Valerian Root
Specifically for Bipolar Disorder
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Why it works for Bipolar Disorder:
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a widely-used herbal sedative with clinical evidence for improving sleep and some anxiety symptoms, and a small randomized add-on trial suggests it may reduce mania scores when used alongside mood stabilizers. However the evidence for using valerian as a treatment for bipolar disorder itself is limited, mixed, and carries real safety risks (drug interactions, rare case-reports of hypomania/mania, possible liver issues). Do not stop prescribed mood-stabilizers — discuss any use with the treating psychiatrist first.
Mechanism (how it acts): Valerian contains constituents (valerenic acids, valepotriates, volatile oils) that modulate GABAergic signalling (GABA-A receptor effects) and other CNS pathways; this is why it’s used as a sedative/anxiolytic and for sleep improvement. That same sedative/anxiolytic/sleep benefit is the reason people consider it as an adjunct in bipolar disorder (primarily to treat sleep disturbance and anxiety which commonly co-occur). SpringerLink
Clinical rationale for bipolar: Sleep stabilisation and reduction of anxiety can indirectly reduce relapse risk for some people with bipolar disorder, so a substance that reliably improves sleep/anxiety could be helpful as an adjunct (not as a replacement for mood stabilizers). But direct evidence specifically proving valerian as a bipolar disorder monotherapy is extremely limited. NCCIH
How to use for Bipolar Disorder:
Typical dosing used for sleep/anxiety in clinical trials: commonly 300–600 mg of standardized valerian extract once daily at bedtime is used in many insomnia/anxiety studies; some studies/meta-analyses report total daily doses up to 1,000–1,410 mg/day (often given as divided doses). For anxiety, some trials used ~300 mg/day. Consistent use for several weeks (often 4–8 weeks) is typically required to see benefits. Health
Bipolar add-on trial (method used): the 2009 randomized, double-blind Iranian trial added valerian to ongoing mood-stabilizer therapy for 8 weeks. The paper reports improvement in Mania Rating Scale scores compared with placebo when used as an adjunct to conventional mood stabilizers — but details (preparation standardization, exact extract/dose forms reported) should be checked in the original paper before attempting replication. (Link below.) SID.ir
How to use in practice (practical points—NOT medical advice):
- Use standardized extract products where possible (labels that state mg of extract and standardization of active constituents).
- Start with the lower end of common doses (e.g., 300 mg at night) and only increase under clinician supervision.
- Expect at least 2–8 weeks to evaluate effect on sleep/anxiety.
- Use only as an adjunct (if you have bipolar disorder): do not replace prescribed mood stabilizers/antipsychotics/other maintenance meds. ScienceDirect
Scientific Evidence for Bipolar Disorder:
Randomized add-on trial in bipolar disorder (2009) — “Effectiveness of Valerian as a complementary medicine on bipolar mood disorders.”
Summary: 80 patients with bipolar disorder on mood stabilizers; 8-week parallel, double-blind add-on design; reported reduction in mania scores in the valerian group versus control. (Single trial; important but limited.) SID.ir
Reviews & meta-analyses for sleep/anxiety (general evidence base):
- Springer review/meta-analysis on standardized Valeriana officinalis showing improvements in sleep parameters in multiple studies. (Useful when the goal is treating insomnia/anxiety rather than bipolar per se.) SpringerLink
- Umbrella review / systematic reviews evaluating valerian for insomnia: results are mixed but overall suggest modest benefit for some sleep outcomes in some people; heterogeneity between studies (formulations, doses) is a big factor. ScienceDirect
Randomized trials for sleep/anxiety (examples / secondary evidence):
- Recent trials showing valerian improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety scores in people with mild insomnia (example trial summaries in clinical research digests). These support the idea valerian helps sleep/anxiety symptoms that co-occur with bipolar. NHRI
Authoritative safety/summary sources:
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) valerian factsheet (review of usefulness & safety). NCCIH
Specific Warnings for Bipolar Disorder:
May precipitate hypomania/mania in rare cases: there are published case reports and case series suggesting valerian (and other herbal supplements) have been temporally associated with hypomanic or manic symptoms in susceptible individuals. Because bipolar disorder can be triggered by substances that alter neurotransmission, there is a plausible — and documented — risk. This is why valerian should only be used as an adjunct under psychiatric supervision, never as a replacement for mood stabilizers. Psikofarmakoloji
Drug interactions — especially important for bipolar medications:
- Valerian can interact with CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, sedative antipsychotics, opiates) and increase sedation. Drugs.com
- Possible interactions with anticonvulsants / mood stabilizers (e.g., carbamazepine) and with lithium are described by drug-interaction resources; always check with a pharmacist/psychiatrist because interactions can alter mood-stabilizer blood levels or increase side effects. Hello Pharmacist
Rare liver injury reports & other adverse effects: though uncommon, there are case reports of liver problems and other adverse events when herbs are used singly or in combination. Long-term safety data are limited. Health
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: insufficient safety data — generally avoid valerian during pregnancy/breastfeeding unless a clinician advises otherwise. DrWeil.com
Quality control: herbal supplements are not regulated like prescription drugs — product purity and dose can vary. Prefer products with third-party testing (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab) and that state extract standardization on the label. Health
Other specific cautions: avoid combining valerian with alcohol, multiple sedatives, or other herbal sedatives (kava, melatonin, certain anxiolytic herbs) without medical guidance. There are also reports of electrolyte disturbances or other unusual adverse events in isolated cases when people self-medicate. Drugs.com
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant whose root has been used for centuries as a calming herbal remedy. In modern health contexts it is commonly taken as capsules, teas, tinctures, or extracts — most often to support sleep, anxiety reduction, and general nervous-system calming. It is not a sedative drug, but a botanically-derived supplement sold over the counter.
How It Works
Valerian root contains several bioactive compounds (e.g., valerenic acids, valepotriates, and GABA-like constituents) thought to modulate the nervous system. The leading hypothesis is that it increases availability of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Enhanced GABA tone slows neuronal firing and may reduce hyperarousal, making it easier to fall asleep or ease tension. It also appears to modulate adenosine and serotonin signalling in ways that favor rest.
These effects are milder and less consistent than pharmaceutical hypnotics (e.g., benzodiazepines or Z-drugs) and tend to build over repeated nightly use rather than producing an immediate, strong knockout effect on first dose.
Why It’s Important
For people with mild insomnia, pre-sleep anxiety, or a “wired-tired” stress pattern, valerian offers a non-prescription option that does not carry the same dependence profile as most sedatives. It is especially valued by those who prefer low-intervention or botanical approaches before trying prescription sleep aids, or who want something to use occasionally without major next-day cognitive impairment. It can be one tool among many in a sleep-hygiene stack when used thoughtfully.
Considerations
Valerian is not benign for everyone. Some people experience paradoxical stimulation, headaches, vivid dreams, or residual grogginess. Because it affects GABAergic tone, it may potentiate the effects of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anesthesia; these combinations can be risky. It can also interact with other CNS-active herbs or drugs. Quality of supplements varies widely, which affects efficacy and safety. Pregnant people, children, and individuals with liver disease or scheduled surgery should not use it without clinician guidance. Finally, if insomnia reflects untreated apnea, anxiety disorders, circadian mis-timing, caffeine overuse, or mood pathology, valerian may blunt symptoms without addressing the root cause — delaying appropriate care.
Helps with these conditions
Valerian Root is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
PTSD
Valerian root is not an evidence-backed, first-line treatment for PTSD itself. It has plausible mechanisms and reasonable clinical support for sleep p...
Insomnia
GABA modulation: Valerian contains multiple active constituents (valerenic acids, valepotriates and other compounds) that appear to influence the gamm...
Sleep Apnea
Valerian root is used for insomnia and can help some people fall asleep or sleep longer by acting on GABA/serotonin systems, but there is no good clin...
OCD
There is one small randomized, double-blind trial suggesting valerian extract reduced OCD symptoms (750–765 mg/day, 8 weeks), but overall clinical evi...
Restless Legs Syndrome
GABAergic and sedative activity. Valerian contains compounds (notably valerenic acid and related constituents) that modulate the GABA system and other...
Vertigo
Sedative/anxiolytic actions via GABA-A receptors. Lab and animal data show constituents such as valerenic acid can allosterically modulate GABA-A rece...
Bipolar Disorder
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a widely-used herbal sedative with clinical evidence for improving sleep and some anxiety symptoms, and a small ra...
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Helps With These Conditions
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