Valerian’s proper name is Valeriana Officinalis and it is sometimes
called God's Valium because it is very effective and it is widely found in nature!
It is a mild yet effective sedative and is extracted from the root of Valerian, a tall, fernlike plant.
The mechanism by which it works is believed to be by stimulating the neurotransmitter GABA, which dampens
the brain's arousal system.
Valerian is often combined with other mildly sedating herbs such as hops, lettuce, lemon balm, passion
flower(passiflora), and chamomile to give a synergistic effect. Synergistic means the herbs work together to
give a better effect when combined than when taken singly.
Almost all the propriety blends of natural remedies and supplements for insomnia contain valerian
dosage in some form or another.
Valerian can be used for mild anxiety or stress, as a muscle relaxant, or to help you relax or to sleep.
When taken as a relaxant it can break the pain cycle in someone who is experiencing back or leg pain etc.
It can be taken in tablet, capsule or tincture form which is an extract of valerian. It can even be taken as a
tea.
Valerian Dosage
The tincture form seems to work quicker than capsules or tablets.
Valerian dosage for the tincture varies as it depend on the concentration of the tincture.
The tincture can be alcoholic or non alcoholic. The tincture I use is Vogel's and I use 10
drops in half a cup of warm water for anxiety or relaxation and 30 drops in water to aid sleep. I sometimes add
a teaspoon of honey to make it more palatable.
The usual dose for capsules or tablets is 150 to 500mg of a standardised valerian extract about half an hour
before bedtime taken with a glass of water.
Valerian Side Effects
There are few valerian side effects and those that do occur are minor.
The most common side effects reported are occasional stomach upset and headache, nausea and restlessness if
large doses are taken. In some sensitive individuals, it may cause drowsiness the next day and you can avoid
this by experimenting with the valerian dosage.
However the side effects of valerian are extremely rare and usually stop when you stop the herb.
