Valerian supplements should be chosen carefully, avoiding mixtures with other herbs and high-alcohol tinctures. Valerian can help with sleep, mental focus, menopause, gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions, and cardiovascular and urinary tract disorders. Dosages range from 3g in tea form to 2,000mg in capsule form, with potential side effects including dizziness and headaches.
Choosing the best valerian supplements requires finding a low-alcohol tincture or finding capsules or tea blends with no more than two additional herbs. It is customary to mix valerian with a wide variety of other herbs such as passion flower and kava; These combinations often lead to serious side effects, such as liver poisoning, and interfere with prescribed medication. Additionally, valerian in liquid mixtures such as tinctures can have alcohol percentage levels ranging from 10 to 90 percent; High alcohol tinctures, according to some medical studies, can trigger bouts of nausea. Another factor to consider when choosing is whether the active ingredients include valerian extract or valerenic acid, which are highly concentrated and more beneficial than simple valerian root.
Alternatively called vandal root and capon’s tail, valerian is often used in alternative medicine as a calming or sleep-inducing aid; In general, high doses of valerian of almost 3,000 mg are needed for this effect. Patients suffering from mania, stress, hyperactivity, and attention deficit disorder (ADD) can use valerian as a natural way to manage symptoms, as it reportedly leads to better mental focus and emotional balance. Some reports suggest that valerian supplements may ease some symptoms of menopause. Results are generally best for these conditions when the supplement is used daily for at least a month, allowing the herb to build up in the body.
Valerian supplements have also been credited with curing gastrointestinal problems and skin conditions such as wounds, acne, and rash. Some studies suggest that valerian supplements can strengthen the cardiovascular system, leading alternative medicine practitioners to recommend the ancient herb for high blood pressure and angina. Urinary tract disorders are also treated with this herb.
When used in the dried root form to make a tea or tonic, the standard daily dose for valerian supplements is 3 g. Liquid dosages, including extracts and tinctures, range from 300 mg to 1,000 mg daily. Tablet and capsule forms are available, offering daily doses ranging from 200mg to 2,000mg of the herb. Herbalists generally advise against drinking alcohol while using valerian, especially if using an alcohol-laden tincture.
Side effects of valerian supplements can include dizziness and headaches for sensitive users. Hypothermia, irritability, and the inability to sleep can also be dangerous after four months of constant use. Halving daily doses can relieve most of these side effects. Some users choose to stop using valerian supplements for two to three weeks to clear buildup in the body before restarting herbal treatments. However, occasionally those who stop supplementation face new problems, such as brain fog and irregular heartbeat, which are herbal withdrawal symptoms.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
