Family

• Valerianaceae

Constituents

• Essential oils: valepotriates, valeric acid, valerenal...
• Beta-bisabolol
• Tannins

Parts used

• Root, rhizome

Properties

• Sedative
• Mild calming effect
• Antispasmodic
• Sleeping
• Relaxant
• Anticonvulsant

Indications

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Stress
• For those who are quitting smoking
• Depression
• Colic
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Side effects

Dizziness, gastrointestinal indisposition, contact allegies, headache, mydriasis (pupil dilation).

Prolonged use: headache, sleep, tiredness, insomnia, mydriasis, cardiac disorders.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity (allergy) to Valeriana officinalis extract.

People with kidney and liver problems should take treatment with valerian under the supervision of a physician.

Some sources advise against using valerian during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The plant is also contraindicated without medical advice for children under 6 years of age.

Interactions

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Forms of use

• Tablets (600 mg or 0.6 g per day in case of sleep disturbances caused by nervousness).
• Capsules (usually the equivalent of 2 to 3 g of dried valerian root, take one capsule about 1 hour before bedtime).
• Hydroalcoholic extract based on valerian root. A hydroalcoholic extract should contain at least 0.25% valeric acid, which is responsible for the positive action on sleep.
  • Note: in the case of sleep disorders, ready-to-use preparations such as tablets, capsules or a hydroalcoholic extract of valerian root should be preferred.
• Valerian infusion
• Decoction
  • Also for use in compresses: apply 3 to 4 times a day on sore or bruised areas.
• Tincture of valerian
• Mother tincture