Have You Been Using Valerian Root Wrong?

If you’re anything like me, you've probably tried Valerian root for sleep or anxiety once or twice in your life only to find out it doesn’t seem to offer noticeable relief at all. At least that was my experience. Little did I know Valerian has to be taken for a few weeks to start noticing changes, and in fact, it can be a rather effective herbal treatment for a number of conditions. Let’s learn the proper way how to use Valerian root!

How to Use Valerian Root for Sleep?

Research suggests that Valerian root successfully reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and also improves sleep quality. There are fewer nighttime awakenings and more pleasant dreams in general. These results improved significantly after 2 weeks of using Valerian root, which suggests that to see the full effects of this herb, Valerian needs to be taken for a minimum of 2 weeks to get the most out of it. If you struggle with insomnia, using Valerian root in the evening or before sleep is one of the best options as it can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep by half, and it can be taken more long-term, unlike Mulungu which can mostly be used only occasionally. As long as you keep it up, Valerian will help your body learn how to relax, unwind, and fall asleep with ease.

How to Use Valerian Root for Anxiety?

For some people, Valerian root can effectively reduce feelings of mild to moderate anxiety. For those interested in trying an herbal option with fewer side effects, it can be helpful to try it as Valerian root is one of the safest options out there. Used for centuries, it certainly has kept its place as a treatment for nervousness, unpleasant feelings, and stress. To avoid feeling drowsy during the day, it is suggested to start with a smaller dosage and slowly build it up over a period of 2 weeks. If daytime drowsiness persists, take a larger dose in the evening or before sleep. Using Valerian root for anxiety can take some experimenting and adjusting the dosage and timing, but once you get it right, it will be worth it.

Valerian Root for Hot Flushes

Although unclear how Valerian root may resolve hot flushes as it does not affect hormone levels directly, there was a study conducted in Iran in 2013 in which 68 women were given 225-milligram doses of Valerian for 8 weeks, and the severity and frequency of hot flushes reduced significantly compared to the placebo group, and anecdotal reports confirm this finding. We may not understand how something works, but if it helps, why not try it? Valerian root has a very small change of unpleasant side effects, and they pretty much never occur unless the herb is taken in very large doses.

How Long Does Valerian Root Take to Work?

Studies report that Valerian root may take up to 2 to 4 weeks to show its full effects. Although you may notice changes and improvements after a few days of using Valerian, keep in mind that over time, these changes will likely become more significant. Keep up the routine and observe the effects! 

How To Improve the Efficacy of Valerian Root?

One way to improve the efficacy of Valerian root would be to adjust or increase your dosage or change the times of the day you take it, and another path is to combine it with other plants or herbs that act in a similar way and offer relief for insomnia and/or anxiety. Hops, lemon balm, and passion flower have been shown to work in synergy with Valerian root and can greatly enhance the effects you are looking to achieve. In fact, a lot of studies done on Valerian root included a mixture of herbs, and this showed the best and fastest results.

At Next Level, we sell a relaxing blend of herbs and plants that include Valerian root and are specially designed and mixed to help you get better sleep. You can find our 'Goodnight Tincture' here. The effects are soothing, relaxing, not heavy, but effective. 

What Should You Not Combine Valerian Root With?

You shouldn’t combine Valerian with any sedative medications like sleeping aids or alcohol as the combined effects may be too strong. The same goes for antidepressants and certain natural supplements known to help with sleep such as melatonin as a combination of them both can increase the risk of unpleasant side effects.

Is Valerian Root Safe for Pregnancy?

In case of pregnancy, you should always consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplement. Although Valerian root is one of the most tested and researched supplements out there, and so far, no harmful effects to the baby have been noticed, there could always be risks. Even if deemed safe, any supplement during pregnancy should be taken with caution and only in consultation with a healthcare practitioner.