Valerian a Sleep Easy Supplement

Valerian a sleep easy supplement is a hard perennial flowering plant that was used as perfume in the sixteenth century. Today valerian is used for sleeping disorders, a muscle tension, restlessness and anxiety. Some studies suggest that it has sedative and anxiolytic effects that can help those that suffer from insomnia. Valerian typically works better when taken over a period of time, but some find that it takes effect immediately. Valerian seems to increase gamma aminobutyric acid GABA, a chemical in the brain that has a natural calming effect.

[caption id="attachment_975" align="alignright" width="216" caption="Valerian a Sleep Easy Supplement - Valerian Plant"][/caption]

Valerian is an herbal supplement that is not regulated by the FDA; therefore it is advised to talk to your physician as this natural product does have some known side effects. Because it has tranquilizing properties it may cause dizziness and should be avoided before operating heavy or hazardous equipment. In some individuals valerian can cause stomach aches and night terrors. Dosage varies per individual, so if a larger dose is taken, results have been reported to cause lack of mental focus and mild depression. In rare cases, valerian has cause an allergic reaction, typically as a skin rash, hives or difficulty breathing. Other side effects are headaches, excitability, uneasiness and morning drowsiness. It should never be used with other depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or opiates. People that have other medical conditions such as; epilepsy, liver disease, allergies to food, dyes or preservatives or pregnant/nursing should only take valerian under a physician’s care.

Valerian is broken down in the liver. Theoretically, it could interfere with the effectiveness of medications that are broken down by the same liver enzymes, such as:

• allergy medications like Allegra (fexofenadine)
• cholesterol medication such as Mevacor (lovastatin)
• antifungal drugs such as Sporanox (itraconazole) and Nizoral (ketoconazole)
• cancer medications such as Camptosar (irinotecan), Etopophos, Vepesid (etoposide), Gleevec (STI571), Taxol (paclitaxel), Velbe (vinblastine) or Oncovin (vincristine)

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medication you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

For inability to sleep (insomnia): Supplements are available in tablets, capsules or tinctures and it can also be brewed as a tea. Because valerian tea has a somewhat bitter taste, flavorings are often added, including peppermint or fruit flavor, to make a more pleasant-tasting drink.  If you don't like the taste of your valerian tea, your cat may love it as it has catnip affecting properties.

1 400-900 mg valerian extract up to 2 hours before bedtime for as long as 28 days, or
2 Valerian extract 120 mg, with lemon balm extract 80 mg 3 times daily for up to 30 days, or
3 A combination product containing valerian extract 187 mg plus hops extract 41.9 mg per tablet, 2 tablets at bedtime for 28 days.

Take valerian 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime, it may also cause excessive sleepiness if taken with other herbs thought to have a sedative effect, such as hops, catnip and kava. Swiss researchers found a valerian/lemon balm combination to be significantly more effective than a placebo in inducing sleep. Sleep Easy - Natural Sleep Aid for Better Sleep with Valerian and Lemon Balm, 60 Tablets is available online or at your local health food store.

NOTE: It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose, although there have been reports of fatigue, stomach cramps, tightness in the chest, light headedness and shaky hands and/or feet. If you think you may have taken too much valerian, seek immediate medical attention. The content provided in Valerian a Sleep Easy Supplement is for information purposes only, intended to raise the awareness of different solutions for you or your families sleep problems and should not be considered medical advice. For medical diagnosis and treatment, please see your qualified health-care professional. When purchasing a supplement on line it is recommended that you do not solely rely on the information presented. The information and statements regarding their products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Therefore, they (the online distributor) and asleepeasy.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements made about the products.