Ultimate Herbals Guide: Valerian

Valerian: Your Herb Guide

What is Valerian?

This Herb Guide provides everything you need to know about the herb Valerian – common names, how and why it’s used, whether it works and what it works for best, research conducted, and the potential side effects and cautions.

An herb is a plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties; herbs include flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots.

Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia; it is also found in North America. Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Its therapeutic uses were described by Hippocrates, and in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed Valerian for insomnia.

Common Names-Valerian, all-heal, garden heliotrope

Latin Names-Valeriana officinalis

What is Valerian used for?

• Valerian has long been used for sleep disorders and anxiety.
• Valerian has also been used for other conditions, such as headaches, depression, irregular heartbeat, and trembling.

How is Valerian used?

The roots and rhizomes (underground stems) of Valerian are typically used to make supplements, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts, as well as teas.

What the Science Says

Has Valerian been scientifically proven to work?

• Research suggests that Valerian may be helpful for insomnia, but there is not enough evidence from well-designed studies to confirm this.
• There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether valerian works for anxiety or for other conditions, such as depression and headaches.
• Recent research on Valerian includes studies on the herb’s effects on sleep in healthy older adults and in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Side Effects and Cautions

What should I be careful of while taking Valerian supplements?

• Studies suggest that valerian is generally safe to use for short periods of time (for example, 4 to 6 weeks).
• No information is available about the long-term safety of valerian.
• Valerian can cause mild side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, and tiredness the morning after its use.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Content Created/Medically Reviewed by our Expert Doctors