Valerian Root for Anxiety

klhpeace · Nov 12, 2012, 05:02 PM

Hello everybody,

I've shared this information on other forums/websites, and have not had any interesting conversations about it. So, I'm posting it here, in hopes that someone may find this information helpful.

------------------------

I found a new herbal supplement that works wonders for me and my anxiety issues. I thought I would share my current experiences with it, in case it helps anyone else who is looking for a natural way to treat anxiety.

I struggle with day/night time anxiety. My symptoms range from heart palpitations, excessive sweating/trembling, stress induced nausea, de-personalization, breathing difficulties, cyclical thoughts, and feeling that I could have a panic attack at any second. The only time I found relief from my suffering is when I was asleep.

I needed relief fast, but I didn't want to start the prescription route. I ended up doing a lot of research on herbal supplements to treat anxiety. (Some of the interesting options are; Kava, St. John's Wort, Passion Flower, Lemon Balm, Chamomile.) So I purchased a bottle of Valerian Root Capsules in 500mg. They are supposed to work as a natural sleep aid, but can also be taken during the daytime.

I've been taking about 1,500 - 2,000 mg a day. (500mg every 6-8 hours.)

PROS:
-You can take it daily, nightly, or whenever you feel stressed.
-No tolerance, no addictions, no known long-term effects.
-Safe. No overdose stories, no allergic reactions.
-Valerian Root naturally contains complex B-Vitamin and Magnesium which also increase calmness.
-The effects can be felt in an hour or less.
-I've read that you can take Valerian Root with things like Melatonin, Passion Flower, Kava, to increase the relaxing effects.

CONS:
-The smell! It can be difficult to get past the stink of the herb, (it's actually known for it's stench) but the effects are worth it.
-Valerian Root is sold in many forms; capsules, tables, extracts, tinctures, and teas. I've heard from many people that the tablets made with "Valerian Root Extract" is not as effective or potent. Make sure to get the ground roots in capsule form, they seem to work best for most people.
-As always, studies with plants and herbs are mixed and insufficient.

(*All in all, Valerian Root is an herbal supplement and may not work with your body chemistry. You should always consult a doctor before adding new medicines to your anxiety-management program.)

Also, I would like to mention that I'm not 100% normal yet.
Valerian Root did not "cure" my anxiety. It only helps me manage the physical symptoms. I still have to watch negative self-talk, see a counselor, and other things. But at least now I can breathe, do my daily tasks, and not feel like I'm dying. (Again, all of this is just my personal experience and what I've learned in using this herb.)

Has anyone else had experience with Valerian Root?
What about other herbs and natural remedies like Kava and Passion Flower?

I hope this helps someone out there who is also struggling and looking for other options to quell anxiety and stress.

Thanks for reading.
peace and love.

hamster-bamster · Nov 13, 2012, 10:29 PM

Did not work for me. Cardiovascular exercise works for me. Cost-free and no side effects.

Squaw · Nov 13, 2012, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klhpeace

Hello everybody,

I've shared this information on other forums/websites, and have not had any interesting conversations about it. So, I'm posting it here, in hopes that someone may find this information helpful.

------------------------

I found a new herbal supplement that works wonders for me and my anxiety issues. I thought I would share my current experiences with it, in case it helps anyone else who is looking for a natural way to treat anxiety.

I struggle with day/night time anxiety. My symptoms range from heart palpitations, excessive sweating/trembling, stress induced nausea, de-personalization, breathing difficulties, cyclical thoughts, and feeling that I could have a panic attack at any second. The only time I found relief from my suffering is when I was asleep.

I needed relief fast, but I didn't want to start the prescription route. I ended up doing a lot of research on herbal supplements to treat anxiety. (Some of the interesting options are; Kava, St. John's Wort, Passion Flower, Lemon Balm, Chamomile.) So I purchased a bottle of Valerian Root Capsules in 500mg. They are supposed to work as a natural sleep aid, but can also be taken during the daytime.

I've been taking about 1,500 - 2,000 mg a day. (500mg every 6-8 hours.)

PROS:
-You can take it daily, nightly, or whenever you feel stressed.
-No tolerance, no addictions, no known long-term effects.
-Safe. No overdose stories, no allergic reactions.
-Valerian Root naturally contains complex B-Vitamin and Magnesium which also increase calmness.
-The effects can be felt in an hour or less.
-I've read that you can take Valerian Root with things like Melatonin, Passion Flower, Kava, to increase the relaxing effects.

CONS:
-The smell! It can be difficult to get past the stink of the herb, (it's actually known for it's stench) but the effects are worth it.
-Valerian Root is sold in many forms; capsules, tables, extracts, tinctures, and teas. I've heard from many people that the tablets made with "Valerian Root Extract" is not as effective or potent. Make sure to get the ground roots in capsule form, they seem to work best for most people.
-As always, studies with plants and herbs are mixed and insufficient.

(*All in all, Valerian Root is an herbal supplement and may not work with your body chemistry. You should always consult a doctor before adding new medicines to your anxiety-management program.)

Also, I would like to mention that I'm not 100% normal yet.
Valerian Root did not "cure" my anxiety. It only helps me manage the physical symptoms. I still have to watch negative self-talk, see a counselor, and other things. But at least now I can breathe, do my daily tasks, and not feel like I'm dying. (Again, all of this is just my personal experience and what I've learned in using this herb.)

Has anyone else had experience with Valerian Root?
What about other herbs and natural remedies like Kava and Passion Flower?

I hope this helps someone out there who is also struggling and looking for other options to quell anxiety and stress.

Thanks for reading.
peace and love.

Very thankful for ideas concerning natural herbal remedies. I have taken Kava before, years ago, and found out the media was reporting side effects concerning liver damage, so I stopped taking it. It was originally recommended to me by the pharmacist, as a natural form of valium. I giggled about everything while taking it..Thanks for the post..

bamapsych · Nov 14, 2012, 03:08 PM

My therapist recommended Valerian Root or Calms Forte to me about 2 months ago for anxiety. They are both sleep aids. I haven't tried either of them because I have to stay awake/alert for school and work. I've only searched at Walmart, but they don't have the Calms Forte.

-jimi- · Nov 14, 2012, 03:58 PM

I had the super strong type, and maybe if I took around 15 I could sense some difference. Or it could been my imagination.

InfiniteSadness · Dec 19, 2012, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squaw

Very thankful for ideas concerning natural herbal remedies. I have taken Kava before, years ago, and found out the media was reporting side effects concerning liver damage, so I stopped taking it. It was originally recommended to me by the pharmacist, as a natural form of valium. I giggled about everything while taking it..Thanks for the post..

I heard of Kava, but was wondering what was up with the liver warning...

krisakira · Dec 19, 2012, 06:55 AM

It has helped me some too. I take it when I just want to mellow out. It doesn't have nearly the same effect as an ativan or other prescription med though.

wildchild r · Dec 20, 2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klhpeace

Hello everybody,

I've shared this information on other forums/websites, and have not had any interesting conversations about it. So, I'm posting it here, in hopes that someone may find this information helpful.

------------------------

I found a new herbal supplement that works wonders for me and my anxiety issues. I thought I would share my current experiences with it, in case it helps anyone else who is looking for a natural way to treat anxiety.

I struggle with day/night time anxiety. My symptoms range from heart palpitations, excessive sweating/trembling, stress induced nausea, de-personalization, breathing difficulties, cyclical thoughts, and feeling that I could have a panic attack at any second. The only time I found relief from my suffering is when I was asleep.

I needed relief fast, but I didn't want to start the prescription route. I ended up doing a lot of research on herbal supplements to treat anxiety. (Some of the interesting options are; Kava, St. John's Wort, Passion Flower, Lemon Balm, Chamomile.) So I purchased a bottle of Valerian Root Capsules in 500mg. They are supposed to work as a natural sleep aid, but can also be taken during the daytime.

I've been taking about 1,500 - 2,000 mg a day. (500mg every 6-8 hours.)

PROS:
-You can take it daily, nightly, or whenever you feel stressed.
-No tolerance, no addictions, no known long-term effects.
-Safe. No overdose stories, no allergic reactions.
-Valerian Root naturally contains complex B-Vitamin and Magnesium which also increase calmness.
-The effects can be felt in an hour or less.
-I've read that you can take Valerian Root with things like Melatonin, Passion Flower, Kava, to increase the relaxing effects.

CONS:
-The smell! It can be difficult to get past the stink of the herb, (it's actually known for it's stench) but the effects are worth it.
-Valerian Root is sold in many forms; capsules, tables, extracts, tinctures, and teas. I've heard from many people that the tablets made with "Valerian Root Extract" is not as effective or potent. Make sure to get the ground roots in capsule form, they seem to work best for most people.
-As always, studies with plants and herbs are mixed and insufficient.

(*All in all, Valerian Root is an herbal supplement and may not work with your body chemistry. You should always consult a doctor before adding new medicines to your anxiety-management program.)

Also, I would like to mention that I'm not 100% normal yet.
Valerian Root did not "cure" my anxiety. It only helps me manage the physical symptoms. I still have to watch negative self-talk, see a counselor, and other things. But at least now I can breathe, do my daily tasks, and not feel like I'm dying. (Again, all of this is just my personal experience and what I've learned in using this herb.)

Has anyone else had experience with Valerian Root?
What about other herbs and natural remedies like Kava and Passion Flower?

I hope this helps someone out there who is also struggling and looking for other options to quell anxiety and stress.

Thanks for reading.
peace and love.

how long does Valerian herb keep? Ive had some for a long time,years, Ive kept in a bottle.Im worried its too old to take as an herbal tes

sunsetsunrise · Dec 24, 2012, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squaw

Very thankful for ideas concerning natural herbal remedies. I have taken Kava before, years ago, and found out the media was reporting side effects concerning liver damage, so I stopped taking it. It was originally recommended to me by the pharmacist, as a natural form of valium. I giggled about everything while taking it..Thanks for the post..

Valarian root is natural form of Valium. It is said that the people who had liver problems while taking Kava had liver problems to begin with. Or were taking way too much of the product. From what I have heard and read, if your liver is in good condition, and you take Kava responsably, it is okay. over the years i have heard this from two herbalists who I do trust. I am careful about taking it. But I have taken it ( under the direction of a good herbalist ) with no adverse results.

shortandcute · Dec 30, 2012, 05:41 PM

st. john's wort does not work for me. what does work for me is valerian, chamomile, and lemon balm. i notice i feel better when i'm being consistent with my B-complex, too.

ManicD · Jan 04, 2013, 02:07 PM

Strongest legal herb I've ever tried was skullcap or scullcap, spelled both ways. It's not a cure all but it will make you feel different, that's for sure. It's cheap too. Check it out.

la doctora · Jan 14, 2013, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squaw

Very thankful for ideas concerning natural herbal remedies. I have taken Kava before, years ago, and found out the media was reporting side effects concerning liver damage, so I stopped taking it. It was originally recommended to me by the pharmacist, as a natural form of valium. I giggled about everything while taking it..Thanks for the post..

I have recently begun researching Kava as something to try for my anxiety.
As far as liver damage is concerned: from my readings it is clear that the populations that have experienced liver damage with kava use are ingesting forms of kava such as extracts and pills made from the leaves and stems of the kava plant. These portions of the plant are not meant to be used in making kava. Only the ROOT is supposed to be ingested. The use of other portions of the plant is a result of industries trying to make the most money possible and they will use all the plant. The people of the cultures of the Pacific Islands who ingest the traditional drink made from roots only consistently do NOT have the same damage to the liver as people who ingest other forms.

I am looking into ordering some to prepare traditionally. It can be tricky bc some websites are scams. When I finally get some ordered and I try it I will post results. It may be awhile bc I'm not sure how long it takes it to ship.

Doc

Big Mama · Jan 14, 2013, 09:57 AM

I've tried Valerian tincture. It did help w/ the immidiate lessining of panic attacks. It is great for PMS cramps to. It has some very mild muscle relaxing properties. It doesn't cause you to be tired it helps muscles relax so relaxation aids in sleep. It is a very short term sleep aid. It stays in your system just a few hours, but you can take it durring collage exams to help w/ freaking out. It is very mild. you can drive and everything.

Do be careful if you have heart issues. Some times that is not an area that needs more relaxation if you already have that issue.

I've heard of skullcap, I've tried St. Jon Wart it didn't do much for me personally, and you have to be extra careful in the sun.

I get Valerian Root at the health food store or an herb shop. The tincture is about $6.00 a bottle. I prefer the tincture. You can take more or less depending on the situation. If you have a panic attack and it returns you can take another half a dropper, or if it lessened but not enough just take a little more. I keep it in my purse, so it is nearby is I need it. I don't have to have something to drink like you would w/ a pill. It is yucky, it can be put in tea, soda, juice, what ever. It's yucky but worth it.

InfiniteSadness · Jan 16, 2013, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManicD

Strongest legal herb I've ever tried was skullcap or scullcap, spelled both ways. It's not a cure all but it will make you feel different, that's for sure. It's cheap too. Check it out.

What is that??!

InfiniteSadness · Jan 16, 2013, 10:47 PM

I dont notice with Valerian root that same effect as presrcription med... GABA supplement and l-theanine come close.....

Big Mama · Jan 16, 2013, 11:33 PM

I take scullcap for PMS moodyness. I don't know how well it works though. Some times yes, some times not as well as others.

InfiniteSadness · Jan 17, 2013, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Mama

I take scullcap for PMS moodyness. I don't know how well it works though. Some times yes, some times not as well as others.

What is it for... anxiety? mood?

Big Mama · Jan 17, 2013, 09:12 AM

I get easily bent out of shape, I have more panic attacks to. I took a new moon blend who knows except the herbalist what that is for pms mood swings. The herbalsit was out and that was the only ingredient that the lady there knew was for certin in the new moon blend.

Liinu · Mar 07, 2013, 12:07 PM

I wanted to ask.. I have valerian tablets. Valerian extract tablets to be precise. It says that one tablet only contains 0.02g of valerian and the little thingie has 50 tablets in it. 0.02 is not much, right? How much of them should I take for it to work?

Widubert · Apr 14, 2013, 05:08 PM

Thanks! Good post. I didn't know about the vitamin b and the magnesium, another good reason for me to keep on taking a big dose of valerian

.

I take a gram 2 hours before bed and 500mg when just in bed. That I way I try to fall asleep as soon a possible while also providing for some sleep continuity.

I don't have anxiety issues like you, but I've recently stopped taking seroquel altogether (after long process of tapering down) and for months I've been sweating and waking up during the night. I feel very tense, especially after 3am, but keep sleeping shallow after that.

That's why I decided to take valerian. It works for me, although I'm not sure about the potency of the stuff. It's valerian root extract powder that I put in capsules myself. It doesn't stink at all, just a nice sweet smell.

Actually, it looks like cocao powder, but it tastes awfull

.

It does work for me however, and my insomnia isn't psychological at the moment, so it can't be placebo.

Actually, I used to think valerian didn't do anything for me, but it turned out that the valerian root extract pills actually contained only 3mg per pill, and a better brand still only 140mg. Those are brands like Valdispert, Bional,.. My stuff is pure bulk powder and until I read your post I thought my dose was massive...

Thanks again!

Widubert · Apr 14, 2013, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liinu

I wanted to ask.. I have valerian tablets. Valerian extract tablets to be precise. It says that one tablet only contains 0.02g of valerian and the little thingie has 50 tablets in it. 0.02 is not much, right? How much of them should I take for it to work?

On wikipedia it says you should take about 600 to one gram for insomnia, if I'm not mistaken. Not sure about anxiety. In research they usually use 400mg since the higher dose ranges didn't really add anything. However, you never know what the potency is, so when you experiment and go higher than that...; if it's works for you, it works!

As I posted above I take 1,5 gram for sleep. Try to buy something online or in bulk form in some shop. The pills at the pharmacy or supermarket are indeed to puny..

Good luck!

Silent Void · Apr 14, 2013, 09:09 PM

Good thread.

Valerian definitely works for insomnia. I usually drink a glass of milk though.

sewerrats · Apr 16, 2013, 01:42 PM

The trouble with herb meds is knowone can tell the strenth of each capsule. every plant is a different strenth to the next , there all shreded and packaged , so 1 jar could be far superior to another. Take valerian roots 1 big and strong an the next small and weak there,s no test on the strenth taking place. I used it, but found some times a capsule gave me a headache and the smell is gross it stinks a room out, the family use to run a mile as soon has they saw me open the jar.

venusss · Apr 21, 2013, 05:19 AM

Not sure if this was mentioned, but if you have cats, hide your valerian carefully. They love that stuff (my cats love it even more then catnip) and they WILL find it if it's not locked somewhere (I have the plain root that I just let sit in water for few hours and drink for sleepy sleep).

gracez · May 07, 2013, 12:27 AM

I haven't had any luck with Valerian Root or Kava Kava. I also tried Calms Forte & the Nerve Tonic by this same company. I'm just hard to medicate apparently (or herb-icate too?) But I tried, many times. Quality really matters apparently, and I've taken good quality of both. Valerian with Hops or Passion Flower is supposed to be best. Also liquid form, you can get it in the natural foods store is good, and more effective than capsules. I also tried capsules and tea. But for many people all 4 of these things I mentioned above help.

So I've tried lots of things, and desperate for something to help w/ anxiety and sleep...recently got another suggest - they are homeopathic lozenges, and not very expensive. Called Moon Drops (for sleep) and Calm Drops for anxiety. Apparently they get rave reviews, but haven't worked on me. I love the taste of the lozenges though! I got them from a natural foods store.

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