Can You Take Valerian Root With Antibiotics?

Since the Roman Empire, individuals have used the herb valerian root to treat a host of physical and mental afflictions associated with the central nervous system. Today, valerian continues to rate as the most commonly used non-prescription sedative in Europe. However, "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants" identifies 477 drugs that appear to interact with valerian in various degrees.

Common Uses

• Valerian root is mainly used as a sleep aid. However, valerian root acts as a smooth muscle and skeletal relaxant, making it effective in releasing tension in the shoulder and neck, controlling asthma, treating irritable bowel syndrome, reducing muscle spasms and relieving severe menstrual cramps. In addition, valerian root calms the mind, diminishing physical symptoms associated with high anxiety such as involuntary shaking, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and sleeplessness. Some health care professionals administer valerian with other herbs to treat high blood pressure.

Interaction with Antibiotics

• As of May 2010, there is no evidence of adverse effects from using valerian root with any of the major antibiotics. Valerian root appears to interact mainly with the inhibition of neurotransmitters associated with nervous activity. Antibodies work at the cellular level to kill microbes associated with infectious diseases. Therefore, valerian appears to not interact with known antibiotics.

Other Drug Interactions

• Valerian root appears to interact negatively with a host of drugs known to also produce a sedating effect such as sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, anxiety and pain medication, seizure medicines and antidepressants. This list includes alcohol as well as any other sedative herb such as chamomile, lemon balm and catnip. Any medication that produces a side effect of drowsiness and dizziness will be amplified with the use of valerian.

Considerations

• The Unites States extensively used valerian root as a sedative before replacing it with synthetic drugs after World War II. Nevertheless, valerian root continues to be used extensively in Europe. Since the 1990s, Italian and German researchers report various studies that suggest the benefits of using valerian root to lessen the effects of hyperactivity and behavioral disorders in children, according to "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants."

Theories/speculation

• Valerian root appears to effect the central nervous system by attaching to certain brain receptors to exert a sedating effect. Numerous studies suggest that the chemical constituents of valerian root bind to the same receptor sites in the brain as some tranquilizers. This possibly accounts for the calming effect.

Warning

• Since Valerian can cause drowsiness and dizziness, use caution if engaging in a hazardous activity, driving a car or using other machinery. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medication with valerian root.