Would you recommend Valerian to promote sleep?

[Animaniacs]

I am taking melatonin now, but i dont think it works, it makes my eye lids feel heavy like you want to sleep but for some reason it doesnt help me go to sleep.

is valerian any good?

[Saved_by_Grace]

I just got through reading a chapter in my geriatrics book that stated that valerian was good for insomnia and mild anxiety. It just warned to not mix with other prescription anxiety or depression meds. I think I'm gonna try it. What is a tincture though and is it available somewhere like GNC?

[klone, MSN, RN]

A tincture is an alcohol-based extract (although you can get it in a glycerin form, but it's not quite as effective). No, places like GNC generally don't carry tinctures, and the quality of the products they DO carry is generally not great. If you don't have a local herbal store, you could try a health food store like Wild Oats, Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. They carry tinctures there.

Or you could buy it online. :wink2:

[e-dice]

I recently was introduced to valerian because i was having trouble sleeping. I find it beneficial to get a deep sleep, and after waking up I notice my anxiety levels are somewhat decreased. The one problem I've found is I have to use it cautiously if I have to be mentally alert the next day. A dosage of 500mg can have a too much of an effect on me depending on what I have to do the morning after.

[motherofgirls]

can you take valerian if you are taking wellbutrin and 10mg. lexapro also?

[e-dice]

I found this online at

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/valerian-000934.htm

Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use valerian without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Anesthesia - For those facing surgery, it is important to note that valerian may increase the effects of anesthesia and, thus, it is important to discuss the use of valerian with your healthcare providers (particularly the surgeon and anesthesiologist) well in advance of your planned operation. The doctors may advise you on how to taper use of valerian prior to the surgery. Or, they may allow you to continue use up to the time of surgery, making any necessary adjustments to the anesthesia and giving you medication to avoid possible withdrawal symptoms from the valerian while in the hospital.

Sedatives and Anti-anxiety Medications - There are no reports in the scientific literature to suggest that valerian interacts with any conventional medications. However, valerian is a sedative herb that may increase the effects of alcohol and medications for anxiety and insomnia. Valerian should not be combined with barbiturates (medications, such as pentobarbital, prescribed for sleep disorders or seizures), and should be used with caution, if at all, by people taking benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety and sleep inducing medications including alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam) or other sedative medications (such as antihistamines)

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I've tried it and it didn't work. This doesn't mean it won't work for you...but as everyone's said, there are side effects and warnings that you should consider.

And if you have cats...cats love the smell of valerian. They will be in your face the minute you open up the bottle. I have no idea why, but when I was taking it that was a sure-fire way of summoning my cats front and center. :)

[Bobylon]

Can't comment on herbal/natural sleep-aids ....... with work/school/work-out regimen, I have no problem ever going to sleep....in fact, I wish there were more hours in a day