Valerian

Background

How Much Do We Know?

• Knowledge about valerian is limited because a relatively small amount of research has looked at valerian’s effects on various conditions.
• There is not enough evidence to determine whether valerian is useful for any health conditions.

What Have We Learned?

• The evidence on whether valerian is helpful for sleep problems is inconsistent. In its 2017 clinical practice guidelines, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended against using valerian for chronic insomnia in adults.
• Three small studies suggest that valerian might be helpful for menopause symptoms, but there is not enough evidence to know for certain.
• There’s not enough evidence to allow any conclusions about whether valerian is helpful for anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), stress, or other conditions.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Research suggests that valerian is generally safe for short-term use by most adults. It has been used with apparent safety in doses of 300 to 600 milligrams daily for up to 6 weeks. The safety of long-term use of valerian is unknown.
• Side effects of valerian include headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness, and vivid dreams. Some may experience withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, heart disturbances, insomnia, and in rare cases, hallucinations, if stopped abruptly after chronic use. In very rare cases, liver injury was reported when taking valerian, most often in combination with other herbals; however, valerian’s long-term effect on liver function is unknown.
• Because it is possible (though not proven) that valerian might have a sleep-inducing effect, it should not be taken along with alcohol or sedatives. If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using valerian or other herbal products; some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.
• Little is known about whether it’s safe to use valerian during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Keep in Mind

• Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
• Federal Regulation of Herbal Products
  • Depending on what’s in them, how they’re intended to be used, and how they’re administered (orally or topically), herbal products are regulated in a variety of ways. Many herbal products intended for oral use are marketed as dietary supplements. The regulatory paths for making and distributing dietary supplements are different than those for drugs.
  • Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are sold to the public. When public health concerns arise about the safety of a dietary supplement or an ingredient including an herb, the FDA can take action to protect the public. Manufacturers and distributors of supplements are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all regulatory requirements.  

For More Information

• Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
• Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
• Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article

Key References