Research digest — not medical advice. Full disclaimer · How we rate evidence
Valerian Root
Traditional sedative
Overview
A herbal supplement with a long history of folk use. Modern meta-analyses show inconsistent results and rare cases of liver toxicity.
How it works
GABA receptor modulation via valerenic acid. Mechanism is similar to benzodiazepines but much weaker.
Benefits
Sleep: mixed results across studies — some positive, some null.
C
Safety Profile
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Liver toxicity — rare but documented | severe | rare |
Contraindications
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- SSRIs and other serotonergic antidepressants (serotonin syndrome risk)
Research Summary
Inconsistent results in meta-analyses. Some individual trials show benefit; others show nothing. Choose magnesium or glycine first if you want a low-risk option.
Sources
Last updated: 2026-04-10
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Medical Disclaimer
This is a research summary, not medical advice. Body Signals is an independent research digest — it summarises published research for informational purposes and is not a healthcare provider. Supplements like melatonin, valerian, and magnesium can interact with prescription medications — check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement. Chronic insomnia may indicate an underlying condition (sleep apnoea, thyroid dysfunction, depression) and warrants a medical evaluation.
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