Valerian has a calming effect and has been considered a medicinal herb for centuries. It is said to help against nervousness and sleep disorders. We show what it is and explain its effects and side effects.
Valerian is known for its positive effects on sleep problems and in Germany it mostly grows on the edges of forest paths, near rivers or in parks. But some of the more than 250 different types of valerian also grow in Africa, Asia and America. You can recognise them by their tall, strong stems and pink flowers.
Because of its effects, valerian has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries. The name itself probably comes from the Germanic god “Baldur”. In the Middle Ages, it was even believed that valerian could cure the plague. And the well-known polymath Hildegard von Bingen also used valerian to treat pleurisy.
Today, valerian is considered the plant that is best for treating sleep disorders. Teas, tablets, drops and juice contain extracts from the valerian root, as it contains the important substances with a calming effect. However, valerian can also cause side effects.
Effect of valerian
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / JayMantri)
As already mentioned, valerian has been taken for centuries. Clinical studies have now scientifically proven that valerian helps with the following complaints:
- Sleep disorders
-
Nervousness and restlessness
- According to a therapeutic study, valerian in combination with St. John’s wort can also help with depressive moods and anxiety.
- Due to its calming effect, valerian can have a positive effect on exam anxiety and overwork.
- In addition, valerian in combination with lemon balm leaves counteracts poor concentration. One study was able to demonstrate an improvement in primary school children with concentration difficulties.
How valerian works
The valerian root contains essential oils that have a calming effect on the body. The substances in the valerian root interact with the nerve cells. Specifically, the substances have an effect on the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This results in a relaxing and antispasmodic effect – although not immediately, only when taken regularly.
Onset of effect
The effect of valerian is not immediate. It takes one to two weeks before you feel an effect.
Take valerian
You can use valerian in the form of tea (available from Avocadostore, for example), tablets, drops, juice and as a bath additive. To combat sleep problems, you should take valerian half an hour to an hour before going to bed. If you are feeling restless, valerian is recommended one to three times a day so that it can take effect.
Side effects of valerian
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / gokalpiscan)
Despite the scientifically proven effect, you should never take valerian without good reason and always with caution. Since long-term studies are lacking, you should not use the medicinal herb for more than six weeks in a row without consulting a doctor. Valerian can also cause side effects, although they are rare. These include:
- Headache
- dizziness
- Heart disorders
- dry mouth
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- In addition, taking the medication may impair your ability to drive.
Valerian can also increase the effect of tranquilizers and sleeping pills. To avoid interactions, you should not take any other medications. This also applies to alcohol – side effects can also occur here. If you stop taking valerian after consuming a particularly high amount, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, increased blood pressure and restlessness.
There are hardly any scientific studies on whether valerian can be taken during pregnancy or not, so it is not possible to say with certainty. If in doubt, you should seek medical advice before taking it.
Read more on Techzle\.com:
- Sleep well even without valerian: the best tips
- Home remedies for earache: what helps?
- Planting, cutting and caring for lavender
** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources are sometimes affiliate links: If you buy here, you are actively supporting Techzle\.com, because we then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More information.