Valerian root is commonly found in Asia, South Africa, and Europe. This root has been used for centuries, as far back as ancient Greece and Rome, to treat a variety of conditions including digestive issues, liver problems, urinary tract infections, headaches and nausea. Today Valerian root is more commonly used to treat nervousness, anxiety and sleeplessness or insomnia.
How Does Valerian Root Work?
Valerian Root is commonly used to help people fall asleep because it is believed to be sedative and relieve anxiety in the body. It has been said that the root accomplishes this task by working to calm the central nervous system by impacting the neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid or GABA. If levels of GABA are increased it will work to shut down or depress certain areas of the brain and nervous system. This allows the body to release anxiety, nervousness and tension. It is also know to increase feeling of well being and relaxation.
Is Valerian Root an Effective Sleep Aid?
Valerian root has been used for many years because of the belief that it relieves anxiety and helps sedate the body. The root is a common ingredient in many of the modern day all natural and homeopathic sleep aids for this reason. The studies that have been preformed to prove the effectiveness of Valerian root on its own, in regards to treating the symptoms of insomnia have not been consistent or conclusive. We just don’t know how well this root actually works at helping those dealing with insomnia, especially when being used as a sleep aid on its own.
Side Effects of Valerian Root
Side effects from using Valerian root are considered to be very rare but they may include:
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Daytime drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Itchiness
- Dry mouth
- Vivid dreams
- Some may experience increased excitability and restlessness instead of the desired sedative effects.
Final Word on Valerian Root
Valerian root is believed to relieve anxiety and sedate the body. This may not be enough to help you fall asleep or achieve the kind of quality sleep you are looking for. The research that has been preformed on Valerian root has been inconsistent, so we are still in the dark about how it actually works and how effective of an herb it is.
Valerian is typically only one of the ingredients in some all natural sleep formulas. This is so it can help, assisting in the process of sedating and relaxing the body, but it is not given full responsibility for achieving a restful full night’s sleep. Other ingredients and herbs are usually used to compliment and complete the process into a natural deep sleep. Taking Valerian root on its own will probably not give you the desired outcome you are looking for.
