Gastrointestinal: Upset stomach, nervous stomach

Genitourinary: Menopause/hot flashes, may decrease menstrual pain, PMS

Musculoskeletal: Muscle and joint pain, muscle relaxant

Neurologic: Mild tremors, tension headache, epilepsy, restless legs syndrome, chronic fatigue

Mental Health: Insomnia based on nervous problems (German Commission E), nervousness, anxiety, stress, restlessness, ADHD, promotes relaxation, depression

                                                      *   *   *

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, stomach upset, excitability, anxiety, heart disturbance/arrhythmia, insomnia, dry mouth, vivid dreams, dulling of senses, withdrawal after long-term use (taper), rash, visual disturbances, rare cases of dystonia

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not take with alcohol. Potential interactions with medications metabolized by the P450 3A4 enzyme, including Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan. Do not take it with other sedating medications.

FORMS: Extracts, tinctures, capsules, tablets, teas, powders, extracts

DOSAGES: As directed

Reported doses – May NOT be supported by evidence reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on label. 

Because the effects of long-term use have not been evaluated thoroughly, some providers will recommend the cyclic use of valerian - 4-6 weeks on - two weeks off - then 4-6 weeks on - two weeks off and so on. Or, it can be used on an as-needed basis.

• Anxiety: 100 mg by mouth 3 times daily with meals

• Depression: 530 mg by mouth one hour before bedtime

• Dysmenorrhea: 255 mg by mouth 3 times daily - start 1st day of menstruation

• Insomnia: 300-600 mg at bedtime

• Menopausal symptoms: 225 mg by mouth 3 times daily or 530 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Restless legs: 530 mg by mouth one hour before bedtime

• Stress: 600 mg by mouth daily before stress exposure

• Tension headache: 1060 mg by mouth at bedtime

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, please do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.