TREATMENT DATABASE

Valerian (Valeriana officionalis) has long been used as a tranquilizer, and for treating epilepsy, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, headache, and intestinal cramps. During World War I, it was routinely taken to relieve the "overwrought nerves" brought on by artillery bombardment. Valerian is used extensively in Germany, where it is the active ingredient in more than 100 over-the-counter sleep aids. The active ingredients in valerian are chemicals known as valepotriates, which are found in highest concentrations in the roots of the plant.

USES IN ME/CFS: Physicians recommend valerian primarily as a sleep aid. It can be taken as a tea or in capsule form, but because of its odor, capsules are usually preferred. Valerian should be taken with a little milk or food to prevent stomach upset. Valerian is often combined with other herbal sleep aids, such as passionflower, hops, and skullcap.

Treatment rating for Valerian