Weird question- has anybody here ever taken Valerian root (capsules) to help them sleep, and has it worked?
Catnip tea is my preferred sleep aid since I quit drinking… not as effective as whiskey, but no adverse effects! 
Never tried valerian root… sounds like something alien! 
I wanted to look this up in my Nurses Drug Guide but I left it at work. Just a word of caution, Herbs are not tested like marketed drugs are.Information on them is not always complete, particularly dosage and drug interaction. Always use caution when using herbs or natural substances as many of them are powerful, cause different reactions in various people and may reduce or intensify the action of pharmicutical drugs, including over the counter drugs.Always consult a trusted medical PROFESSIONAL before using alternative healing methods or herbal treatments.Then you can make an educated and hopefully safe decision.Herbs have thier place in modern medicine. I dont dispute that. My point is that they can have Powerfull effects on the systems of the body so use caution.You are doing the right thing by seeking info.I would suggest going into Borders or some other well stocked bookstore and looking it up in a Mosbys or Spring house Nurses drug handbook.Alternative herbal treatments are listed near the back of the book.I’d still check with a trusted professional medical provider.Good luck, be safe and check out the oneuphealth.com website for some very good info
Used it many times. Capsules are full of old old plant material that has very little potentcy. My suggestion is to go to your nearest health food store that carries whole herbs or at least herbs in jars, get your valerian root ( and camomile) and brew yourself some tea. It is a very dark earthy flavor. I like to use about a teaspoon of valerian, a tablespoon of fresh camomile, simmer for 10 minutes, strain and add a bit of honey. A word to the wise, valerian is potent and you might be a bit groggy in the AM.
Cheers
and pardon any mis-spelling
jenn
ps, I have used whole herbs with moderation for years. The fear factor has been generated to get self-healing out of the people’s hands and into the drug company’s in my opinion. The western medical profession knowns very little if anything about herbs and herbs have been used sucessfully for thousands of years all over the world. The Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman is an excellent resource book.
Hi, Cran.
I’ve tried valerian root for sleep. It did seem to help sleep, but then I felt groggy the next day, like there’s a hangover effect. It seemed like pretty strong stuff.
Best wishes,
Jerry
The above 2 posts testify to the potency of herbal meds.The Chinese have known this for many years.Even western medicine has derived its modern drugs from natural sources in the enviroment.Herbs have caused serious side effects, even death. Persons with underlying or unknown medical conditions can be at great risk when using herbal alternative treatment. Do some research on licorice. You may be suprised to learn it’s known effects on the body.I are a real nurse.
I’ve used Sleepytime Extra tea from Celestial Seasonings on occasion. It contains valerian, and works really well. It doesn’t leave you feeling groggy or out of it the next day.
It also tastes pretty good, if you like tea.
no personal issue with the nurse. However, western medicine isn’t a credential for knowledge about herbs..or what is best for healing/restorative purposes for that matter. Most of the causes of death from herbs are because of extreme mis-use. “Modern medicine” also causes death and has all kinds of awful side effects, lets not imply that western medicine knows best. It is not helpful to infuse a situation that can be simply researched ( such as valerian root) with all kinds of fear. If a doctor is required, search out a naturopath. They actually have training in wholistic medicine. Otherwise, be smart: do a little research and use in moderation. 
J
No issue taken and I agree that herbal meds are effective and have their place . I give several substances daily to residents in longterm care facilities that were prescribed by their western doctors. I take saw palmetto myself for BPH ( it contains a natural estrogen which reduces the symptoms of BPH) My point is that those with serious existing medical conditions, those taking over the counter as well as prescription drugs and those with unknown underlying physical conditions (ie; pregnant and don’t know it yet, undiagnosed CHF,undiagnosed hypertention, etc. etc. etc.) can be at risk due to drug interactions. The body is a marvellous organism.Everything we put in it affects it in some way and it interacts with every other substance put in it. My point is not to scare people but to encouragre them to take active responsibility for their overall well being and to do as you suggest, do research themselves ( including knowledgeable professionals they TRUST) and make responsible well informed decisions.I have not attempted to instill fear but inform. I see nothing in my previous post that would cause anyone to believe I was trying to instill fear.I get no kick backs from pharmicutical drug sales and I encourage a healthy lifestyle and good nutition as well as good sleep habits and excercise as the best prescription and practical plan to avoid ill health and maintain a high level of wellbeing. I have taken the NURSES OATH to which I am very commited.I practice the things I swore to do daily, and demonstrate this by doing everything from digital rectal evacuations to holding and comforting the dying as they pass from this life . As a nurse I swore to encourage and help enable everyone and anyone to seek and maintain the highest level of well being possible. Do some research and you will see today nursing is a wholistic approach and has been for many years.Just do a google on wholistic nursing ,Its in Every nursing textbook used today. Look up the nurses oath as well. I have no hidden agenda. Also , thnak you for putting pants on that cat.I cannot stand the unblinking gaze of the big brown eye 
[quote=“jenaceae”]
ps, I have used whole herbs with moderation for years. The fear factor has been generated to get self-healing out of the people’s hands and into the drug company’s in my opinion. The western medical profession knowns very little if anything about herbs and herbs have been used sucessfully for thousands of years all over the world. The Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman is an excellent resource book.[/quote]
I second this…this book has helped our family a lot, and it is safe to make your own tinctures, cough syrups, herbal teas using these recipes.
also, my advice for inducing sleep would be chamomilla tea…a strong cuppa makes you sleep very easily …tablespoon a cup.
greetings
berti
Sure, I sometimes use Valerian capsules, or Valerian extract (Dr. Janet Zand has a line which includes other herbs as well). I think that Valerian’s effect is more in calming the mind than in relaxing the body. The cat goes nuts over it - the effect for some cats can be like catnip. BTW, digestive aids such as Chamomile and Ginger may aid sleep also (affect lower & upper intestinal gas respectively). Another alternative, L-Tryptophan ( a natural amino acid) is useful as a muscle relaxant. While no longer on the market due to a one-time issue of a contaminated plant using a new form of fermentation, L-Tryptophan is available in the U.S. for veterinary use, or for humans by prescription. I’ve never found 5-HTP (I think a precursor to L-Tryptophan, and took over that market) to be effective for me.
Oh yeah, and exercise.
Kevin Krell
A natural source readily available is turkey (meat not country) Celebrate Thanksgiving every day and sleep like a baby every night.And to keep the pounds off ,pass on the pie and as Kevin suggests ,excercise. Hey Cranberry, any of this helpful? Edited to add that last bit 
Actually, Tryptophan is less effective when combined with the protein intake.
Kevin Krell
Merely stating it occurs naturally in turkey meat, as within every cow is the spirit of a dolpnhin
You could always try warm milk with a bit of honey and vanilla (if you’re into dairy products).
Here are some simple tips to get a better nights sleep:
- If possible ,go to bed and wake up at the same times each day.Establishing a routine sleep cycle is the goal.
2.Your bed should be associated with sleep and relaxation. Avoid performing activities such as eating , doing homework, balancing the check book etc. in your bed. - Avoid strenuous activity 2 hours prior to going to bed.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages in the evening.Caffinated beverages consumed after 3pm can affect some peoples ability to fall asleep. Some people may have the same reaction to drinks with concentrated sweets ,or alcohol.
- Avoid eating heavy meals at least 2 hours prior to going to bed.
Do something relaxing just before bedtime (eg. reading or television ) so that you don’t dwell on worrisome issues.If you can’t fall asleep within thirty minutes , get up and move to another room and engage in a quiet activity until you feel sleepy.
One method of preventing worries from keeping you awake is to keep a journal before going to bed.List all issues that worry you. Just list them, don’t dwell on or analyse them.By this method you transfer your worries from your thoughts to paper , leaving your mind quieter and more ready to fall asleep.
There are many effective relaxation techniques available and if you have a significant other to give you a backrub that is often very effedtive.
Temporary insomnia is common and a natural response to periods of high levels of stress like major life changes.Ongoing longterm insomnia may be due to underlying physiological problems and you should consult a professional medical care provider in whom YOU trust.
Hey Cran! It’s me, aderyn_du. Good to see you again!! Valerian can be great for sleep, though it smells like stinky gym socks. It can leave me feeling a bit groggy the next day, as someone else mentioned. I agree with the catnip option that raindog offered. While it makes cats run around like crazy, it has a nice, gentle soothing effect on us humans.
As to the rest of the discussion: Herbs can be perfectly safe, and offer you a lot less side-effects than all those loverly meds out there. The meds have their place too, don’t get me wrong, but personally I like to try nature first when possible. The thing with herbs-- READ THE DIRECTIONS ON THE BOTTLE. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE BOTTLE. Many of the cases that you read about, where something went ‘wrong’, the people took way more than they were supposed to. Just because its natural, it doesn’t mean take indiscriminately. When in doubt, be sure you are going to a reputable health food store with knowledgeable staff that can help you. If you are buying bulk herbs, where there are no directions, than be sure to at least consult a good herb book. If you need titles, give me a holler, I have some great ones that can guide a beginner where they need to go-- I’ve been working with herbs for around 15 years now, and plan on getting Master certification eventually.
One other note-- if you are on meds of some sort, you should consult with a Master Herbalist or a Naturopathic doctor to make sure they are no unwanted interactions between your meds and whatever herbs you want to take.
Best,
~A
Hey Cran, you also could try reading all of this thread 
I fell asleep 1/2 ways through------------- and only just woke up !!!with the key board impressed in ma forhead
Good stuff Toughknot
Hi aderyn
I seem to recall that if you’re making valerian tea, it is MOST important NOT to boil it, as boiling makes the herb harmful to the body in some way. This caveat from a memory as vague as all heck, I know, but it’s worth remembering.
I shall now Google.
I have they will take you right out I say go for it but it smells really bad. If you have consistent insomnia go to a Psychologist. I used to take Valerian every night but I went to a Psychologist later and it turns out my insomnia was a symptom of depression I am not saying that is why you have it but it could be that or something else. 