Valerian Root for Anxiety Reviews –How it works, Usage & Dosage

Does valerian root for anxiety work? How effective or good is it for depression? What is the right valeriana officinalis dosage for social anxiety attacks?  Below, find out the best reviews of using valerian herb to treat anxiety, panic attacks or stress, how much to take plus more ideas and tips to get the best results

Valerian Root Anxiety-How Does Valerian Root Work for Anxiety

What is valerian root and why is it used for anxiety?

Valerian is a medicinal herb, also defined as a “hardy, perennial flowering plant.” It flowers, producing sweet cents from its heads of flowers colored pink or white during summer. The botanical name is Valeriana Officinalis.

During the seventeenth century, valerian root was not used for anxiety, but as a perfume, especially in its native origins of Europe. However, as it spread to other parts of the world, such as parts of Asia and North America, the herb has been gaining other benefits and uses.

As you will see from the many valerian root for anxiety reviews below, it is clear that the herb has the potential of curing or relieving many social disorders such as stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders (insomnia) and so on.

So, how does it work?

Valerian herb works as a good sedative. The effect of the herb can be felt after making and taking valerian root tea, tablets or other forms of dosage. It is recommended that you take it daily in order to have the right results for helping anxiety.

It is not clear how exactly this herb works for depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is thought that valerian herb increases the amount of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA helps regulate nerve cells and has a calming effect on anxiety.

In fact some countries allow it as sedative. For example, Germany’s Commission E approved valerian as an effective mild sedative. In the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) listed valerian as “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS).

Valerian Root for Anxiety Reviews

A look at valerian root for anxiety reviews can help reveal a lot of things about the herb and its effectiveness in relieving social disorders. If you are suffering from symptoms such as heart palpitations, trembling, stressed caused by nausea, breathing problems or difficulties, excessive sweating, depersonalization and so on, then you are likely to be suffering from anxiety. Here are some sampled reviews and comments of users who have tried valerian extract for this problem:

• “I struggle with day/night time anxiety…I’ve been taking about 1,500 – 2,000 mg a day… Valerian Root did not “cure” my anxiety. It only helps me manage the physical symptoms.”  [Psych Central.]
• “I had anxiety symptoms, but, being desperate for sleep…I took it. I slept well the whole night, but had some crazy dreams! I wish we could purchase this as a pharmaceutical that would guarantee quality and potency.” [WebMD Reviews]

Most users who put in their valerian root for anxiety reviews noted that it is effective, easy to use and produces satisfactory results in calming down social or mild anxiety.

Valerian Root Dosage for Anxiety-How to take for Depression?

Do you know how much valerian root to take for anxiety? Valerian root dosage for anxiety is a very important aspect of trying this medicinal herb. Some people have reported undesirable side effects of valerian root when they consumed too much of it, meaning that the dose was inappropriate for whatever reason they were taking it. So, what is the right valerian root anxiety dosage?

The right dosage will always depend on the use. For instance, the dose of valerian root for treating and calming anxiety is different from that of sleep disorders and treatment of depression. Various forms have different dosage prescriptions. For instance, some bottles containing tablets of valerian have a prescription of 3 tablets before bedtime. This makes a dose of 1500mg.

You can take valerian in an herbal tincture or as valerian root tea for treating anxiety. The University of Maryland Medical Center, on valerian root for anxiety, recommends a dosage of 150mg two or three times a day to help reduce anxiety symptoms. However, this is only considered as a dosage guideline for anxiety.

Valerian Root Extract for Social Anxiety

Very little research has been conducted and concluded fully on the use of valerian root for anxiety. However, the medicinal herb has, over the years been put to use as a sedative and a medication for relieving social anxiety. But what is social anxiety?

“Social anxiety is a discomfort or a fear when a person is in social interactions that involve a concern about being judged or evaluated by others…” [Wikipedia]. For use as a treatment for social anxiety attacks, it is advised that you combine with other herbs such as rosemary flowers, melatonin supplements.

Tips on How to Use Valerian Root for Anxiety & Panic Attacks

You can prepare valerian root tea to treat bouts of anxiety every night. However, there are many different ways in which you can apply its use. See below the steps of using valerian root extract for relieving symptoms of anxiety.

1. Buy valerian root extracts, capsules or supplements. A good brand such as Nature’s Way Valerian Root is a good choice to buy. Ensure that you get capsules that are not less than 530mg.
2. If you are not on another prescription, try three capsules, or take as indicated on the label and see how it works for you.
3. Always take the capsules some time before bedtime, preferably an hour earlier.
4. If your dosage does not work well, increase the intake by another capsule and experiment until you are sure you are doing well controlling your anxiety and stress.

Panic Attacks

The a 1997 study conducted by the National Phobics Society concluded that it could help panic attacks. The amount of valerian to take for panic attacks will vary according to how severe your symptoms are. According to the British Complementary Medicine Association, soaking two teaspoons of the chopped root for 8 to 10 hours in cold water and sipping throughout the day should help you rip significant benefits

Tip: It is ALWAYS important to consult with your health professional if you are not sure about the contraindications of valerian root medication. Remember that if your anxiety symptoms are too strong, they may not be treated with valerian root, so you might need a prescription to be able to deal with it.

More other Natural Herbs that cure Stress, Depression, Anxiety

Dr. Tom O Brien PHD, The Mental Herbalist,  explains a list of more herbs that can help you lower anxiety and depression

1. Wood betony
2. Linden
3. Chamomile
4. Lemon Balm,
5. Vervain
6. Passion flower
7. Lavender
8. Oats
9. Skull cap

Here is a video explaining the above herbal remedies

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