Valerian – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and More

valerian root,valerian tea,valerian tablets,valerian root heart attack,valerian for sleep,valerian benefits,valerian side effects,what drugs interact with valerian,valerian root,valerian tablets, valerian tea,valerian root heart attack,valerian benefits,valerian for sleep

Overview

The Valerian plant, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a herb that is native to areas of Europe and Asia. Valerian root has a long history of use as a sedative in various cultures around the world.

The smell of valerian is pungent, and the plant can reach a height of slightly over 6 feet. Both the brain and the nervous system appear to be affected by their calming properties. Valerian has a long history of usage in traditional medicine, extending back to the era of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Valerian is a plant that is frequently used to treat sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. Valerian is also used for ailments such as anxiety and stress, along with a wide variety of others; however, there is little to no solid scientific evidence to support the majority of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possible Benefits for Those Suffering from Insomnia It appears that the quality of sleep can be improved by taking 300–600 milligrams of valerian root extract per day. It’s possible that you won’t see any effects until you’ve consistently used the product for at least a month.

There is a growing interest in utilizing valerian for a variety of additional uses; however, there is insufficient trustworthy information to determine whether or not this could be beneficial.

DO NOT MISS: Glucomannan – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and More

Side Effects

When used for a limited amount of time, valerian is most likely safe to consume orally. Valerian has been successfully used in doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams on a daily basis for up to six weeks. It is not known whether or not prolonged use is safe.

In most people, valerian root is well tolerated. Dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, stomach discomfort, mental dullness, and vivid dreams are some of the most typical adverse reactions that can occur. It’s possible that quitting cold turkey after a long period of use will bring on withdrawal symptoms. It is preferable to lessen the dose gradually over the course of a week or two before entirely quitting the use of the substance after long-term use. This will help prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When used for a limited amount of time, valerian is most likely safe to consume orally. Valerian has been successfully used in doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams on a daily basis for up to six weeks. It is not known whether or not prolonged use is safe.

In most people, valerian root is well tolerated. Dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, stomach discomfort, mental dullness, and vivid dreams are some of the most typical adverse reactions that can occur. It’s possible that quitting cold turkey after a long period of use will bring on withdrawal symptoms. It is preferable to lessen the dose gradually over the course of a week or two before entirely quitting the use of the substance after long-term use. This will help prevent withdrawal symptoms. There is not enough trustworthy information available to determine whether or not valerian may be used safely during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. To be on the safe side, you should avoid using it.

When administered orally in the recommended dose and duration (4-8 weeks), valerian root may not pose a health risk to youngsters.

Valerian is used in surgery because it slows down the activity of the central nervous system. A number of drugs, including anesthesia, are administered during surgical procedures, and each of them can have an effect on the central nervous system. It’s possible that the combined effects will be hazardous. It is recommended that valerian be discontinued at least two weeks before any scheduled surgical procedure.

Interactions

Interaction that is Not Overbearing

Take precautions when using these two together.

Ethanol, sometimes known as alcohol, has a reaction with valerian.

Drinking alcohol can make a person feel sleepy and drowsy. It’s possible that valerian will make you feel sleepy and drowsy as well. It’s possible that the combination of drinking alcohol and taking a significant amount of valerian will make you feel overly sleepy.

Xanax, also known as alprazolam, has a drug interaction with valerian.

It’s possible that valerian will make you sleepy. Alprazolam also induces tiredness. It’s possible that the combination of valerian and alprazolam will make you feel too sleepy.

Medications that slow down the central nervous system, sometimes known as CNS depressants, interact with valerian.

YOU MAY LIKE THIS: Melatonin – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, And More

It’s possible that valerian will make you sleepy and slow down your breathing. Sedatives are a class of drugs that can cause drowsiness as well as a slowing of the respiratory rate. It is possible that using valerian in conjunction with sedative drugs will result in difficulty breathing and/or excessive drowsiness.

Interactions between VALERIAN and medications that are metabolized by the liver (glucuronidated medicines)

The liver is responsible for the transformation and breakdown of certain drugs. There is a possibility that valerian will alter the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. It is possible that the effects and side effects of these medications will vary as a result of this.

A Slightly Interacting Party

Take caution when using these two together.

Medications that are metabolized by the liver, often known as substrates for the enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4, interact with valerian.

The liver is responsible for the transformation and breakdown of certain drugs. There is a possibility that valerian will alter the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. It is possible that the effects and side effects of these medications will vary as a result of this.

Medications that are metabolized by the liver, also known as substrates for the enzyme cytochrome P450 2D6, interact with valerian.

The liver is responsible for the transformation and breakdown of certain drugs. There is a possibility that valerian will alter the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. It is possible that the effects and side effects of these medications will vary as a result of this.

Dosing

Adults have been known to take valerian in amounts ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams orally once or twice daily for up to six weeks. Hops, passion flower, and lemon balm are some of the other sedative herbs that are frequently found in combination products that also contain this ingredient. Long-term usage of valerian may lead to psychological or physical dependence. After using valerian for an extended period of time, you may have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using it. Talk to a medical professional about your symptoms to get a recommendation on the appropriate dosage for your condition.