How to Choose the Best Valerian Supplements
Introduction to Valerian Supplements
Valerian is a herb that has been used for centuries to help people relax and sleep better. It is often taken in supplement form, and it can be a useful tool for those who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. If you are considering trying a valerian supplement, it is important to understand how to choose the right one for you. In this article, we will discuss some important factors to consider when selecting a valerian supplement, as well as some potential side effects and precautions to keep in mind.
Choosing the Right Valerian Supplement
When choosing a valerian supplement, the first thing you should consider is the type of valerian extract it contains. Valerian extract can be standardized to contain a specific amount of the active ingredients, such as valerenic acid or valerenol. Standardized extracts are typically more consistent and reliable than non-standardized ones.
Another important factor to consider is the dosage of the supplement. Valerian is typically taken in doses of 300-500 mg, and it is best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it if needed. It is also important to follow the instructions on the label and not exceed the recommended dose.
In addition to the type and dosage of the valerian extract, you should also consider the other ingredients in the supplement. Some valerian supplements may contain additional herbs or ingredients that can affect the effectiveness or safety of the product. For example, some valerian supplements may contain caffeine, which can interfere with sleep. It is important to read the label carefully and choose a supplement that does not contain any ingredients that you are sensitive or allergic to.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Valerian is generally considered safe when taken as directed. However, like any supplement, it can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of valerian include dizziness, dry mouth, and headache. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own, but if they persist or are severe, you should stop taking the supplement and consult your healthcare provider.
Valerian can also interact with certain medications, such as sedatives and antihistamines. If you are taking any medications, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking a valerian supplement.
In addition, valerian may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children under the age of 18. It is important to consult your healthcare provider before giving a valerian supplement to a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, or to a child.
Conclusion
In conclusion, valerian is a herb that has been used for centuries to help people relax and sleep better. When choosing a valerian supplement, it is important to consider the type and dosage of the valerian extract, as well as the other ingredients in the supplement. It is also important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions, and to consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is valerian supplement good for?
Valerian supplements have been historically used to treat various conditions such as insomnia, migraines, fatigue, and stomach cramps. Nowadays, valerian is commonly promoted for its potential benefits in managing insomnia, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, and headaches.
2. Is valerian safe to take every day?
Valerian is generally considered safe for short-term use when taken orally. Doses of 300-600 mg daily for up to 6 weeks have been used safely. However, the safety of long-term use is unknown, and individual tolerances may vary. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
3. What are the side effects of taking valerian capsules?
Valerian root is commonly used as a sleep aid and is generally considered safe. However, some individuals have reported minor side effects such as vivid dreams, heart palpitations, dry mouth, digestive upset, headaches, and mental fogginess. It is advisable to monitor your individual response to valerian and discontinue use if any adverse effects occur.
4. Who should not take valerian root?
Valerian may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and its safety has not been evaluated for children under 3 years old. Those with liver disease should avoid taking valerian. Additionally, due to its potential to cause drowsiness, it is important to avoid activities like driving or operating machinery after taking valerian.
5. Does valerian get rid of anxiety?
Studies suggest that valerian may be effective in reducing anxiety and depression, particularly in menopausal women. When used correctly and following expert recommendations, valerian has shown efficacy with minimal or no adverse effects. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing anxiety.
6. What to avoid with valerian?
Valerian may interact with sedatives, certain medications, herbs, and dietary supplements with sedative properties, potentially causing additive therapeutic or adverse effects. Examples include benzodiazepines like Xanax®, Valium®, Ativan®, and Halcion®. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to check for potential interactions before combining valerian with other substances.
7. Is valerian hard on the liver?
There have been rare reports suggesting that Valerian officinalis may cause liver injury. While the evidence is limited, it is still important to exercise caution when using valerian, especially if you have a history of liver disease. If you experience any symptoms of liver injury, such as abdominal pain or jaundice, discontinue valerian use and seek medical attention promptly.
Editor's Notes
During our valerian supplement research, we found 24 valerian supplement products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 247,771 customer reviews through our big data system to write the valerian supplements list. We found that most customers choose valerian supplements with an average price of $19.93.
The valerian supplements are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of valerian supplements, including Plus+Ultra, NOW Foods, Carlyle, Nutricost, Dee Cee Laboratories. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 327 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.
Elisa Drew is a really professional copywriter specializing in baby products with five years of experience working as a pediatrician once. She has published a series of baby books purchased by over thirty thousand people in the United States.
