Summary

Valerian is a popular nervine and sedative despite the fact it has an odour resembling " sweaty socks " . It has a calming effect on the nervous system by targeting several receptors and enzymes related to GABA, which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. It is commonly prescribed for over-stimulated states and patients feeling anxious. Valerian is recommended acutely as a sleep aid, but for insomnia the best results are experienced with long-term use. Valerian has been used to help decrease patients' dependence on benzodiazepine drugs.

In addition to its calming effects on the nervous system, research suggests it may be beneficial for women's health complaints. It contains antispasmodic compounds that reduce the severity of menstrual cramps and preliminary data suggests it may help with menopausal flashes.

Indications

Nervous system tonic that modulates various neurotransmitters (GABA, serotonin) to produce a calming effect.

CNS
• depressed patients complaining of being overly stimulated and/or stressed
- insomnia
- migraine headaches
- nervous tension
- anxiety
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• benzodiazepine withdrawal

Musculoskeletal
• involuntary muscle contractions or twitches
- delirium tremens
- restless leg syndrome
- muscular fasciculations
- tension headaches

Gynecological
• dysmenorrhea
• menopausal hot flashes

Cardiovascular
• heart palpitations
• arrhythmias
• hypertension (especially due to anxiety )

Actions

• Sedative (Mild)
• Nervine
• Anxiolytic
• Anticonvulsant
• Antispasmodic
• Hypotensive

Constituents

• Volatile Oil
• Iridoids (E.g. Isovaltrate, Valtrate)
• Sesquiterpenes
• Gaba

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 70% EtOH): 3-5 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid
• Infusion: (dried root): 1-3g tid

Duration: although acute administration can help, it must be taken for at least 2 weeks before the benefits for insomnia can be evaluated.

Safety

Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Side effects: May cause excitation in some patients (rare).

Interactions

Sedatives • studies are lacking, however they it may potentiate the effects of other sedatives (e.g. benzodiazepines, barbituates, alcohol). Often used to wean people of benzodiasepines.

References

"Show references"

"Hide references"

Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002