Valerian - helpful for insomnia?

[Rachel67]

Hi,

I am new here - please be kind!

I know Valerian is a herbal remedy and not a drug, but does anyone have any personal experience of its efficacy as a sleep aid?

I suffered depression with insomnia 2 years ago, the depression was treated, and my sleep returned to normal.

I am now doing a degree, feeling a little stressed at times. The insomnia has started to rear its ugly head, but I am definitely not depressed! I am wondering if Valerian would help me with this sleep anxiety.

Any personal opinions? Very grateful,thanks.

Rachel

[johnep]

Easiest way to find out is to take some and see. Otherwise Amitryptylline 10mg should work well in your case.
johnep

[DavidS]

Before the modern generation of sleep inducers came the benzodiazepenes. Before them, was the barbiturates. And before them was, amongst other things, Mixture of Potassium Bromide and Valerian. Valerian has a long and honourable history as a sleep inducing herb, and does not have many of the side effects associated with its more modern replacements.

Personally, if I'm feeleing in need of a hypnotic, I would take either valerian tea or Tranquilitea, a herbal tea made by Dr Stuarts.

[Pharmanaut]

Just point out to us pharmacists that herbal remedies are still drugs.
Used to be a branch of pharmacy dealing with this called pharmacognosy.

Back to the question...
Always use a reputable make. Don't buy off the internet unless you see it is an approved site.

Have you tried relaxation techniques.
Learn a few and they will not only help you with study but throughout life.
If you have the opportunity try a few modern study techniques as well?

[johnep]

You pipped me, both cocaine and morphine are 'herbal' preparations. Does the poster consider neither a drug?
Chemists have been druggists for centuries when all 'drugs' were derived from natural sources. Some herbs are very dangerous. Hemlock anyone?
johnep

[bobbin]

Hi,

I am new here - please be kind!

I know Valerian is a herbal remedy and not a drug, but does anyone have any personal experience of its efficacy as a sleep aid?

I suffered depression with insomnia 2 years ago, the depression was treated, and my sleep returned to normal.

I am now doing a degree, feeling a little stressed at times. The insomnia has started to rear its ugly head, but I am definitely not depressed! I am wondering if Valerian would help me with this sleep anxiety.

Any personal opinions? Very grateful,thanks.

Rachel

Valerian might help a little, but it is very mild. It doesn't usually cause any side effects. Most herbal sleep remedies contain a combination of herbs, often valerian, passiflora and hops. You will see a variety of different brands available at the pharmacy or health food store eg. Kalms Sleep, Nytol Herbal, Niteherb etc. I get the impression that your insomnia is not too severe at the moment, so perhaps a herbal treatment would be a good option.

[Rachel67]

Thanks all for your contributions.

Funny, I slept ok last night, so I will continue for a while with some CBT tricks I've used before, and breathing exercises. I will definitely try a Valerian mix, if it persists. Have seen a couple of different ones in Boots. Would not buy from internet, I do that with my cats' flea treatment only!

Thanks for the Amitriptylline advice - I was treated with Mirtazapine previously, which was very effective at helping me to sleep, although I wasn't too impressed with the weight gain :-(

Your comments are all appreciated.

[minisini]

Hops, lemon balm and valerian are the best herbal remedies for sleep. Not a huge amount of good clinical data on it though, personally I used Kalms and worked a treat.