Can valerian make you more anxious?!
Question: When I take valerian it seems to have the opposite affect, I'm trying to work out if it is the valerian or just me!
Answers: When I take valerian it seems to have the opposite affect, I'm trying to work out if it is the valerian or just me!
Technically, it could.... but it's a rare occurrence to happen. I know of one or two people that have had a similar reaction to Valerian (out of the hundreds I've talked to that have good reactions to it). It basically boils down to how your body chemistry works... it's almost like an allergic reaction.
If you are having that reaction to it, then definitely stay off of it. Having that reaction within a couple hours of taking it is a sure sign of the allergic reaction.
Acts as a sleep sedative, improves circulation, and reduces mucus from colds. Good for anxiety, fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia, IBS, menstrual and muscle cramps, nervousness, pain, spasms, stress, and ulcers.
A water-soluble extract form is best.
you might want to keep a diary of what you've eaten and stress level. within 2 weeks you should see a pattern that you would have missed just from trying to remember. are you taking it every night? or just on the nights you can't sleep. all drugs are synthetic versions of natural herbs.
there are some products that are better quality than others. i can take valerian (which i have) from different companies, and some work better than others. valerian has a very nasty smell and taste to it. so, the stronger it is, the more potent. you may need to blend more than one type of sleep aide together.
try "SOLARAY", that's the brand name, you'll find that at a health food store. than look for "EuroCalm" It's a blend of herbs formulated for sleep. give it some time to work.
Also try "B" complex supplements. it sounds like you're lacking in those.
read the book below. it's full of useful information. it's in every health food store.
it is a possibility. it is very short working and than comes the surprise you feel more anxiety than before
I found your question interesting because I have periodically been using Valerian as a sleep aid. When I do, I always, without exception, get very detailed dreams. I never dream, or remember my dreams, when not taking valerian. I feel therefore, that there is this connection, for me.
It's not just you, valerian affects about 5% of the population that way. here is some info on it:
Remedies For:
Insomnia
Blood pressure
Anticonvulsant - treatment of epilepsy
Clinical studies have shown that people taking valerian had shown significantly improved sleep quality without morning grogginess. Some researchers have compared valerian to benzodiazepines such as Valium. However, valerian is a much milder and safer sedative. Unlike valium, valerian is not addictive or does not promote dependency. Valerian's sedative effect is not significantly exaggerated by alcohol and barbiturates unlike valium.
Recommended dosage of valerian does not cause morning grogginess. Valerian is not linked to any birth defects, unlike valium.
Blood Pressure: Animal studies have shown that valerian reduces blood pressure.
Valerian is shown to have some anti-tumor effects similar to that of nitrogen mustard. It may play a role in the treatment of cancer. Valerian is shown exhibit anticonvulsant effects that may help in the treatment of epilepsy.
Historical Uses:
Aromatic, stimulant, tonic, anodyne, antispasmodic, nervine, emmenagogue
Excellent nerve tonic, very quiet and soothing.
Useful in hysteria. Will promote menstruation when taken hot. Useful in colic, low fevers, to break up colds, and also for gravel in the bladder. Healing for stomach ulcers and very good for prevention of fermentation and gas. The tea is very healing when applied to sores and pimples externally, and must also be taken internally at the same time. Relieves palpitation of the heart.
Clinical Trials and Proof of Efficacy:
A 1996 study by Gerhard and associates compared valerian to benzodiazepines and placebo in the treatment of insomnia. Side effects were reported by 50 percent of the subjects in the benzodiazepine-treated group but only 10 percent of the subjects treated with valerian. Valerian and benzodiazepines were similarly effective for alleviating insomnia.
Clinical studies on the use of valerian in insomnia have shown that valerian extract, standardized to 0.8-percent valeric acid, may be effective at a dose of 300 up to 900 mg one hour before bedtime. Valerian, however, does not produce as dramatic a sedative effect as a benzodiazepine sleeping pill. The use of valerian extract can take two to three weeks before significant benefits in sleep are achieved. It may not be an appropriate medicine for acute insomnia because of this delayed onset of action. Once valerian extract takes effect, it does promote natural sleep without any risk of dependence.
Valerian extract at a dose of 50 to 100 mg taken two or three times daily has been shown to relieve performance anxiety and the stress of driving in heavy traffic. Larger doses of valerian extract may be necessary for patients who have been using benzodiazepine prescriptions for anxiety.
Safety:
Valerian has a long history of exceptional safety, which has been confirmed by clinical studies. In 1995 a woman in Utah attempted suicide by taking about twenty times the recommended dose. She was discharged from the hospital the next day, undamaged.
While taking valerian, caution should be used when driving or operating machinery. Unlike Valium- like drugs, valerian is not associated with dependence or addiction. While valerian is not synergistic with alcohol, it is best to be cautious in this regard. Sedatives should never be combined with alcohol.
Although no cases of drug interactions have been reported, animal studies have demonstrated that valerian can potentiate the effect of phenobarbital and benzodiazepines. It can also aid in the withdrawal of benzodiazepine tranquilizers and sleeping pills, but this should only be done under a doctor's supervision.
There are no known contraindications to using valerian during pregnancy or lactation. Valerian should not be used nightly for longer than six months.
Poisoning may result if large amount of the tea are taken for more than 2 to 3 weeks. Do not boil the root.
Consuming large amounts of valerian may cause headache, giddiness, blurred vision, restlessness, nausea. And morning grogginess.
FDA lists valerian as generally safe. Use only in consultation with a doctor if you are using valerian for therapeutic purposes. If you experience any side effects, stop the use immediately.