Valerian for anxiety: everything you need to know

The challenges and rhythms that modern life often imposes on us can cause stress and anxiety. These states of alteration can occur in specific periods due to overwork, setbacks and new situations. In these cases, valerian can help us calm anxiety and nerves naturally.

Anxiety is an emotion typical of the human being: We can all experience anxiety for many reasons., and each individual faced with the same situation can respond with different levels of anxiety. Anxiety is generally a response to stress and, as a consequence, can lead to physical responses such as sweating and palpitations. On the other hand, anxiety also affects us on a psychic level, so we can experience tension, worry and restlessness.

a person can feel Anxiety in many situations of daily life, which is normal. However, when the sensation occurs very frequently and is prolonged, it can affect our balance.

Relieving anxiety is something that can improve your quality of life and prevent it from becoming a more severe disorder. Medicinal plants in these situations can be your allies.

Today we will discover the benefits of valerian for anxiety and how to take it to ensure greater efficacy and safety.

Valeriana officinalis, the best plant for anxiety?

If you are looking for natural remedies that help control nerves and anxiety, you are probably wondering: what is the best herb for anxiety?

This answer may surprise you, but the truth is that there is no “one” best plant of all against this emotion that makes us suffer. But beware! This is not to say that valerian is not good for anxiety, but rather that in some cases of anxiety it will be the most suitable plant but in others another plant or remedy may be more effective.

In fact, you have to keep in mind that there can be various levels of anxiety and that this disorder can be accompanied by other problems such as depression, for example.

For all of the above, saying that valerian is good for this problem is correct and, of course, we can say that it is one of the best herbs for anxiety. However, we cannot forget that there are also other plants that can help us manage this emotional state and its symptoms. Even, as we will see below, valerian can be combined along with other medicinal plants for anxiety to enhance its effects.

Then we will try to understand in which cases is it recommended the valerian.

Why and when to take it for anxiety

Valerian is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used to induce sleep or improve its quality. These benefits have initially been attributed to the presence of substances such as valepotriates or valerenic acid in the roots of the plant.

He valerenic acidIn addition, he would be responsible for the anxiolytic action of valerian.

The relaxing, calming and slightly sedative action of valerian is one of the most interesting aspects of the plant that can help alleviate mild anxiety without producing the side effects of some drugs.

Due to its action and characteristics, valerian and its extracts can be a natural ally in these cases:

To relieve episodes of generalized anxiety, mild and punctualto help you give up smokingmitigating the anxiety that smoking cessation can cause. To improve sleeping problems related to anxiety.

How to take valerian for anxiety

In the valerian root are the active ingredients that make this plant one of the most recommended to improve sleep and mitigate other effects of anxiety.

If it is the first time you use this plant, you should know that the aroma of valerian is not very pleasant. Most likely, the valerian infusion will be impossible for you to take because of its unpleasant taste. So how do you take valerian?

valerian extract

Fortunately, phytotherapy laboratories produce several types of valerian extractsso you can easily buy this plant in tablets, capsules or tinctures.

Another advantage of consuming valerian extracts instead of using its root is that in this way you make sure to take the appropriate concentrations of active ingredients with every take. In fact, the amount of essential oils and other compounds present in the roots can vary greatly depending on the weather conditions, the type of soil and the period of the year.

maximum daily dose

In relation to the daily dosethe European phytotherapeutic drug guides (Commission E and ESCOP) recommend a 3g maximum of drugs

In any case, for your safety and to obtain greater benefits, the ideal is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the guidelines of a therapist.

Valerian infusion to calm anxiety

Valerian extracts are a convenient and safe way to relieve anxiety naturally. But we can’t forget the relaxing power that the simple fact of preparing an infusion can have. The preparation ritual and the time we dedicate to ourselves while we savor a tisane is priceless.

If to this we want to add the benefits of a calming plant like valerian, ignoring its not so pleasant taste, we can experiment with some mixtures.

As we have discussed in another section of this article, valerian is one of the best plants for anxiety, but it is not the only one. Probably, you will have already found information about the passion flower or linden for anxiety. All of them have a calming and slightly sedative effect.

Many of these plants can be taken in simple infusions for the nerves. But, the most interesting thing is that these herbs help to improve the taste of valerian tea in addition to enhancing its effect.

If you want to try valerian infusion to relieve anxiety, here we suggest some mixtures:

Valerian, lemon balm, lavender.Valerian, hops, lemon balm.Valerian, hawthorn, citrus peel (mandarin peel and bitter orange are the most suitable).Valerian, linden, passion flower, poppy.

To prepare these calming infusions Mix all ingredients in equal parts. Prepare an infusion with 1 tablespoon of the mixture and 150 ml of water.

Contraindications of the root and its extracts

Although valerian extracts are phytotherapeutic products and are considered natural remedies, before starting to take valerian against anxiety You must also know its possible side effects.

The use of valerian root and its extracts are contraindicated in children under 3 years.In addition, the use in under 12 years of age, in pregnant women and during lactationshould be done under medical prescription.

Taking into account the above, in general valerian is considered a plant quite safe if taken respecting the doses and the way of use. Of course, we must remember that it is a plant that induces relaxation and sleep, so it is recommended avoiding activities that require concentrationsuch as driving, 1-2 hours after taking it.

How long does it take to take effect?

Taking valerian against anxiety can be a good natural remedy if a few small precautions are followed. In addition to the contraindications that we have highlighted, remember that valerian it is a natural extract and, unlike drugs for anxiety, its action is not immediate. The effects could take a few days to be appreciated.

Finally, if you take valerian to promote sleep when you are particularly stressed, remember take it about two hours before going to bed. Failure to do so may cause effects such as daytime drowsiness or restless sleep.