Valerian Tea

Overview

Valerian tea is made from the root (radix) of Valeriana officinalis L. The plant guide is in Valerian. This page covers the tea and its regulatory description.

What the evidence says

NIH says there is not enough evidence to determine whether valerian is useful for any health condition, the evidence for sleep problems is inconsistent, and a 2017 American Academy of Sleep Medicine guideline recommended against it for chronic insomnia in adults. [1] The EU committee describes valerian preparations as a traditional herbal medicine for relief of mild symptoms of mental stress and to aid sleep. [2]

What the EU monograph describes for the tea (not a recommendation)

For adolescents, adults and the elderly, the monograph describes a herbal tea of 0.3 to 3 g of the comminuted root in 150 ml of boiling water as an infusion. For sleep it describes a dose half to one hour before bedtime, with an earlier dose in the evening if needed, and a maximum of 4 single doses a day. It says that, because of its gradual onset, valerian root is not suitable for acute treatment, that continued use over 2 to 4 weeks is recommended for the best effect, and that a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted if symptoms persist or worsen after 2 weeks of continued use. Use in children under 12 is not recommended. [2] This is a regulatory description of authorised products, not a personal recommendation, and note that NIH only describes apparent safety for up to 6 weeks in studies and says long-term safety is unknown. [1]

Safety

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety has not been established, and use is not recommended. [2]
• It may impair the ability to drive and use machines. [2]
• Side effects: gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and abdominal cramps may occur. NIH lists headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness and vivid dreams, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly after chronic use; in very rare cases liver injury was reported, mostly with other herbals. [2][1]
• Do not combine with alcohol or sedatives. [1]