Valerian Root High, Dosage & Overdose Effects
All around the internet, people are searching for valerian root high effects. Does this herbal remedy make you feel extremely happy or excited? What is the recommended dosage for ecstatic moods and other conditions in both adults and kids? What if you take too much or an overdose? Read on to learn more in addition to withdrawal symptoms of valerian.
Valerian Root High Effects
Can you use valerian root as a recreational drug?
Valerian comes with more than enough benefits and uses. It is commonly used as a home remedy for sleep and anxiety. Some individuals have chosen to use it as a recreational drug. According to reviews from the individuals who use it, all you need is to consume increased amounts to achieve euphoric mood.
A lot of research is still underway concerning the use of valerian root to get high. So far, there is little evidence that you can use to get high. This is explained by its GABA (Gamma-amino-butyric acid) effects. When you take valerian, it stimulates the release of GABA . The effect is that you relieve yourself of any tension and you feel generally relaxed. That is what other recreational drugs would do as well.
In the brain, GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. This means that it has the potential to cool down the stress hormones. Apart from that, Gamma-amino-butyric acid influences serotonin. This is a neurotransmitter that enhances your moods. In this case, we can define being high to be part of your moods.
Simply, the more GABA you have in your brain, the more likely you will achieve your recreational goals of feeling high and as such experiencing relaxation. Drawn from this is that, higher consumption of valerian leads to more triggers for release of GABA and more GABA is what you require to feel high.
However, there are negative effects that are likely to be associated with high intake of valerian root. You will need to be very careful if you must use it to get high. Most patients report that their doctors advise them to try other drugs if they wish to feel high.
If you wish to take valerian as a recreational drug, you will therefore need to know how much of it is just sufficient to get you high without adverse effects. There is no clarity yet on how much of the valerian root is not too much since exceeding any dosages given will have side effects. Generally, it is not advisable to use valerian as a way of getting high.
Valerian Root Withdrawal & Symptoms
Valerian root reacts differently for different people. Research shows that most people do not experience withdrawal symptoms. For the few people who have these withdrawal symptoms, it is most likely because they take high doses of valerian root for prolonged periods.
Withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur when you stop using the valerian root drug at a time where you have used it for a very long time. The sudden abandonment of the drug use results to undesirable results.
You are advised not to stop the intake of the valerian root immediately to avoid the these symptoms. You can start by reducing your valerian intake slowly and this way the withdrawal symptoms that are mostly associated with previous high doses will not affect you. The symptoms of valerian root withdrawal include the following;
Sluggishness
When you suddenly withdraw from use of valerian, especially if you were consuming high doses, you tend to feel tired. It impairs your ability to stay active and this hinders your day to day activities.
Headaches and dizziness
Just like the feeling you would have the following day after heavy consumption of alcohol, if you suddenly stop using valerian you will end up with some headaches. The headaches are accompanied by a feeling of dizziness. Valerian root works so much with the brain and thus the headaches have to do with how the brain works.
Stomach upsets and uneasiness
Most herbal medicines have this symptom upon sudden withdrawal from use. Valerian is an example of such herbs. A normal side effect of its use is stomach upsets especially in case you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The upset is more severe if you suddenly stop the use of the root after a long period of its use.
Other withdrawal symptoms include confusion and rapid heartbeat. All these symptoms cause uneasiness and you should follow the directions from your doctor to prevent the occurrence of the effects. [1]
Valerian Root Right Dosage
Valeriana officinalis works very well when used in the right amounts. You need to therefore understand what is considered an overdose or too much of this herb. This is as discussed below:
What is the right valerian root dosage? How much valerian root extract should one take? What is the right valerian root dosage for sleep, anxiety and depression? How many mg of pills and tablets should one take, or add in valerian root tea? Here’s a determination of the correct dosage of valerian root extract. Valerian root is used for different purposes. It is a potent herb that dates some centuries back, having been used by our ancestors as an herbal medication for different ailments such as social anxiety, depression, lack of sleep (insomnia) etc. Valeriana officinalis, a flowering plant that originates from some sections of Asia and native Europe, is commonly used in three different forms.
Today, you will find valerian root doses in the form of tincture, capsules or pills and dried roots. Valerian root dosage will depend on each of these forms, and the reason for taking it. What are you trying to treat? That is the question that you should ask yourself when finding the right dose of valerian extract.
The dosage of this root may also depend on what it is you are treating. For instance, the dosage for insomnia may be slightly different from that of anxiety.
Valerian Root Dosage for Anxiety Treatment
What is the right valerian root dosage for anxiety? People suffering from anxiety may show symptoms of restlessness, lack of sleep at some point during the night, sweat, nausea etc. if you suffer from social anxiety, sometimes called social phobia, you may exhibit symptoms such as dizziness, hot flashes and sweating, a racing heart, stomach butterflies, blushing or a red face etc. When this is the case, valerian root has been used as a home remedy for anxiety. But just what amount or how much valerian root extract should you take to treat anxiety? Different sources may give different dose recommendations for valerian to treat anxiety. However, note the following:
- The valerian root dosage for anxiety is normally decided by considering the patient’s condition.
- There is not such standard measure or what may be termed as the right dose to take to treat or relieve anxiety.
- If you are consuming tablets, capsules or pills of valerian extract, your daily dosage is likely to be between 300 mg and 500 mg according to some sources.
Valerian root tea dosage is also good for treating insomnia and anxiety, but you might take just a cup or two a day for anxiety. In brief, the whole question of the right dose of valerian root does not have a straight answer. If you suffer from anxiety and are looking for a treatment, try small doses as you increase until you find the right dose for your condition.
Valerian Root Dosage Sleep or Insomnia
What is the right valerian root dosage for insomnia? Does valerian help sleep disorders? Suffering from insomnia can cause poor productivity during the day. People who do not get enough continuous sleep during the night might suffer from bouts of lack of concentration, fatigue and tiredness during the day. With the right valerian root dosage for sleep, you can have enough sleep and improve your health.
and help patients sleep soundly. If you suffer from symptoms such as the following, you may take a good dose of valerian root to help cure them and get quality sleep.
- Staying awake for long bouts during the night, despite lying on the bed
- Feeling tired even after some sleep
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate and function properly during the day
- Difficulty going back to sleep when you wake up during the night
- Intermittent sleep pattern
With any of these symptoms, you are definitely suffering from insomnia. The right dosage of valerian root, you can alleviate these symptoms. According to LiveStrong, “People who struggle with insomnia can take between 400 milligrams and 900 milligrams valerian root extract daily.” However, it is advised that you do not consume this herbal medication for 28 back to back days.
Valerian Root Pills Dosage – Extract Capsules & Tablets
Most people prefer going for a valerian root capsules dosage. The reason for this is that the capsules, pills or tablets are fast acting and produce the best results for anxiety, depression and other ailments that the root is used to treat. So, what is the right dosage when you are taking pills, tablets and capsules? There is not so much uniformity on the right dosage when taking capsules, pills and tablets of valerian root. Since they act fast and more effectively, most people rely on experimenting to find the right valerian root extract dosage. For adults, taking slightly above 500 mg is fine. However, start with small amounts slightly below 300 mg as you find the right valerian root pills dosage for your specific problem of insomnia, anxiety or depression.
Valerian Root Dosage for Dogs
How much valerian root should I give my dog? What is the right valerian root dosage for dogs and pets with anxiety? It is a fact that the right dosage for dogs may take the pattern of that of human beings in the correct ratios. The right dosage for young pets and adult pets is not the same. Since valerian root is a safe and one of the effective herbs used to treat dog anxiety, you should ensure that you give the right dose to your pet to avoid side effects that may be undesirable. “Dosages of 3mg can be used for dogs up to 50lbs: [Schnauzerama.org]. The same website advises the following: “Valerian can be dosed at 4mg/lb for use with anxiety problems in the powder form, or 1/4 human dose for small dogs, 1/2 dose for medium, and full dose for large dogs when using the liquid tincture.” Always follow the label instructions when treating your dog. If you are not sure, your vet should be able to guide you on the right dosage of valerian for dogs with separation anxiety.
MaximumValerian Root High Dose in Mg
Most medicine doses are given in Mg or milligrams. The right valerian root dose in mg depends on the purpose of using it, and several other factors such as weight in dogs, age in human beings and so on. Therefore, it is important to see your doctor or read the prescription label to determine the valerian root high dosage in mg. Generally, a higher dose would be approximately 900 mg, which is then considered harmful and dangerous. It might trigger some side effects that may need serious medical attention. Though it is a home remedy for sleeping disorders and anxiety, ensure you are on the right valerian root dosage.
Valerian Root Overdose-Valerian Root High Dosage Safety & Effects
Adverse effects of high doses of valerian officinalis
As explained above, taking more than the recommended amount of valerian root is considered an overdose. High dosages of any drug always have adverse effects; valerian root is not an exception. These effects include the following
- Liver damage
Research shows that high dosages of valerian officinalis are likely to damage your liver. This root inhibits some enzymes like cytochrome and the result is that the medications metabolized by them are interfered with.
One of the common adverse effects to the liver is liver toxicity. This is very dangerous are the roles played by the liver in digestion may come to a stop and you develop even more serious health problems.
When you intend to treat insomnia, you are advised to take valerian officinalis before bedtime. If you take more than is prescribed, you are likely to have episodes of terrible and strange dreams and this may leave you very terrified.
To avoid such problems and to enhance peaceful sleep while still treating the problem of insomnia, you need to adhere to the correct dosage. Such dreams create other problems like anxiety when you wake up.
- Daytime drowsiness
Generally, high doses of valerian root are likely to cause feeling of too much sleep and this may not be good for your daytime activities. To avoid this, it is always recommended that you do not take too much of this root during the day.
- Stomach upsets
Valerian root is used to treat stomach problems. However, it only becomes useful when used in the prescribed dosages. More of the root causes further stomach upsets instead of healing the already existing stomach problems.
In a case where you are using the valerian root for your pets like the dog, you need to be aware that high dosages leads to stomach upsets to a pregnant dog and the effects are not worthwhile.
- Dryness of the mouth
In case you prefer taking the root in the form of valerian root tea, then you must be aware that too much of this tea leaves your mouth dry and sometimes swollen. Dryness in the mouth is not a problem you want to deal with. To be safe, just add the recommended grams of the root powder to make your tea.
Recommended Reading
Safety precautions
To be on the safe side, use valerian root as directed by your doctor. It is not advisable that pregnant mothers and children below the age of 3 years use valerian. This is because, the root is still under study and any side effects would be very severe for the child and the pregnant mother.
It is also important to understand that valerian reacts with medicines. You should be careful not to intensify the effects and this intensification occurs when supplements are taken together with a sedative. This requires that you disclose your health history to your doctor any time you intend to use valerian root.
[1] http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/599-valerian-root/