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Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

also known as All-heal, Garden heliotrope, Setwall

A perennial herb whose pungent root has been used for centuries to support sleep onset and ease nervous tension via GABA modulation.

  • Supports sleep onset
  • Most-studied herb for insomnia
  • Modulates GABA neurotransmission
  • May ease nervous tension
  • Mild anxiolytic action
  • Has been used since the time of Hippocrates
  • Most effective with consistent use over 2 to 4 weeks

Active in Valerenic acid, Valepotriates, Iridoids, Essential oils.

Causes drowsiness — do not drive after taking
Use caution with sedatives, sleep aids, alcohol, and antidepressants
Discontinue 2 weeks before surgery
Rare reports of liver injury
Insufficient data in pregnancy and nursing — avoid
Paradoxical stimulation occurs in some individuals

NIH NCCIH Herbs at a Glance · MedlinePlus Herbs & Supplements

Works with
Lemon balm The valerian–lemon balm combination has been studied in RCTs for insomnia; lemon balm potentiates valerian's GABA-modulating effects.
Related
Chamomile Valerian and chamomile are from different botanical families but share the traditional sedative/nervine category in Western herbalism and are often combined.
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