When Laura, 36, of Atlanta, decided to wean herself off prescription sleeping pills, her doctor suggested she try valerian. The potent capsules—which smell awful but don't have a bad taste, she says—work for a week or two at a time, but then her body seems to get used to it.
More nonprescription sleep solutions
Valerian is considered safe when taken as directed, but is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Before trying a valerian product, read the information below and talk to your doctor.
The following is from our A-Z Health Library:
What is valerian?
Valerian is an herb that people have used for centuries for anxiety and as a sleep aid. It is also used to ease menstrual and stomach cramps. It comes from the root of the valerian plant, found in areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Of the more than 200 known species of valerian, the Eurasian variety V. officinalis is the one people use most often as medicine. Valerian root is known for smelling like sweaty socks.
Valerian is sold as a dietary supplement and is available as an extract in powder or liquid form, as a dried herb in tea form, or in pills. As a sleep aid, valerian is most effective if you take it shortly before bedtime. For anxiety, you may take a dose 3 times or more during the day, including before bedtime.
People often use valerian in combination with other herbs, including St. John's wort, passionflower, lemon balm, kava, and hops.
Valerian does not interfere with sleep cycles or with restful REM sleep.
What is valerian root used for?
People use valerian to relieve anxiety, depression, and poor sleep, and also to ease menstrual and stomach cramps. Research shows valerian has a mild calming effect that does not usually result in sleepiness the next day. As a sleep aid, valerian seems to be most effective for people who have trouble falling asleep and who consider themselves to be poor sleepers. It also has had good results for people who wake up during the night. Some studies show that valerian may provide quick relief for poor sleep; however, it may take 2 to 4 weeks of daily use to bring improved sleep for people with serious insomnia.
Valerian is an herb that people have used for centuries for anxiety and as a sleep aid. It is also used to ease menstrual and stomach cramps. It comes from the root of the valerian plant, found in areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Of the more than 200 known species of valerian, the Eurasian variety V. officinalis is the one people use most often as medicine. Valerian root is known for smelling like sweaty socks.
Valerian is sold as a dietary supplement and is available as an extract in powder or liquid form, as a dried herb in tea form, or in pills. As a sleep aid, valerian is most effective if you take it shortly before bedtime. For anxiety, you may take a dose 3 times or more during the day, including before bedtime.
People often use valerian in combination with other herbs, including St. John's wort, passionflower, lemon balm, kava, and hops.
Valerian does not interfere with sleep cycles or with restful REM sleep.
What is valerian root used for?
People use valerian to relieve anxiety, depression, and poor sleep, and also to ease menstrual and stomach cramps. Research shows valerian has a mild calming effect that does not usually result in sleepiness the next day. As a sleep aid, valerian seems to be most effective for people who have trouble falling asleep and who consider themselves to be poor sleepers. It also has had good results for people who wake up during the night. Some studies show that valerian may provide quick relief for poor sleep; however, it may take 2 to 4 weeks of daily use to bring improved sleep for people with serious insomnia.
Last Updated: June 27, 2007 
