Is it Safe to Take Valerian Root During Chemo Treatments?

Many cancer patients experience insomnia and anxiety during chemotherapy treatment. Valerian, a sedative herb commonly used as a holistic insomnia treatment, is generally regarded as safe for use in cancer patients undergoing chemo.

Use

• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), valerian has been used for more than 2,000 years as a treatment for anxiety and insomnia. Some integrative oncologists also recommend it as a cancer treatment.

Drug Interactions

• The NIH notes that valerian may interact negatively with some drugs, most notably sedatives like Ativan, Valium and codeine. It is not known to interact negatively with chemotherapy.

Warning

• While valerian is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it may have the unpleasant side effect of producing drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how valerian affects you.

Potential

• The National Cancer Institute is currently sponsoring a long-term trial to evaluate valerian's overall safety and efficacy as an insomnia treatment for cancer patients. The trial has been ongoing since August 2003 but, as of January 2010, the results remain unpublished.

Considerations

• While most oncologists and health institutes regard valerian as a safe insomnia treatment for chemo patients, some care providers have differing opinions. Discuss all drugs, supplements and treatment options with your primary care provider.