What are valerian’s main benefits?

    Last Updated: December 6, 2023

    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.

    References

    1. ^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)
    2. ^Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, Patterson M, Mehling WValerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Med.(2006-Dec)