Medical Questions » Mental Health Questions » Question No. 1565
| Question: | What' s your view on valerian? |
| Answer: | Used by the ancient Greeks as a sedative, valerian is the most popular natural remedy for insomnia. It' s no mystery: it really does work. Many studies have shown that valerian root makes you go to sleep faster and keeps you there longer. Valerian is also useful as a sedative at times of stress and anxiety, and as a painkiller. It appears to bind to the same brain receptors as Valium and other tranquilliser drugs. In trials comparing valerian with such drugs, it appears to have a similar sedative effect but not the same side effects, such as daytime drowsiness.
It comes either as a dried root or as a standardized powdered extract. For a standardized extract (usually 0.8 per cent valeric acid) you need 300mg half an hour before bed, as compared to l,000mg or 2,000mg of the dried root. |
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