also found in North America. Valerian was used thousands of years ago in ancient Greece and Rome as a medicinal herb, and it has found its way back into people's medicine cabinets today. Valerian root and the underground stems are commonly used to create supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid extracts and tea.
What It Does
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Valerian is used today to treat insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. Valerian is taken most commonly for its sedative and hypnotic properties. Clinical studies have suggested that valerian is effective in the treatment of insomnia.
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Side Effects
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Although valerian does appear to be a safe alternative to other medications for helping people fall asleep and stay asleep, this sweet-smelling herb can cause side effects. Valerian should be used by people to help them fall asleep for only one to two weeks at a time to avoid dependence and because this herb is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Known side effects of valerian include headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, stomach pain, tiredness the following morning, blurred vision and nausea.
Warnings
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Some people taking Valerian have experienced some very unpleasant side effects: major anxiety, night terrors, dark urine and irregular heartbeat.
Because this herb is not regulated by the FDA, contents and dosage can differ among brands and batches of the supplement.
Drug Interactions
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Even though Valerian is seen as a safe alternative to prescription sleep aids and antianxiety drugs, it is best to tell your doctor you are taking this herbal supplement. Valerian might interact with other drugs, causing side effects, and it might also affect the actions of other drugs. Taking other sleep aids while taking valerian is not recommended unless otherwise recommended by your health care professional.
Talk to Your Doctor
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Talk to your doctor before taking valerian with other medications such as sedatives, sleep aids, tranquilizers, antianxiety medications, narcotic pain relievers, antihistamines and cough and cold preparations. Valerian might interact with these drugs.
Cautions
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While using valerian to help treat insomnia, take this herb 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Read the directions on the label and follow those accordingly. Pregnant women should not use valerian. Breast-feeding women are also advised to not take valerian, because the herb may be excreted in breast milk. Caution is also advised for patients with diabetes, those who are alcohol dependent and people with liver disease.
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