What Is Valerian Used For? Properties and Benefits

Insomnia is a problem that worries and affects millions of people around the world because of its negative impact on quality of life. It is in these cases that valerian positions itself as a natural ally to improve sleep and rest. Would you like to know all its properties? Keep reading.

Valerian: what is it used for?

It is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, mainly used as a natural relaxant for the nervous system and the brain, and especially popular for treating sleep problems and anxiety.

Benefits of valerian

This medicinal plant has been used for many years, above all because of the well-known sedative and anxiolytic effects of valerian, which help calm the mind.

It helps us calm the mind and fall asleep so that we can get restorative rest and wake up genuinely refreshed.

Among the main properties of valerian, we can find the following:

• It helps you fall asleep more quickly, meaning the time it takes to drift off is reduced, improving sleep quality.
• It reduces stress and anxiety: it has relaxing properties that help calm the mind and lower stress levels. This in turn also improves rest and reduces the time it takes to fall asleep.
• It does not cause dependence or a “hangover” effect: we can use it at night and wake up rested the next day without feeling drowsy. It can also be used over a prolonged period without causing addiction or serious dependency-related effects.

Uses of valerian

Among the main uses of this natural remedy are the following:

Valerian for sleep

Among its different uses, valerian for sleep is one of the most common, helping to manage sleep problems and anxiety. Its sedative and sleep-inducing properties make it a very effective natural remedy for tackling insomnia.

Valerian for anxiety

This medicinal plant is widely used to help with anxiety and sleep disturbances. Its sedative and anxiolytic properties are mainly attributed to compounds such as valeric acid, present in the roots of the plant itself.

Products with valerian for sleep

We offer a wide variety of products with valerian and in different formats, all designed to help improve your rest.

Below is a list of products we recommend trying if you are looking for support for sleep or insomnia:

Valerian gummies with melatonin

The gummies with valerian and melatonin, chamomile, lavender and vitamin B6 from Zzzquil Natura are ideal for improving rest and reducing the time it takes to fall asleep.

Valerian infusions

Aboca Sedivitax sleep infusions help you relax thanks to their composition of valerian, passionflower and lemon balm, perfect for deep, natural rest.

In addition, at Farmaciasdirect we offer a wide range of natural infusions and teas so that you can choose your favourite.

Valerian capsules or tablets

Pranarôm Sleep capsules are made with essential oils and natural extracts, including valerian, to support quality sleep.

Contraindications of valerian

Although it is considered a safe medicinal plant, it has several important contraindications:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: its use is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it may be toxic to the foetus or baby.
• Contraindicated in children under 3 years old for internal use, and under 12 years old for external use.
• Interaction with other medicines: it should not be combined with antidepressants, antiepileptics, sleeping tablets or any medicine that affects the central nervous system, as it may interfere with their action.
• Incompatible with alcohol consumption, as both depress the nervous system and may cause marked drowsiness.
• Use with caution in people with liver disease.

Your great ally against insomnia: build a good bedtime routine

In addition to the recommended supplements, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits to improve rest and make bedtime a pleasant part of the day:

• Establish a sleep routine and go to bed at the same time every night.
• Do not take caffeine or energy drinks in the hours before rest.
• Avoid screens or electronic devices such as your phone or computer before going to sleep.
• Do not do exercise in the hours before bedtime.
• Keep your bedroom in a rest-friendly environment, free from noise and harsh lights that make it harder to fall asleep.

If you regularly suffer from insomnia, or built-up stress stops you from enjoying proper rest, using valerian for sleep is a great natural option.

We recommend seeing a doctor if, despite our advice, the insomnia problem does not improve or gets worse.