Would you recommend Valerian to promote sleep?

meandragonbrett · Aug 23, 2004

I just recently started melatonin about three nights ago. It's been amazing. What dosage are you taking?

purplekath · Aug 23, 2004

I haven't tried it personally, but when I was doing an assignment this week I read a good article on valerian...it sounds like there's something to it :-)

nurseunderwater · Aug 23, 2004

Love it... you can combine it with skullcap or motherwort for a synergistic effect.

Kate

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2004

I have no trouble sleeping after working nights, but after a couple of days off I need help to sleep prior to going back to work. I need to make sure I get lots of sleep. Valarian tincture works well for me, with a few drops of passionflower thrown in for good measure. A couple of benadry and I go to sleep without any trouble.

Valarian won't necessarily keep you asleep, but it's good for getting you asleep.

Good luck. I've had sleep issues for a long time.

Thanks Kate for the other recommendations. I'll write those down. :)

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 23, 2004

Valerian is wonderful. I second the suggestion to combine it with motherwort, which is a GREAT herb for acute anxiety. You can take it on an as-needed basis if you feel yourself getting stressed, anxious or impatient (motherwort) - it's my "better mommy" herb.

One caution, valerian has the opposite effect in a small population (5-10%) where it actually "wires" you, much like caffeine. Could be why it's so effective for treating ADHD symptoms.

And anyone who tries to tell you that valerian is "herbal valium" and has the same precautions and contraindications is wrong, so disregard them.

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 23, 2004

Oh, one other thing - if you're going to try it, don't waste your money on herbal capsules. Buy a tincture.

Godswill · Aug 23, 2004

Valerian is wonderful. I second the suggestion to combine it with motherwort, which is a GREAT herb for acute anxiety. You can take it on an as-needed basis if you feel yourself getting stressed, anxious or impatient (motherwort) - it's my "better mommy" herb.
One caution, valerian has the opposite effect in a small population (5-10%) where it actually "wires" you, much like caffeine. Could be why it's so effective for treating ADHD symptoms.
And anyone who tries to tell you that valerian is "herbal valium" and has the same precautions and contraindications is wrong, so disregard them.

What is motherworts? and where can i get it? and does it make u sleep too? I think i need this better mommie herb, now, loll

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 23, 2004

Motherwort is an herb (Leonurus cardiaca). No, it's not sedating at all. It's a nervine, and also works as an emmenagogue if taken in larger quantities.

RNBSN1 · Aug 23, 2004

A strong cup of chamomile tea also promotes sleep.

Angela Mac · Aug 24, 2004

chamomile & melatonin work for me. A friend used Valerian and advised me not to take it, she reported having wild dreams & feeling that her skin was crawling.

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Aug 24, 2004

I like Valerian. It works pretty well.

Another thing that you can get at your local CVS or Walmart is "Calms Forte", it is 3 to 5 bucks a bottle, is a "homepathic"??? remedy, with the diluted herbal things in it. I take two before bed and am asleep within 15 minutes. I may not sleep as LONG as I would like (5 or 6 hrs as opposed to the 8 or 9 I would prefer) , but it is good deep refreshing sleep.