Valerian
Valeriana officinalisThe smell of the root excites cats as much as catnip; its Turkish name, “cat herb”, comes from this.
What is Valerian?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a plant of the Caprifoliaceae family. Traditions that use it: Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Part used: root and rhizome.
What is Valerian used for?
Traditional use: The root is brewed for sleeplessness and nervousness. Scientific evidence: limited. The EMA recognises valerian root for mild nervous tension and sleep problems as a well-established use.
Is Valerian safe?
Safety label: generally safe. Generally safe; can cause morning grogginess and headache. Do not combine with alcohol, sleeping pills or sedatives. Rare liver injury has been reported. Do not take before driving.
Traditional use
The root is brewed for sleeplessness and nervousness.
Used since ancient Greece for sleep and nerves; it is said to have been given during both world wars against the fear of air raids.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Other Valeriana species may be sold under the same name. Do not confuse its white umbrella flowers with poison hemlock; valerian’s opposite leaves and the root’s sharp smell tell them apart.
Preparation
The dried root is soaked in cold or warm water; it smells strong. Also used as standardised extract.
What science says
The EMA recognises valerian root for mild nervous tension and sleep problems as a well-established use. Sleep studies are mixed: some find a small improvement in falling asleep, others no difference from placebo.
Safety
Generally safe; can cause morning grogginess and headache. Do not combine with alcohol, sleeping pills or sedatives. Rare liver injury has been reported. Do not take before driving.
Similar plants
Sources
- EMA monographValerianae radix: European Medicines Agency herbal assessment
- NCCIHUS National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: use and safety summary
- BookBaytop T. Türkiye’de Bitkiler ile Tedavi: Geçmişte ve Bugün. 2. baskı. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 1999.
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Valeriana officinalis
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe