Village Journals
Resonate your identity with Naseeb journals. Express your opinions, share your thoughts, post your writings and connect with like minded people through the power of expression.
Resonate your identity with Naseeb journals. Express your opinions, share your thoughts, post your writings and connect with like minded people through the power of expression.
What is valerian root?
What is valerian root?
Valerian, a traditional herbal sleep remedy, is commonly used for the treatment of insomnia (can?t fall or stay asleep) and anxiety. As one of the more widely known complimentary/alternative medicine on the market, its sedating properties tend to offer consumers relief without subjecting them to harsh side effects commonly associated with conventional medications.
A perennial herb native to North America, Asia and Europe, valerian is among the top 10 herbs sold within the United States and Europe. Yet, with minimal regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), little knowledge has been known about its effectiveness and safety until recently.
Is Valerian right for you?
According, to 1996 statistics, approximately 30% of North American adults and more than 60 million Americans used complimentary/alternative medicines. While it is believed that this number is steadily increasing, it is important that consumers and physicians weigh the facts carefully.4
Valerian facts to you to consider:
If you suffer from either insomnia or anxiety, you are not alone. Within the United States, anxiety and insomnia are the two of the most common symptoms among adults.4 This may be comforting news, but the real question is what do you need to know to make an informed medication choice?
Lets weigh the facts, together:
Question: Is Valerian safe?
Answer: According to the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Commission E) adverse effects associated with the use of valerian were rare. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind study on 102 patients measuring reaction time, alertness and concentration, no negative effects were found with single and double dosages. In fact, the commission approved valerian for the use of ?restlessness? and ?sleeplessness? found in nervous disorders.
Question: I?ve never used herbal medications before and am kind of skeptical. How effective can I expect valerian to be?
Answer: While there is limited evidence to support valerian?s effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety, several studies have suggested that it is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate insomnia. According to a double-blind, placebo controlled, trial of 128 volunteers, the use of valerian extract was found to be effective in improving sleep. This is good news, if you have mild to moderate symptoms.
Question: I?ve had many side effects from conventional medications; can I expect valerian to be different?
Answer: Based on the research available, side effects tend to be rare. However, some individuals may experience headache or irritated stomach.7
Question: If I decide to buy valerian over the counter, how much should I take in order for it to be safe and effective?
Answer: Recommended dosages typically are between 300 and 600 mg in capsules, taken between 30 minutes to Two hours prior to bedtime. If taking dried root, then the dosages range between 2 to 3 grams.7 Note: this may vary; therefore, you should consult with your physician.
Question: I am paying a ton for my current medication and am not improving. How expensive is valerian?
Answer: The cost is very small when compared to conventional medications. You can expect to pay roughly $0.08 to $0.30 per capsule, depending on the brand.7
Bottom Line: Based on the research available, Valerian is a safe alternative for the treatment of mild to moderate insomnia. It has few side effects and may prove to have additional advantages over conventional medications (i.e., benzodiazepines). While more is known on it?s effectiveness in the short-term, more research is needed to understand it?s long-term effects.7
References:
1. Hadley, S & Petry, JJ. Valerian. American Family Physician. 2003; 67(8): 1755
2. Brown, RP & Gerbarg, PL. Herbs and nutrients in the treatment of depression, anxiety, migraine, insomnia and obesity. Journal of Psychiatric Practice. 2001; 7(2): 85.
3. Hadley, S & Petry, JJ. Valerian. American Family Physician. 2003; 67(8): 1755
4. Jacob, BP et. al. An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia. Medicine. 2005; 84(4): 197-199.
5. Hadley, S & Petry, JJ. Valerian. American Family Physician. 2003; 67(8): 1757
6. Jacob, BP et. al. An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia. Medicine. 2005; 84(4): 197
7. Hadley, S & Petry, JJ. Valerian. American Family Physician. 2003; 67(8): 1755
Valerian, a traditional herbal sleep remedy, is commonly used for the treatment of insomnia (can?t fall or stay asleep) and anxiety. As one of the more widely known complimentary/alternative medicine on the market, its sedating properties tend to offer consumers relief without subjecting them to harsh side effects commonly associated with conventional medications.
A perennial herb native to North America, Asia and Europe, valerian is among the top 10 herbs sold within the United States and Europe. Yet, with minimal regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), little knowledge has been known about its effectiveness and safety until recently.
Is Valerian right for you?
According, to 1996 statistics, approximately 30% of North American adults and more than 60 million Americans used complimentary/alternative medicines. While it is believed that this number is steadily increasing, it is important that consumers and physicians weigh the facts carefully.4
Valerian facts to you to consider:
If you suffer from either insomnia or anxiety, you are not alone. Within the United States, anxiety and insomnia are the two of the most common symptoms among adults.4 This may be comforting news, but the real question is what do you need to know to make an informed medication choice?
Lets weigh the facts, together:
Question: Is Valerian safe?
Answer: According to the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Commission E) adverse effects associated with the use of valerian were rare. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind study on 102 patients measuring reaction time, alertness and concentration, no negative effects were found with single and double dosages. In fact, the commission approved valerian for the use of ?restlessness? and ?sleeplessness? found in nervous disorders.
Question: I?ve never used herbal medications before and am kind of skeptical. How effective can I expect valerian to be?
Answer: While there is limited evidence to support valerian?s effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety, several studies have suggested that it is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate insomnia. According to a double-blind, placebo controlled, trial of 128 volunteers, the use of valerian extract was found to be effective in improving sleep. This is good news, if you have mild to moderate symptoms.
Question: I?ve had many side effects from conventional medications; can I expect valerian to be different?
Answer: Based on the research available, side effects tend to be rare. However, some individuals may experience headache or irritated stomach.7
Question: If I decide to buy valerian over the counter, how much should I take in order for it to be safe and effective?
Answer: Recommended dosages typically are between 300 and 600 mg in capsules, taken between 30 minutes to Two hours prior to bedtime. If taking dried root, then the dosages range between 2 to 3 grams.7 Note: this may vary; therefore, you should consult with your physician.
Question: I am paying a ton for my current medication and am not improving. How expensive is valerian?
Answer: The cost is very small when compared to conventional medications. You can expect to pay roughly $0.08 to $0.30 per capsule, depending on the brand.7
Bottom Line: Based on the research available, Valerian is a safe alternative for the treatment of mild to moderate insomnia. It has few side effects and may prove to have additional advantages over conventional medications (i.e., benzodiazepines). While more is known on it?s effectiveness in the short-term, more research is needed to understand it?s long-term effects.7
References:
1. Hadley, S & Petry, JJ. Valerian. American Family Physician. 2003; 67(8): 1755
2. Brown, RP & Gerbarg, PL. Herbs and nutrients in the treatment of depression, anxiety, migraine, insomnia and obesity. Journal of Psychiatric Practice. 2001; 7(2): 85.
3. Hadley, S & Petry, JJ. Valerian. American Family Physician. 2003; 67(8): 1755
4. Jacob, BP et. al. An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia. Medicine. 2005; 84(4): 197-199.
5. Hadley, S & Petry, JJ. Valerian. American Family Physician. 2003; 67(8): 1757
6. Jacob, BP et. al. An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia. Medicine. 2005; 84(4): 197
7. Hadley, S & Petry, JJ. Valerian. American Family Physician. 2003; 67(8): 1755