Valerian and melatonin are perhaps the most popular natural insomnia remedies. We recently posted a round-up on the effectiveness of melatonin as an insomnia cure. Now we want to give you an overview of valerian, with the help of a recent report from The Buffalo News.
- Valerian is sourced from the root of the valerian plant – found in marshy areas in Europe and Asia.
- Scientists don’t completely understand how valerian works.
- The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that there is limited evidence that valerian is effective in treating insomnia.
- A 1996 study found valerian improved sleep after 28 days but only after taking 600 milligrams every day.
- A 2007 review published in Sleep Medicine Reviews found valerian to be safe, but probably not effective for treating insomnia.
It would appear that far more research needs to be done to determine the effectiveness (and safety) of valerian as a natural insomnia remedy – we’ll be sitting on the fence until then.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on this one – have you tried valerian? How effective was it for you?
As always, there's more information and advice in our insomnia support forum.
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