Overview

Valerian is a plant called Valeriana officinalis. The root and root-like parts of valerian are used to make teas and dietary supplements, such as tablets or capsules. People take valerian for many different reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include dizziness, headache, itching, tiredness, and stomach upset. Before taking valerian, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is valerian used for?

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is used for many different reasons. However, the benefits of valerian are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use valerian include the following.

• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• To help manage stress

The FDA has not reviewed valerian for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does valerian work (mechanism of action)?

Valerian is a plant called Valeriana officinalis. Dietary supplements containing valerian are made from the root and root-like parts of the plant.

Valerian contains a chemical called valerenic acid, which is thought to have some effects on the body. Valerenic acid may change the way that the brain responds to certain chemicals, such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This may help relax the body and cause sleepiness. But it is not clear if valerian helps manage anxiety, insomnia, or stress.

Herbal products, such as valerian, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific valerian product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store valerian?

You should store valerian according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of valerian?

The most common side effects of valerian are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Itching
• Tiredness
• Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of valerian that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of valerian?

While less common, the most serious side effects of valerian are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Valerian may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking valerian and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use valerian?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take valerian.

• Valerian
• Valeriana officinalis
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific valerian products they stock.

What should I know about valerian before using it?

Valerian is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep valerian out of the reach of children.

Valerian can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how valerian affects you.

Herbal products, such as valerian, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific valerian product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Valerian is available in many different forms, including liquid extracts, tea, and dried ground powder found in capsules or tablets. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested valerian products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using valerian?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if valerian is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements.Valerian may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking valerian, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how valerian could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if valerian passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does valerian interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between valerian and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect valerian, but drinking alcohol while taking valerian may increase your risk for dizziness and tiredness.

Does valerian interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking valerian.

• Any medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety
• Any other dietary supplement that may cause dizziness and sleepiness
• A benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium and others), or lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
• A muscle relaxant, such as carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, or tizanidine (Zanaflex)
• An opioid, such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, or tramadol, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain

The interactions between valerian and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with valerian is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using valerian with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much valerian?

If you or someone else has used too much valerian, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Valerian is available in many different doses and forms, including as a tea and dietary supplement. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use valerian safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.