Valeriana officinalis (Valerian root)

Uses

Traditional use:

• tranquilizer & calming agent in cases of nervousness & hysteria
• nervous stomach
• nausea
• poor digestion
• muscle pains
• dysmenorrhea

Folklore suggests that the volatile oil found in the root of the plants attracts rodents. It has been suggested that the Pied Piper of Hamlin sewed Valerian root to his coat to lure the rats out of the city.

Current uses:

• insomnia: sleeping aid - data inconclusive
• anxiety: anxiolytic - ineffective
• irritable bowel syndrome

* no trials for depression

Contraindications

Caution:

• products based on Mexican & Indian valerian should not be vused
• avoid other species of Valeriana, i.e. V. edulis & V. wallichii which have more psychostimulatory effects
• No data on safety during pregnancy

* not effective, evidence is inconclusive

Dosage

• tincture 1:3 in 45% alcohol,
  • 3-10 mL one hour before bedtime
  • 1-3 mL TID for anxiety
• extract 1:1 in 45% alcohol
  • 1-3 mL one hour before bedtime
  • 0.3-1.0 mL TID for anxiety
• taper dose several weeks before surgery

Adverse effects

• headache
• morning drowsiness
• sedation
• benzodiazepine-like withdrawal
• concern for mutagenic effects
• tremor
• hepatotoxicity

Mechanism of action

• valerenic acid binds to GABA receptors
• pharmacologic action similar to benzodiazepines

More general terms

• pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement

Additional terms

• Alluna (valerian & hops)
• benzodiazepine
• gamma amino butyric acid [GABA] receptor

Component of

• gamma aminobutyrate/melatonin/valeriana officinalis
• Avlimil
• Alluna (valerian & hops)