Valerian

    Written by:
    Giulia Guerrini

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: December 11, 2023

    Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian, is an herb that can be taken as a tea or a supplement. It is commonly used for its sedative and anxiety-reducing effects.

    Overview

    Dosage information

    For the treatment of insomnia, studies have found that valerian root extract should be taken in doses ranging from 300 to 600 mg daily, equivalent to 2 to 3 grams of dried herbal valerian root soaked in one cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Valerian works better when taken 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime.[1]

    The European Medicines Agency recommends valerian root to relieve nervous tension, at a dosage of 400–600 mg of valerian extract or 0.3–3 g of powdered valerian root up to 3 times daily.[2][3]

    Frequently asked questions

    Update History

    Examine Database References

    1. Sedation - Pakseresht S, Boostani H, Sayyah MExtract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) vs. placebo in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized double-blind studyJ Complement Integr Med.(2011 Oct 11)
    2. Anxiety Symptoms - Andreatini R, Sartori VA, Seabra ML, Leite JREffect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot studyPhytother Res.(2002 Nov)
    3. Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms - Cuellar NG, Ratcliffe SJDoes valerian improve sleepiness and symptom severity in people with restless legs syndromeAltern Ther Health Med.(2009 Mar-Apr)
    4. Sleep Quality - Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, Patterson M, Mehling WValerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Med.(2006-Dec)
    5. Sleep Quality - Leathwood PD, Chauffard FAqueous extract of valerian reduces latency to fall asleep in manPlanta Med.(1985 Apr)
    6. Sleep Quality - Fernández-San-Martín MI, Masa-Font R, Palacios-Soler L, Sancho-Gómez P, Calbó-Caldentey C, Flores-Mateo GEffectiveness of Valerian on insomnia: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trialsSleep Med.(2010 Jun)
    7. Insomnia Signs and Symptoms - Taavoni S, Ekbatani N, Kashaniyan M, Haghani HEffect of valerian on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trialMenopause.(2011 Sep)
    8. Sleep Quality - Barton DL, Atherton PJ, Bauer BA, Moore DF Jr, Mattar BI, Lavasseur BI, Rowland KM Jr, Zon RT, Lelindqwister NA, Nagargoje GG, Morgenthaler TI, Sloan JA, Loprinzi CLThe use of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) in improving sleep in patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer: a phase III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study (NCCTG Trial, N01C5)J Support Oncol.(2011 Jan-Feb)
    9. Sleep Quality - Mirabi P, Mojab FThe effects of valerian root on hot flashes in menopausal womenIran J Pharm Res.(2013 Winter)
    10. Pain - Mirabi P, Dolatian M, Mojab F, Majd HAEffects of valerian on the severity and systemic manifestations of dysmenorrheaInt J Gynaecol Obstet.(2011 Dec)
    11. Sleep Quality - Taibi DM, Bourguignon C, Gill Taylor AA feasibility study of valerian extract for sleep disturbance in person with arthritisBiol Res Nurs.(2009 Apr)
    12. PMS Symptoms - Behboodi Moghadam Z, Rezaei E, Shirood Gholami R, Kheirkhah M, Haghani HThe effect of Valerian root extract on the severity of pre menstrual syndrome symptomsJ Tradit Complement Med.(2016 Jan 19)