P1

Valerian is a plant with pink flowers. The root has been used to ease symptoms of anxiety and sleeplessness. Valerian has also been used to reduce hormone symptoms in women. It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. It can also be made into a tea or applied as a balm.

Dosages

250 milligrams 2 to 3 times daily

P5

Likely effective

May be effective

May not be effective

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

P6

It is likely safe to use valerian on the skin and to take it in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:

  • People taking medicine for diarrhea should talk to their doctor before taking valerian. It may interact with the medicine.
  • People taking pain, anxiety, or sleeping medicine should talk to their doctors before taking valerian. It may interact with the medicine.