Relaxant for sleep, nervous anxiety
and muscle spasms
Valerian root is a strong herbal
nervine and muscle relaxant. It has
been used as a calmative, sedative
and antispasmodic with problems such
as anxiety, nervousness, hysteria,
cramping and convulsions. It helps
bring sleep when there is no
interfering stimulus such as itching.
Valerian is also a pain reliever and
has helped nervous headaches.
Time Release Valerian is standardized
to 0.8% valerenic acids. It is
intended to improve sleep quality when
1-2 capsules are taken one hour before
bedtime. It is designed to release 70%
in 5 hrs and 100% in 8 hrs.
Valerian works best where the nervous
user is "cold." Otherwise it can have
the opposite effect intended. Hops
works best when it is used by someone
who is "hot," red-faced, excited or
has a fast pulse.
Research: Valerian (44 clinical
trials); Double-blind trials have
found that valerian is an effective
treatment for people with mild to
moderately severe insomnia.1
Generally, valerian makes sleep more
restful as well as making the
transition to sleep easier, but does
not tend to increase total time slept,
according to these studies. Valerian
does not appear to impair reaction
time, alertness, or concentration the
morning after use.2
(1) Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. Planta
Med 1985;51:144–8.
(2) Kuhlmann J, Berger W, Podzuweit H,
Schmidt U. Pharmacopsychiatry
1999;32:235–41
