Use of Valerian Root Capsules

Valerian root is often taken as a sedative and sleep aid and is not known to have the same side effects as many pharmaceutical remedies for insomnia. Thus it is popular, and pre-filled capsules can be purchased now without a prescription. People take it in a daily dosage to regulate their sleep, help with stress, anxiety and ease nervousness. Valerian root is a native plant of Europe, but species from Mexico and India are often used for medicinal purposes. It often appears in children's cold syrups and sometimes functions to relax muscles, cramps and spasms.

Capsules vs. Other Forms

• Valerian root can easily be boiled and drank as a tea, but its flagrant flavor prevents this with most people, which is why capsules are so much more common than straight valerian tea. Valerian has a pungent and obnoxious odor that most find quite repulsive; capsules effectively circumvent this dilemma. Since brewing the root doesn't reduce its efficacy, you can take it this way if it suits you. In fact, for treating muscle cramps, stress and anxiety, you may even want to consider valerian tea, tincture or another form with the herb present. Its versatile nature makes it easy to mix valerian with other herbs that promote relaxation and sleep, something that is more difficult to do when using capsules.

  Using capsules for valerian has another distinct advantage: some companies coat their capsules with chlorophyll. This creates a time-release function that boosts the efficacy of the herb during sleep. Instead of one dose prior to bed, the extra coating allows for multiple smaller releases during a six to eight hour period. This is an advantage that tinctures and teas cannot provide, and if you're treating insomnia, you may wish to consider this option.

Doses and Frequency

• Although valerian is a powerful sedative, it's required to be taken at frequent intervals to be most effective. Most of the time, the capsules are prescribed twice daily, taken during or just after a meal. Regularly taking these capsules is important, as the reduction of insomnia relies upon regularity of the treatment. If you miss a dose, take it immediately. It's difficult to overdose on valerian and experience adverse side effects. In fact, a 1995 case study on valerian overdose reported that even when taking 50 times the proper amount, a young lady attempting to commit suicide experienced only mild abdominal pain, fatigue and tremors.

Prescription

• Follow the prescribed doses and frequency if they have been included. If not, capsules often contain between 300 and 500 mg of the ground herb root, which is ideal for treating insomnia. This should be taken a half hour to an hour before bedtime, giving the capsule time to digest. Since valerian affects the transition from being awake to sleeping mode, you should also plan for quiet activities that induce sleep, such as reading, to augment the process.