Valerian can support a good night sleep and may help with insomnia. May relieve stress and can support and relax the nervous system. Can help with anxiety. Can be calming. Studies have shown positive results with valerian helping with obsessive-compulsive behaviors. May be beneficially for some people with restless leg syndrome. A small percentage of people may experience stimulation while taking valerian. I have found this to be more of the cause when the herb is taken by itself and not in combination with other herbs like passion flower, chamomile, hops, California poppy.

Take 1-2 droppers full as needed about 1/2 hour before bed time, repeat every few hours if needed.

Made with organic gluten free alcohol and organic valerian root. This product may make you tired.

Valerian (Valerian officinalis)

Valerian is a perennial that can grow around three feet high. It has small pinkish-white flowers and will grow wildly along roadways here in NY. It blooms in early June, and it is best to harvest the roots either in the spring or fall. The roots are what get used the most in medicine making but the flowers are also used when making a flower essence. It is best to wait until the plants are 4 or 5 years old because the roots will be bigger, and you can cut the flower tops to allow the roots to grow bigger.

I love the smell of fresh valerian - I think it has a sweet smell. Some folks say the roots smells like stinky socks. I think the roots have a stronger, more offensive smell after they have been dried. The tincture definitely has a pungent and bitter taste. I think it is better when used in combination with other herbs like lemon balm, especially if someone has a difficult time taking it because of the flavor. The tincture is easier to take than tea.

When most people hear valerian, they think sleep, which is exactly what it gets used for. Not only is valerian good for promoting sleep but it is considered a nervine hypnotic which implies it can induce a state of hypnosis which is conducive to falling asleep. It is for that reason that it is recommended that most people use valerian in the evening time. Those with severe anxiety or panic attacks can benefit from taking it with other herbs throughout the day but they will want to find the right dose, so it doesn’t make them too tired. Valerian is great for insomnia, for anxiety and stress, tension, and restlessness.

Valerian is also considered a cerebral stimulant which means that it increases circulation to the brain. There are about 40% of the population that find valerian keeps them awake at night. That is because in large doses it can affect circulation and be felt in the occipital region of the brain, so it does just the opposite of what valerian is intended to do. Energetically valerian is considered a warming herb which is opposite of other hypnotic herbs that are cooling. Those that have a pre-disposed constitution to heat will find that valerian aggravates them.

I tend to be someone that can’t tolerate valerian in large dosages. I have found over the years that using it with other herbs to promote sleep in very small doses seems to do the trick. If you are someone who has tried valerian in the past with a negative response it could be the dosing. If you are willing to try it again, I would do so by blending it with other herbs and playing with the dosage. Some folks, despite playing with the dosage, still can’t take valerian for sleep and that is okay as there are other herbs like passionflower that can be used for sleep instead.

Valerian is known as an anti-spasmodic - as is the case with many other nervine sedatives and hypnotics. As Sajah Popham states “it helps to relax and settle overexcitable nerve impulse which leads to over contraction of smooth or skeletal muscles.”  Just by the nature of it being anti-spasmodic it is considered “anodyne” which means it helps with the treatment of pain.  Valerian is carminative helping to move and relax the gut. It brings warmth to the gut, helping to reduce spasm and increase circulation and in turn helps with digestion. You can also use valerian for loosening and relaxing cramping and tension in the female reproductive system and even in the urinary tract when stones are present.

Valerian is not recommended during pregnancy or to take large doses for an extended period of time as it can create depression and melancholy. Valerian interferes with the absorption of iron, so it is recommended not to take both at the same time.

This is a dietary supplement.

I recommend that with all the herbal tinctures you start of small in dosing and work your way up to recommended dosage. Some people only need a small amount to notice a difference. 

Disclaimer: Earthly Remedies is not responsible for any individual’s use of our products. Each person’s response to herbs may differ. Consult a qualified health care practitioner or herbalist for guidance.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.