With today's busy lives, a big problem for many people is not being able to sleep properly at night. One thing comes to mind after another, and the mind is not free. So, at times like these, many people turn to natural, that is, herbal treatments . By the way, you may have heard the name " Valerian ". It is known to help you sleep and calm the mind. So today, let's talk about what this valerian really is, how safe it is, and what you need to know before using it.
What exactly is Valerian?
Simply put, valerian is a plant. Its medicinal properties are mainly found in the roots of the plant. So, the extract obtained from these roots is said to help calm the mind and promote sleep. This can usually be taken as tablets , capsules, or as a liquid extract.
But here is a very important point that we all need to understand. The common medicines that we buy from a pharmacy (for example, paracetamol , piritan) are strictly regulated by institutions like the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) of Sri Lanka. This means that there are strict standards regarding the quantity, purity, and safety of those medicines.
However, herbal supplements like valerian are not subject to such strict regulation. Therefore, the amount of valerian in one bottle may be different from the amount in another bottle. And we cannot give a 100% guarantee about their purity.
Therefore, it is not a good idea to think that "there is nothing wrong with something because it is natural." It is wise to be well informed about anything before using it.
Things you should tell your doctor before using valerian
If you are considering using valerian, it is essential to talk to your family doctor about it. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, you should tell your doctor about them without hesitation.
| Your medical condition or habit | Why should I inform the doctor about it? |
|---|---|
| Conditions such as depression or anxiety | Valerian can change symptoms and may also interact with medications you are taking. |
| Liver disease or kidney disease | These organs are important in the process of removing drugs from the body. If there is a problem with them, valerian can accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| If you use alcohol frequently | Because both alcohol and valerian affect the central nervous system, taking them together can cause severe effects such as excessive drowsiness and dizziness. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | There hasn't been enough research done on the effects of this on the fetus during pregnancy, so it's not worth taking the risk. |
| If the baby is breastfed | The ingredients in valerian can pass into breast milk. We don't know how it might affect the baby. |
| If you have allergies to other herbs, medicines, foods or substances | If you have allergies to other things, there is a chance that you may also be allergic to valerian. |
How to use valerian?
Use this as directed by your doctor or as directed on the product label.
- Drink this with a glass of water.
- If you experience stomach upset, take this with a meal.
- Never take more than the recommended dose .
What do you do if you accidentally take too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much valerian, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is not a game, so it is important to act quickly.
Other things that may interact with valerian (Interactions)
“Interaction” means that valerian can interact unexpectedly with another medication or substance you are taking. This can increase or decrease the effects of valerian, or cause dangerous side effects .
Avoid taking valerian with the following:
- Alcohol: Taking these two together can cause excessive drowsiness and decreased alertness.
- Sleeping pills: If taken together with valerian, the effects of sleepiness may increase to dangerous levels.
- Medications for depression, anxiety: The effects of these can vary.
- Muscle relaxants: May increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Some painkillers (narcotic pain medications ): Taking these together can cause dangerously increased drowsiness.
Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, vitamins, herbal supplements, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol .
What side effects are possible?
Like any medicine, valerian can cause side effects in some people. It's important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the body, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (may cause difficulty breathing). |
| Common side effects | Dizziness , drowsiness the next day, headache, stomach upset or discomfort. |
Especially remember: If you feel drowsy or dizzy after taking valerian, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness. Imagine if you drank this and drove a car… wouldn’t that be dangerous? Also, if you’re an elderly person, you’re more likely to get dizzy and fall when you suddenly stand up or sit down.
Take-Home Message
- Valerian is an herbal supplement used for sleep and relaxation, not a strictly regulated drug. Its quality and dosage can vary.
- Before using any herbal supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- The word "natural" does not equal "completely safe."
- Never drive or operate machinery after taking valerian, as it can cause drowsiness.
- If you experience a severe side effect such as an allergic reaction, seek medical advice immediately. If you accidentally take too much, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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