valerian Health Article

Generic name(s):

valerian

Brand name(s):

What is the most important information I should know about valerian?

Do not use valerian in a bath without first talking to your doctor if you have a skin injury, a skin illness, a fever, an infection, or heart problems. This could be dangerous and should occur only under the supervision of a doctor. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Valerian may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Before taking valerian, talk your doctor if you are taking muscle relaxants, other sleep or anxiety medicines, pain medicines, antidepressants, or other medicines that cause drowsiness. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking valerian.

Use alcohol cautiously while taking valerian. Alcohol may increase drowsiness when used with valerian.

Valerian has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of valerian may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What is valerian?

The use of valerian in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Valerian is also known as Valeriana officinalis, radix valerianae, Indian valerian, red valerian, Belgian valerian, common valerian, fragrant valerian, garden valerian, all-heal, amantilla, setwall, setewale, capon's tail, heliotrope, and vandal root.

Valerian has been used in the management of anxiety; restlessness; insomnia; mental strain; lack of concentration; excitability; stress; headache; nervous stomach cramps; uterine spasticity; menopause; and pain, discomfort, and emotional distress that may occur with menstruation.

Valerian has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of valerian may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Valerian may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.