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.
