What Is Valerian Extract?

Extract of valerian, a perennial flowering herb that grows in North America, Europe and Asia, has been used for centuries as a perfume and as a mild, relaxing sedative. Its use dates to ancient Greece and Rome. In recent years this pungent herb has become popular for the treatment of anxiety, and in some people as a method of easing the symptoms of attention-deficit disorder. Although its dried root has an unpleasant smell, it loses this "dirty socks" scent when refined.

Modern Uses of Valerian

• Valerian extract is a yellowish oil made from the ground root and rhizomes (underground stems) of the plant. Placed in capsules or ground into a fine, greenish brown powder and consumed as tea, it has long been  popular as a natural sleep aid in Europe, and as an anti-anxiety drug. For most users, it decreases the time needed to fall asleep, lessens wakefulness in the middle of the night and helps users feel more rested in the morning.

Effects

• Valerian as a dietary supplement is growing in popularity in the United States. For some users, its effect takes place over several weeks, as it is taken daily with meals. It has been noted to have different effects on different users, creating heightened anxiety in some and a calming effect in others. Some users report it relieves headaches and some of the symptoms of migraines.

Valerian Treatments

• Its anti-convulsant properties have led it to be recommended as a treatment of epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Some animal testing has revealed it to reduce high blood pressure. Some doctors have recommended it for those suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder because it relieves the common symptom of restlessness.

Safe and Non-Addictive

• Valerian is listed by the Food and Drug Administration as safe for use. It is non-addictive and has few, if any, side effects on most users. For these reasons, it is often recommended by doctors over prescription medications such as Valium and Ambien (a prescription sleep aid). It is also used for the treatment of those addicted to benzodiazeprines, a class of drugs that include Valium and Xanax. However, most doctors caution against using it for more than 6 months, or using it in combination with prescription medicines.

Valerian in Combination

• Valerian has only mild potency when used alone. For this reason, it's often combined with balm of lemon, passion flower or dried hops for a more effective treatment of sleeplessness, restlessness and anxiety.