Valerian supplements are commonly used to address sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia) as an alternative to conventional medications. Research has shown that supplementation with valerian may improve subjective sleep quality when compared to placebo. However, its effectiveness has not yet been demonstrated through quantitative or objective measurements (e.g., sleep latency time, visual analogue scales).[1][2] Other randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have noted that valerian may have therapeutic applications beyond treating insomnia, such as brain and menstrual health.
What are valerian’s main benefits?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Valerian supplements are primarily used to improve sleep disorders like insomnia and may enhance subjective sleep quality compared to a placebo. Additionally, research suggests valerian may have potential therapeutic benefits for brain and menstrual health.