Does anyone take valerian?

R

Rose65

Well-known Member
Location
United Kingdom
I am considering trying valerian tablets to relax, sleep better and to generally relieve anxiety naturally.

Has anyone tried them and do you find them effective? I am in mind of trying a gentle herbal solution, such as Kalms which I have heard of and seems a moderate dose per tablet.
It is the huge variation in dosages of different valerian brands that confuses me.
 

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I tried... and stopped. It gave me nightmares. And then when I read about other side effects, I didn't want to risk it, so won't be trying it again. This from the website Healthline:

"The herbal sleep aid valerian root has been linked to causing vivid dreams, heart palpitations, headaches, and dry mouth. It can also interact with certain medications and substances."

There's also a list of things like medications it shouldn't be taken with, so if you're thinking of using it, check those out first.
 

CallMeKate said:
I tried... and stopped. It gave me nightmares. And then when I read about other side effects, I didn't want to risk it, so won't be trying it again. This from the website Healthline:

"The herbal sleep aid valerian root has been linked to causing vivid dreams, heart palpitations, headaches, and dry mouth. It can also interact with certain medications and substances."

There's also a list of things like medications it shouldn't be taken with, so if you're thinking of using it, check those out first.
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That sounds terrible. With me it just didn't do anything helpful. :confused:
 
That is interesting. It indicates that herbal is not necessarily safe or harmless.

I noticed dosages vary greatly, some tablets providing 2000mg per tablet, which sounds a lot to me.
Kalms appear reasonable but I wouldn't take 4 each night. If I do try them, maybe just one to start.
 
Rose65 said:
I am considering trying valerian tablets to relax, sleep better and to generally relieve anxiety naturally.

Has anyone tried them and do you find them effective? I am in mind of trying a gentle herbal solution, such as Kalms which I have heard of and seems a moderate dose per tablet.
It is the huge variation in dosages of different valerian brands that confuses me.
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I take a valerian root tablet every night before bed to help me fall asleep. It works for me without any unwanted side effects. :)
 
I tried it years ago but I just couldn't stand the smell, either in tea form or in capsules. And the capsules made me burp and the "taste" of the burp was really unpleasant. I tried the capsules for a few days but gave up.

When I got home from the healthfood store, I opened the bottle of capsules and mentioned to my late husband that "it smells like something died under the house". I then called the store and told the clerk I had opened the bottle and thought they had "gone bad". He asked me if it smelled like something had died and I had a good laugh over that. Apparently, I'm not the only one who found it unpleasant.
 
I take valerian root capsules each day. Make sure the capsules smell a little like a wet dog. If they have no smell, they are probably filler. I take a brand made by Horbaach from Amazon. I think it helps. It’s not a high power sleeping pill but also, it does not have side effects. I also take melatonin and tart cherry juice concentrate.

I can take benadryl and fall asleep, but I wake up drowsy and it creates a dependence. Also it is linked to dementia. And prescription pills are even worse.

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Michael Z said:
I take valerian root capsules each day. Make sure the capsules smell a little like a wet dog. If they have no smell, they are probably filler. I take a brand made by Horbaach from Amazon. I think it helps. It’s not a high power sleeping pill but also, it does not have side effects. I also take melatonin and tart cherry juice concentrate.

I can take benadryl and fall asleep, but I wake up drowsy and it creates a dependence. Also it is linked to dementia. And prescription pills are even worse.

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IDK I felt great on prescription pills. I think they're lying to us.
 
Not changing the subject but why not relax.


I seriously doubt that most people need a depressant. Stay up late or get off thy arss and struggle to get weary.
 
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I see many here have had negative experiences. I tried it because it was one of the ingredients of some well known natural sleep aids, like Relaxium and 12 in 1. I have not had any side effects, but everyone is different. Maybe give it a try and if it causes other issues, discontinue use.

L-Trytophan is also a key ingredient. You get this in white turkey meat but also a fair amount in oatmeal. I get enough with the oatmeal I eat. Also a fair amount in cheese.
 
I took valerian to go to sleep many years ago. It worked and no side effects. Then they took it off the market. Is it back? I now take a prescription pill when I can't fall asleep.
 
Rose65 said:
I am considering trying valerian tablets to relax, sleep better and to generally relieve anxiety naturally.

Has anyone tried them and do you find them effective? I am in mind of trying a gentle herbal solution, such as Kalms which I have heard of and seems a moderate dose per tablet.
It is the huge variation in dosages of different valerian brands that confuses me.
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I haven't, but my sister did; it relaxed her enough to get her to sleep.
 
I have never tried valerian , but I have heard of it before. I usually sleep fine, but I do take melatonin about a half hour before bedtime, plus my magnesium and zinc that I take at night.
When we go to the fitness canter and I swim, I always sleep really well, but it has been so cold lately that we have not been to the fitness center.
The one close to us closed down, and the one we go to now is quite a bit further away to drive to.
 
I've taken it in liquid form from the health food store with the alcohol which apparently makes it absorb better. I find it calming with no side effects for me. The capsules don't seem to work as well.
 

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