Valerian & Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects one out of five Americans, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Valerian's anti-anxiety properties have led some people to use it as a treatment for IBS.

Significance

• Irritable bowel syndrome is caused by an overly sensitive colon that responds negatively to stress. The biochemicals in valerian root affect the parts of the brain that regulate anxiety; taking valerian may fight stress and calm a spasming digestive system.

Types

• There are several ways to take valerian for irritable bowel syndrome. It comes in powdered, pill and tincture form; many people choose to drink valerian tea since it can be combined with other ingredients that make it more palatable.

Dosage

• The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health recommend a dosage between 300 and 1800 mg in pill form; 400 to 900 mg of tincture (1.5 to 3 g of the herb itself) and 1.5 to 3 g of valerian root in 150 ml. of water for valerian tea. These organizations do not recommend the use of valerian for children.

Considerations

• The use of valerian to treat irritable bowel syndrome is based on tradition rather than scientific proof. The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health warn that its use hasn't been put through rigorous testing to determine its efficacy in humans.

Warning

• Valerian may cause side effects such as headache, unease, dizziness and lowered body temperature. In addition, chronic use of valerian in high dosages can result in complications like insomnia, confusion, rapid heartbeat and withdrawal.