Valerian for Treating Insomnia

Valerian is an herbal remedy that has been used for thousands of years to treat insomnia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, use of this herb dates back to at least the second century A.D., although it has only been in the last decade that research has been undertaken to verify the effectiveness of valerian for treating insomnia.

Action

• According to Creighton University Medical Center's Complementary and Alternative Medicine website, valerian is thought to improve sleep induction because of its effect on the neurotransmitter GABA. By increasing the amount of GABA, valerian performs a sedative action. Valerian's sedative effects are thought to be further enhanced by the high amount of glutamine contained in the herb, which is converted into GABA in the body.

Dosage

• Valerian can be taken as a tea, tincture, extract, powder or capsule. It can be purchased from health food stores, some grocery stores or online. Follow dosage instructions on the label. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the usual dose of valerian tincture is 1 to 1 1/2 tsp., valerian fluid extract is 1/2 to 1 tsp., powder or valerian capsules are 250 to 600 mg and valerian tea is to be made with 1 tsp. of dried root to 1 cup boiling water. To treat insomnia, valerian should be taken up to two hours before bedtime.

Precautions

• Since valerian makes you drowsy, you should not take it when you will be driving or operating dangerous machinery. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, valerian increases the sedative effect of other drugs; therefore, valerian should not be taken with anti-convulsant medications, barbiturates, benzodiazepines like Xanax, sleeping medications like Ambien, anti-depressants like Elavil, alcohol, statin drugs, and antihistamines.

  According to the University of Michigan Health System, valerian may also cause these side effects: headache, restlessness, excitability, irregular heartbeat and dilated pupils.

  Because of the sedative effect of valerian and its interaction with other common medications, it is a good idea to discuss the herb with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you based on your personal medical history.