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VIGoals·Better sleep1 claim · 1 source

Valerian for Better sleep

Valeriana officinalis · Valerianaceae

Reduces sleep latency Evidence rated high (d = 0.70).

Want the full plant profile? See Valerian botanical profile →

Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) — botanical photograph
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How it works mechanism

Valerenic acid binds GABA-A β3 subunit. Meta-analyses show small-to-moderate effect on subjective sleep quality.
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Evidence cited sources

1 source
High evidenceeffect size d = 0.70

Reduces sleep latency

Sources
  • Effect of valerian on sleep quality in post-menopausal women (2010)
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Dosage & preparation

PreparationDoseNotes
Infusion / tea2.000–3.000 g · 1–3×/day— (max 28d)
Standardized capsule300.000–600.000 mg · 1×/dayTake 30–60 min before bedtime (max 28d)
Tincture (1:5, 45%)1.000–3.000 ml · 1–3×/day— (max 28d)
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Safety & cautions

warning · CNS depressants
Strong additive sedation with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids.
warning · pregnancy
Pregnancy / lactation: insufficient safety data. Avoid.
warning · driving
May impair next-morning alertness; avoid before driving.
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Other plants for Better sleep

8 alternatives
Lavender
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
high
Chamomile
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
moderate
Passionflower
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
moderate
Lemon balm
Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
moderate
American Basswood
American Basswood
Tilia americana
moderate
Amur Linden
Amur Linden
Tilia amurensis
moderate
Carolina Basswood
Carolina Basswood
Tilia caroliniana
moderate
Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara
moderate
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Frequently asked

Is Valerian effective for Better sleep?

Reduces sleep latency Evidence is rated high with an effect size of d=0.70. See the Evidence section above for cited sources.

What is the recommended dose of Valerian for Better sleep?

Typical adult dose: 2.000–3.000 g as Infusion / tea, 1–3 times daily. See the Dosage table for all forms. Always start at the lower end.

What are the safety risks of Valerian for Better sleep?

Strong additive sedation with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids. See the Safety section for the full list of contraindications and drug interactions.

How does Valerian compare to other plants for Better sleep?

See the alternatives section above — we list other species with documented effects on Better sleep, ranked by evidence quality.

Is this medical advice?

No. This is educational reference. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal preparation, especially alongside prescription medication.

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