The medicinal herb Valerian as an alternative herbal remedy for headaches and depression – Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia; it is also found in North America.Common Names–valerian, all-heal, garden heliotrope
Latin Names–Valeriana officinalis
What Valerian Is 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 Valerian Is 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 about Valerian
- 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.
- NCCAM is funding a study to look at the effects of valerian on sleep in healthy older adults and in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Side Effects and Cautions of Valerian
- 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 herb or dietary supplement you are using, including valerian. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
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