Valerian

Star

Valeriana officinalis L.

Not yet clinically reviewed

Family: Caprifoliaceae Genus: Valeriana Species: officinalis

ValerianCommon valerian

Traditionally used for

Sleep
Mood & calm

Cautions & contraindications

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Young children
Liver conditions

Traditional use

Therapeutic Uses

Relief of mild nervous tension and sleep disorders (EMA public summary of the authorised use). Traditional use for mild symptoms of mental stress (EMA). NCCIH says short-term use is generally safe for most adults, but evidence of effectiveness is limited.

⚠ Drug Interactions

Alcohol

Major Evidence: Reported

Additive CNS depression

Clinical note: Should not be taken together (NCCIH).

Sedatives, benzodiazepines and narcotics

Major Evidence: Reported

Additive CNS depression

Clinical note: Should not be taken together (NCCIH); increased sedation (Mayo Clinic).

St John's wort

Moderate Evidence: Reported

Not specified in source

Clinical note: Mayo Clinic notes possible interaction with other supplements such as St John's wort.

Dosage

Form	Amount	Frequency	Duration	Population	Notes
	300–600 mg	Daily	Up to 6 weeks (apparent safety, NCCIH)	—	NCCIH: 300 to 600 mg daily, used with apparent safety for up to 6 weeks. The EMA public summary gives no dose. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if nervous tension or sleep disorders persist or worsen after 2 weeks (EMA).

Dosage Calculator

⚖ Dosage Calculator

A weight-based mathematical estimate for Valerian. Not a prescription.

⚠ Safety & Contraindications

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Young children
Liver conditions

Contraindications

Children under 12 years (EMA). Pregnancy and breastfeeding: do not use (EMA). Do not bathe with it if you have open wounds, skin problems or high fever (EMA).

Side Effects

Headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness, vivid dreams (NCCIH). Nausea and abdominal cramps (EMA).

Safety Warnings

Do not drive or operate machinery (EMA). Causes drowsiness. The EMA public summary describes no interactions in the literature at the time of assessment; NCCIH and Mayo advise against combining with alcohol or sedatives. Mayo Clinic advises avoiding it with liver disease.

References

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

📝 Notes

Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Valerian.

No notes yet.

Back to Herb Database