By Dr. Christine Gonzalez (PharmD, CHC)
When counting sheep does little to alleviate those restless nights, it may be time to consider some other alternatives. In my practice as a pharmacist, I see first-hand how common sleep disorders are. Along with this, is the potential to become dependent on sedative prescription medications or stimulants to keep going through the day-often setting up a viscous cycle. While it is important to evaluate and address the issues that keep your mind spinning at the midnight hour, you may be able to get some reprieve from valerian. Valeriana officinalis is the most commonly used and best studied species of the valerian family. It is used for sleeping disorders and conditions associated with anxiety and psychological stress. In briefly reviewing several scientific studies, there seems to be more agreement over its effectiveness for insomnia and still some debate over its use for anxiety.
Valerian has a long history as a medical herb, tracing back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The root is the part utilized for its medicinal qualities. It is believed to have several active constituents contributing to its therapeutic benefit. One of these are a group of chemical compounds called valerenic acids and good quality supplements are usually standardized to 1% valerenic acids. One of the postulated mechanisms of actions is related to its effect on GABA, the same neurotransmitter that common prescription anxiety medications work on. Overall, I get the sense this herb has been underestimated and overlooked as a short-term solution to promote rest and relaxation. Most of the research I have seen indicates that single-ingredient valerian products are safe for most people at recommended doses. I am curious to hear about your experiences with valerian...
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When counting sheep does little to alleviate those restless nights, it may be time to consider some other alternatives. In my practice as a pharmacist, I see first-hand how common sleep disorders are. Along with this, is the potential to become dependent on sedative prescription medications or stimulants to keep going through the day-often setting up a viscous cycle. While it is important to evaluate and address the issues that keep your mind spinning at the midnight hour, you may be able to get some reprieve from valerian. Valeriana officinalis is the most commonly used and best studied species of the valerian family. It is used for sleeping disorders and conditions associated with anxiety and psychological stress. In briefly reviewing several scientific studies, there seems to be more agreement over its effectiveness for insomnia and still some debate over its use for anxiety.
Valerian has a long history as a medical herb, tracing back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The root is the part utilized for its medicinal qualities. It is believed to have several active constituents contributing to its therapeutic benefit. One of these are a group of chemical compounds called valerenic acids and good quality supplements are usually standardized to 1% valerenic acids. One of the postulated mechanisms of actions is related to its effect on GABA, the same neurotransmitter that common prescription anxiety medications work on. Overall, I get the sense this herb has been underestimated and overlooked as a short-term solution to promote rest and relaxation. Most of the research I have seen indicates that single-ingredient valerian products are safe for most people at recommended doses. I am curious to hear about your experiences with valerian...