What Are the Effects of Valerian Root on the Liver?

Valerian root is an alternative treatment for insomnia. On rare occasions, it has been reported that valerian might be injurious to the liver. It is unclear whether the damage was caused by the valerian root, other substances that were added to the formula, or the combination. However, no evidence has been presented that definitively links valerian root to liver damage.

Identification

Valerian is a perennial herb originally found in Asia and Europe. It is now grown all over the world. The plant reaches a height of around 4 feet. Its leaves are deep green. Botanical.com describes the flowers as being small and tinged with pink and flesh color, with a different, but not exactly unpleasant smell. Although it can be found growing wild, it also has become a popular plant to include in home flower gardens. The root of the valerian plant is used for its medicinal properties.

History

Valerian root has been a popular alternative treatment for many years. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health's Medline Plus, its use as a sedative and anti-anxiety treatment has been reported for more than 2,000 years.

Medline Plus said that the extracts gained popularity in the middle 1800s. Valerian was used on a continuous basis until prescription drugs began to be marketed. The report states that valerian is still used in North America, Japan and Europe for treatment of insomnia and anxiety.

Effects

Scientists aren't sure how valerian works, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports, but they believe it increases the amount of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA helps to regulate nerve cells and calms anxiety. It is believed that valerian works the same way, but with less strength, as drugs such as Xanax and Valium. It was also noted that valerian needs to be taken for a period of time before effects can be noticed.

Benefits

Valerian has some important and notable benefits over prescription drugs. It is not habit forming. When taken at night it doesn't leave one with a lethargic, groggy feeling in the morning. It is easily obtainable and, compared to prescription drugs, is a lot less expensive. Valerian produces no withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing its use. It can be taken in a tincture, capsule, tablet or tea form.

Warning

Do not take valerian while pregnant or nursing.

Do not drive or operate heavy equipment after taking valerian.

If you intend to stop taking valerian after using it in unusually high doses and for a lengthy amount of time, taper off gradually. Do not stop abruptly.

While side effects are few, some have reported experiencing headaches, nausea, dizziness and stomach upset.

Do not take valerian with similar prescription drugs, such as Xanax or Valium.

Valerian, like other herbs, can produce undesired effects when taken with other medication.

Before starting valerian, consult a physician.

Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children and pets.

References

• Botanical.com
• Medline Plus
• University of Maryland Medical Center

Resources

• American Academy of Family Physicians