Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is native to Europe and Northern Asia and has been used for millennia as a sleep aid.

Valerian promotes feelings of calm, decreases levels of anxiety and stress, and enhances sleep.

Valerian has traditionally been used for the treatment of headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, irritable bowel, menstrual cramps, epilepsy, and childhood behavior problems.

As a nootropic, Valerian is used primarily to lower stress and promote a good night’s sleep.

Valerian helps:

• Neurotransmitters. Valerian helps boost GABA in your brain, inhibits GABA reuptake, modulates serotonin and norepinephrine, and activates adenosine receptors.
• Neuroprotectant. Valerian acts like an anti-inflammatory by reducing NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-B). And improves blood flow by acting as a smooth muscle dilator.[i]
• Anxiety, stress & sleep. Valerian helps eliminate stress by boosting GABA, serotonin, activating adenosine receptors, and reducing the stress hormone cortisol.

Overview

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an herb native to Europe and northern Asia. And is now grown in England, Holland and the USA for nootropic supplement manufacturers.

Valeriana officinalis belongs to the Valerianaceae family of plants which includes as many as 250 different types. Many are referred to as “Valerian”.

Valeriana officinalis is the species used in Europe and the USA. Valerian edulis is used in Mexico and Valerian wallichii is used in India. V. edulis contains substantially higher concentrations of valepotriates (up to 8%).

Here we are investigating the nootropic benefits of the most widely used Valerian supplement in the West; Valeriana officinalis.[ii] The medicinal part of the plant used in nootropic supplements is the root or rhizome.

The sedative effects of Valerian were first mentioned by Hippocrates several thousand years ago. And have since been confirmed in clinical trials by modern medicine.

Valerian likely got its name from the Latin word valere meaning to be healthy or strong.

The Greek physician Galen used Valerian for treating epilepsy and insomnia. It’s modern usage likely got its start in 1567 by Italian nobleman Fabio Colonna, who suffered from epilepsy. He found Galen’s reference and claimed it completely restored his health.[iii]

Valeriana officinalis contains over 150 compounds. But those identified of clinical importance are valepotriates, and their breakdown products baldrinals, valerenic acid, valerenal and valeranone.[iv]

Valerian also contains the amino acids arginine, GABA, tyrosine, and glutamine.

How does Valerian work in the brain?

Valerian boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.

1. Valerian improves sleep. Valerian is the most commonly used herbal nootropic to induce sleep in the USA and Europe. Research continues to establish accurately why this supplement works to help sleep.

But so far, science has determined that the compounds valerenic acid and bornyl acetate found in Valerian account for its sleep-inducing qualities.

These compounds inhibit the breakdown of GABA in the brain resulting in sedation. And the aqueous extracts (water-based) of Valerian roots contain significant amounts of GABA which could directly cause sedation.[v]

Researchers at the University of California in San Francisco did a systematic review of all the sleep using Valerian studies they could find. To find out if Valerian really did improve sleep like everyone said it does.

The team found 16 randomized, controlled trials totaling 1,093 patients that satisfied their criteria. Doses ranged from 225 to 1,215 mg of Valerian per day. Only 2 studies stated that the herb was standardized to a specific amount of valerenic acid.

But the evidence overall was clear. Valerian is a more attractive option to other sleep agents because of the lack of a ‘hangover effect’ the next day. And overall, patients got to sleep faster and had better quality sleep.[vi]

2. Valerian reduces stress. A natural alternative to benzodiazepines, Valerian helps reduce anxiety. And helps you cope with stress.

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter known to counterbalance the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. And research shows that often, those suffering from anxiety disorders are dealing with a dysfunctional GABA system.[vii]

Of all the studies demonstrating Valerian’s ability to help control anxiety and stress is best shown in the following study.

One of the most stressful and painful procedures in female medicine is hysterosalpingography. This procedure evaluates the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes and is typically performed on infertile women.

In this study, 64 infertile women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) were given a single dose of 1,500 mg Valeric capsules 90 minutes before starting the procedure. Valerenic acid is one of the active compounds found in Valerian.

Anxiety severity was measured before and then again 90 minutes after the procedure. The researchers concluded that Valerenic acid (Valerian) significantly reduces anxiety in women undergoing HSG.[viii]

How things go bad

Chronic stress, anxiety, poor blood flow and free radicals (oxidation) can damage your brain. And one of the ways this manifests is memory loss.

It comes as no surprise that people with memory loss experience higher rates of anxiety and depression. As verified in one Australian research study.[ix]  

↓ Chronic stress reduces memory capacity

↓ Toxins kill brain cells from the inside

↓ Free radicals destroy neurons and synapses

↓ Neurotransmitter levels decline

↓ Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) declines

Under conditions of chronic anxiety your brain loses the capacity to transmit signals between neurons efficiently. Memory, cognition, and decision-making all suffer as a result.

Valerian benefits

Valerian extract helps relieve anxiety. The valerenic acid and valerenol in Valerian binds to GABA_A receptors which provides its anxiolytic effect. Like the prescription drugs Xanax and Valium but without the side effects associated with these pharmaceuticals.[x]

Studies show that valerenic acid also modulates serotonin and norepinephrine in the hippocampus and amygdala regions of your brain. Also providing an anti-anxiety effect.[xi]

Valerian helps reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep. And provides a better night’s sleep.

One Swedish study showed Valerian provided ‘perfect’ sleep for 49% of the people in the study. And 89% reported ‘improved’ sleep while using Valerian.[xii]

Valerian seems to cause sedation by increasing GABA levels in your brain. Valerian provides GABA as one of its natural compounds, prevents reuptake of GABA in neurons, and inhibits the enzyme that naturally degrades GABA in your brain.[xiii]

Valerian helps ease menstrual cramps in women which naturally provides an anti-anxiety effect.[xiv]

Valerian helps reduce hyperactivity in those dealing with ADHD.[xv]

Valerian reduces symptom severity in those with restless leg syndrome. And improves sleep quality.[xvi]

Valerian extract has been used for years in Iran to treat epilepsy. One study in rats showed that Valerian (aqueous) extract provides this anticonvulsant effect by acting on adenosine receptors.

Note however that petroleum ether-based extract of Valerian did NOT provide this benefit in epilepsy.[xvii]

And Valerian helps reduce the symptoms of OCD.[xviii]

How does Valerian feel?

The effects of supplementing with Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) can help tame anxiety and help you sleep.

Valerian for sleep doesn’t act like prescription sleeping aids which make you feel you can’t stay awake. Instead, Valerian before bed helps your body and brain relax and allows you to drift off to sleep naturally.

Some report experiencing vivid dreams when using Valerian extract before bed.

Neurohackers report that Valerian extract is better than Valium^® or Xanax^® for combating stress without the side effects.

If you are dealing with ADHD, you may find that adding Valerian to your stack will help calm you. And turn off your mind enough so you can get some rest.

Neurohackers report that Valerian helps tame the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. A few say it even helps calm the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Some say using Valerian helps eliminate migraines.

Low dose Valerian may help alleviate social anxiety for some people.

Valerian Clinical Research

Valerian for sleep

Valerian has been used to treat insomnia since ancient times. In an open label case series of 11,168 patients, over 70% reported that Valerian was effective in helping them fall asleep, reduced sleep disturbances and decreased restlessness and tension.[xix]

If you live in a noisy environment and it’s affecting your sleep, you’ll like this one. A study conducted in Germany with a stack containing Valerian and hops reduced sleep disturbances caused by noise in a high-traffic area. This combo increased slow-wave and REM sleep.[xx]

Valerian helps ADHD

Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms that can often be attributed to low levels of GABA in the brain.

A 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Valeriana officinalis tincture (MT) on ADHD. 30 children between the ages of 5 and 11 years, pre-diagnosed with ADHD, were recruited.

Valerian tincture or placebo was given to the kids 3-times per day for 3 weeks.

The study found a statistically significant improvement in the kids’ behavior with particular reference to sustained attention, anxiety and impulsivity and/or hyperactivity.[xxi]

Valerian for OCD

31 outpatients diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) were recruited to participate in a double-blind, randomized trial.

Patients were randomly assigned a capsule of Valerian extract (765 mg) once per day or a placebo for 8 weeks.

The study showed a significant difference between the Valerian and placebo group by the end of the treatment.

The researchers concluded that Valerian extract has “anti-obsessive and compulsive effects” in patients with OCD.[xxii]

Valerian for stress reduction

During World War 1, Valerian was used to prevent and treat shell shock in front-line troops. And was used during World War 11 to help calm the residents of London during air bombing raids.[xxiii]

More recently, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 24 healthy volunteers received 3 separate doses (600 mg, 1200 mg, 1800 mg) of a standardized product containing Lemon Balm and Valerian officinalis extracts, plus a placebo, on separate days separated by a 7 day wash out period.

The results showed the 600 mg dose of this stack reduced anxiety. But the highest dose did not work as well as the lower dose stack.

The research team concluded that the combination of Lemon Balm and Valerian extract possessed anxiolytic properties.[xxiv]

Valerian Recommended Dosage

Recommended Valerian nootropic dosage for:

• Stress reduction – 200 – 600 mg Valerian extract (aqueous, standardized to contain 0.8% valerenic or valeric acid)
  • Valerian tea – 1.5 – 3 grams Valerian root steeped in boiling water
• Insomnia – 300 – 900 mg of Valerian extract (aqueous, standardized to contain 0.8% valerenic or valeric acid) 60 – 90 minutes before bed
  • Valerian tea – 1.5 – 3 grams Valerian root steeped in 150 mg boiling water taken 60 –90 minutes before bed
  • Lemon balm – 120 mg Valerian extract with 80 mg lemon balm extract 60 – 90 minutes before bed

Studies show it may take a week or two of continuous daily usage before you’ll experience the full effects of using Valerian.

Higher dosages of Valerian extract should be taken in smaller amounts 2 – 3 times per day. For example, 600 mg Valerian daily would be 3 doses of 200 mg each.

Valerian Side Effects

Valerian is well-tolerated and safe for most people. But side effects can occur and include headaches, dry mouth, excitability, uneasiness, heart palpitations, stomach upset and even insomnia in some people.

Although it’s rare, some report feelings of sluggishness the next morning.

A few have reported vivid dreams when using Valerian. If you are prone to nightmares, Valerian may cause you to dream more and have more nightmares.

Valerian root smells particularly nasty and is offensive to most people. If you can’t stand the smell, make sure you get this supplement in capsule form.

Valerian can interact with and should not used while on prescription antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Type of Valerian to buy

The dried root or rhizome of Valerian officinalis is primarily used for its nootropic benefits.

Valerian root is available in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts and as a tea.

Valerian officinalis extract is available in capsules, tablets and powder form.

The pharmacopeia name for Valerian root is Valerianae radix.

Research shows that there can be considerable differences in Valerian content including essential oil, valerenic acid and derivatives, and valepotriates depending on where the Valerian is grown and when it’s harvested.[xxv]

Adulteration of Valerian supplements is a problem world-wide with unscrupulous manufacturers substituting other species of plants. Including from the Valerian species but not officinalis.

So make sure you choose a trustworthy manufacturer who clearly tests their product. And tests every single batch that leaves their plant.

I recommend: American Standard – Valerian because it is pure and 3rd party tested with great reviews.