Valerianaceae
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
✓ Generally Safe
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Northern Asia
Also known as: All-Heal, Garden Valerian, Setwall
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Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Insomnia (reduces sleep onset latency), anxiety, nervous tension, restlessness, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps. Multiple clinical trials confirm efficacy for sleep quality improvement.
Herbal Actions
Sedative, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, hypnotic, nervine
Active Constituents
Valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, valepotriates (isovaltrate, valtrate), GABA, linarin, hesperidin
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried root per 250ml, steep 15 min, take 30 min before bed |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol), 30–60 min before sleep |
| Notes | Effects may take 2–4 weeks to become apparent. Clinical trials use 300–900mg dried extract. Strong smell — many prefer encapsulated form. Do not exceed recommended doses. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid combining with CNS depressants, benzodiazepines, alcohol, barbiturates. Avoid before surgery (min 2 weeks washout). Do not drive after taking.
Side Effects: Paradoxical stimulation in some individuals. Morning grogginess at high doses. Vivid dreams. Headache with abrupt discontinuation.