Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Photo: Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mental
- 2 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an upright, clump-forming perennial reaching about 4 ft (1.2 m), with divided, pinnate leaves and pinkish-white clusters of small flowers. Known for its pungent (often unpleasant) smell, valerian has been used medicinally since early Greece and Rome, historically for insomnia, migraine, fatigue and stomach cramps. NCCIH says the evidence on sleep is inconsistent and there is not enough evidence to know whether valerian helps any health condition.
Traditional uses & properties
Sleep and Stress: Historically used for insomnia and promoted today for stress; NCCIH says the evidence on sleep is inconsistent and there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about stress. Cramps (traditional use): Historically used for stomach cramps; NCCIH says there is not enough evidence to determine whether valerian is useful for any health condition, including menstrual cramps. Anxiolytic: Promoted today for anxiety, although NCCIH says there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about anxiety.
Amounts reported by sources
These are the amounts the named source reports, such as the doses used in studies or the directions on a product label. They are not a dosage recommendation from HerbMate. Products differ in strength and safe use depends on the person, so ask a pharmacist or clinician before taking any herb.
NCCIH notes that valerian has been used with apparent safety in doses of 300 to 600 mg a day for up to 6 weeks.
How these are made
Safety & precautions
Liver: Very rare liver injury has been reported, most often when valerian was combined with other herbs (NCCIH), and LiverTox rates it a probable rare cause. Stopping after long use: NCCIH notes withdrawal-type symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability and insomnia, when valerian is stopped suddenly after long-term use. Driving: MSK advises not driving or operating machinery after taking it. Individual Reactions: Some experience stimulation instead of sedation. Duration: NCCIH says 300 to 600 mg a day has been used with apparent safety for up to 6 weeks, and the safety of long-term use is unknown. Pregnancy: Little is known about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Possible Side Effects: Headache, stomach upset, mental dullness and vivid dreams have been reported.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
Because valerian may promote sleep, the main concern is adding it to other sedating substances. [1, 2]
- Alcohol and sedatives
- NCCIH advises against taking valerian with alcohol or sedatives. ODS lists benzodiazepines, barbiturates and other central nervous system depressants, and also names three supplements with calming effects: kava, melatonin and St. John's wort. [1, 2]
- Anesthesia
- MSK advises stopping valerian at least a week before an operation, since it can interfere with anesthesia. [3]
- Haloperidol
- An animal study suggests added effects, including liver damage. Relevance to people is undetermined. [3]
- Medicines broken down by liver enzymes
- Laboratory findings suggest CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibition, but studies in people suggest such interactions are unlikely. [3]
How to read this section: each entry is HerbMate's summary of what the cited sources report. Words such as "may", "theoretical" or "in laboratory or animal studies" mean the effect has not been confirmed in people, and "case report" means it was seen in one or a few patients. A medicine that is not listed here has not been shown to be safe with this herb. The numbers in brackets link to the sources at the foot of the page.
Habitat
Native to Europe and northern Asia, valerian flourishes in damp soils, often near rivers. It is grown from seed in spring and harvested in autumn of the second year, when the root and rhizome contain the highest level of active components.
Sources
The interaction notes and the statements on this page that name a source were written by HerbMate from these references, which were last checked in October 2026. They are summaries, not medical advice; ask a pharmacist about your own medicines.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) as follows: Sleep and Stress: Historically used for insomnia and promoted today for stress; NCCIH says the evidence on sleep is inconsistent and there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about stress. Cramps (traditional use): Historically used for stomach cramps; NCCIH says there is not enough evidence to determine whether valerian is useful for any health condition, including menstrual cramps. Anxiolytic: Promoted today for anxiety, although NCCIH says there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about anxiety.
What amounts do sources report for Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)?
These are the amounts the named source reports, such as the doses used in studies or the directions on a product label. They are not a dosage recommendation from HerbMate. Products differ in strength and safe use depends on the person, so ask a pharmacist or clinician before taking any herb. CAPSULE: NCCIH notes that valerian has been used with apparent safety in doses of 300 to 600 mg a day for up to 6 weeks.
What safety cautions apply to Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)?
Liver: Very rare liver injury has been reported, most often when valerian was combined with other herbs (NCCIH), and LiverTox rates it a probable rare cause. Stopping after long use: NCCIH notes withdrawal-type symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability and insomnia, when valerian is stopped suddenly after long-term use. Driving: MSK advises not driving or operating machinery after taking it. Individual Reactions: Some experience stimulation instead of sedation. Duration: NCCIH says 300 to 600 mg a day has been used with apparent safety for up to 6 weeks, and the safety of long-term use is unknown. Pregnancy: Little is known about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Possible Side Effects: Headache, stomach upset, mental dullness and vivid dreams have been reported.
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