If you’re looking for the best valerian root supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place.
You can also get more info by jumping to our Valerian Root Supplements Guide.
Top 10 Valerian Root Supplements
| #1 |  |
NOW Foods Valerian Root | More Info |
| #2 |  |
Nature’s Way Valerian | More Info |
| #3 |  |
Gaia Herbs Valerian Root | More Info |
| #4 |  |
Solaray Organic Valerian | More Info |
| #5 |  |
Solgar Valerian Root Extract | More Info |
| #6 |  |
Pure Mountain Botanicals Valerian | More Info |
| #7 |  |
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Valerian | More Info |
| #8 |  |
Natural Factors Valerian Root | More Info |
| #9 |  |
Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Valerian Extract | More Info |
| #10 |  |
Real Herbs Valerian Root Extract | More Info |
Valerian Root Supplements Guide
Do you have trouble sleeping, or do you struggle with anxiety? Rather than prescription or over-the-counter drugs that may have harmful or addictive properties, you may want to consider an effective herbal supplement to help your body naturally relax. Valerian root is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to help with issues like insomnia, anxiety, stress relief, and more.
What is Valerian Root?
As its name implies, valerian root is the root structure of the valerian plant. Valerian is native to Europe and parts of Asia, where it grows primarily in moist, temperate climates and can be found naturally in forests and meadows. The valerian plant has also been naturalized in North America, where many areas are suitably matching in optimal growth conditions.
The plant itself is a flowering perennial with sweet-smelling clusters of small flowers, which can be either pink or white. Valerian grows up to six feet high or more, but the medicinal properties of the plant are found in its root system. The roots of the valerian plant feature a main stalk with many smaller rootlets, which are harvested and dried naturally in order to create valerian root powders, extracts, and teas.
Valerian root has been used as an important medicinal substance since ancient Egyptian times, where it was revered as a “heal-all” treatment for its powerful healing properties. It was also used in ancient Greece and Rome, has been vital in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years, was a widely popular remedy during medieval times, and was even used in European hospitals during World War I and II for treating air raid stress.
Benefits of Valerian Root
There are many benefits of valerian root supplements. The most popular and well-known use of valerian root is for its calming effects, which can help to fight insomnia and promote natural sleep, as well as ease anxiety. One of the biggest advantages of using valerian root for insomnia is the significantly fewer side effects compared to prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills. Valerian root can also improve the quality of sleep, helping you feel more refreshed and awake in the morning.
Anxiety relief is another common use of valerian root. Because it acts as a mild, natural sedative, valerian root in lower doses can help to combat the symptoms of anxiety. There have even been some benefits shown in the use of valerian root for treating symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) in children and adults.
In addition to treating insomnia and anxiety, valerian root supplements can be helpful for women suffering from PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Valerian root has antispasmodic qualities as well as relaxation qualities, which allows the supplement to act as a natural muscle relaxant and ease the abdominal cramps many women experience during their monthly cycles.
When used as a supplement to other health regimes, valerian root can assist in decreasing symptoms associated with both stress and physical pain in a variety of conditions. The herbal remedy is particularly effective in relieving pain associated with arthritis, migraines, and muscle pain, and can also help to combat symptoms resulting from illnesses or disorders like sciatica, multiple sclerosis, and stress-related digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Valerian root is inexpensive and highly accessible, which makes it an ideal supplement that many people can use to treat or ease a variety of symptoms and conditions, naturally and effectively.
Are There any Side Effects?
For most people, valerian root is a very safe, natural alternative for easing insomnia, anxiety, aches and pains, and more. However, all types of medications typically come with side effects, including natural and herbal remedies. The good news is that the side effects of valerian root supplements are typically fewer and milder than those of prescription drugs or over-the-counter remedies.
Common valerian root side effects can include symptoms such as headaches, upset stomach, dry mouth, drowsiness, mild confusion, and feelings of unease or excitement. Valerian users may also experience unusual or vivid dreams.
Some people may be allergic to valerian root. Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face, throat, lips, or tongue. Discontinue using valerian root immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
In addition to side effects, it’s important to be aware of potential interactions between valerian root supplements and other medications. Valerian root should not be used with other supplements that cause drowsiness or treat anxiety, such as chamomile, St. John’s wort, yerba, skullcap (scullcap), melatonin, kava, and others.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking valerian root supplements, and seek medical advice on valerian root if you’re already taking medication to treat an existing condition. It is not recommended that pregnant woman or young children take valerian root supplements, as the potential side effects in these situations have not been adequately studied or documented.
And finally, since valerian root supplements are intended to promote calmness and relaxation, you should not engage in activities that require high levels of alertness, such as operating heavy machinery.
How to Take Valerian Root
Valerian root can be taken in a number of ways. Supplements are the most popular form of valerian root, which are available in easy to swallow pill or capsule form. Most valerian root supplements range from 100 milligrams to 1200 milligrams per capsule, and are meant to be taken 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime to help with insomnia.
For insomnia relief, it’s recommended to start with 300 to 600 milligrams of valerian root per night. To treat anxiety, a lower dose of 120 to 200 milligrams should be taken three times a day, with the last dose taken right before bedtime.
In addition to pills and capsules, valerian root is available as an herbal dropper, and as a tea. The actual taste of valerian root is typically bitter and astringent, so valerian teas are formulated as a blend of natural ingredients to improve the taste, often combining powdered valerian root with chamomile or lavender. Valerian tea should be made only with hot water, never with boiling water.
Valerian root herb droppers can be added to food or water, or applied directly to the tongue. Some veterinarians actually prescribe valerian root droppers to help ease anxiety in dogs and cats!
When using valerian root supplements, always start with the lowest possible dosage, and then increase gradually to a higher dosage if you don’t experience results.
What to Look for in a Good Valerian Root
When taking any type of natural medication, it’s important to know how you can determine the highest quality supplements to take. Many companies use “organic” or “all natural” to label herbal supplements, but not every valerian root supplement is created equally.
In general, when choosing your supplement brand, look on the label for either NSF International, USP (United States Pharmacopeia), or Consumer Lab. These labels provide quality assurance and third-party certification, ensuring that the supplements and their ingredients meet the agreed quality standards of the Council for Responsible Nutrition trade association.
For valerian root, read the ingredient list and choose supplements that contain valerian root extract, rather than valerian root powder. Valerian root powder is often exposed to a greater amount of potentially harmful heavy metal contaminants, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.
Another important aspect to check with valerian root supplements is the percentage of active ingredient contained. An effective, high quality supplement will contain between 0.5 and 1 percent valeric or valerenic acid, with the best range being 0.8 percent or higher.
Valerian root supplements, teas and extracts are available in a variety of places. Look to your local grocery or health food store for high quality valerian root. You can also find valerian root capsules and pills available at retail stores such as Walmart, Target, and Walgreens. In addition, valerian root supplements are widely available online from major retailers, health outlets, and more.
The post 10 Best Valerian Root Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2016.
from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2016 http://supplementhound.com/best-valerian-root-supplements/
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