Valerian
Valerian is an herbal tranquilizer and sedative that is widely used in Europe. In recent years it has gained popularity in the United States. Clinical studies, mostly in Europe, have found it to be as effective as tranquilizers in alleviating mild to moderate anxiety and insomnia (Davidson and Connor 2000). Yet it has fewer side effects and is nonaddictive.
Valerian is also not as likely as prescription tranquilizers to impair memory and concentration or cause lethargy and drowsiness. It will generally not cause a hangover the next day if used for sleep, though a few people have reported they are affected thay way. In general, valerian can work will for mild to moderate anxiety, but may be less effective for more severe cases.
As a general rule, you should avoid using valerian daily for more than six months. Long-term use at high doses has been associated with side effects such as headache, excitability, restlessness, agitation, and palpitations. You can use it two to three times per week, however, indefinitely. Also, valerian should not be taken together with benzodiazepine tranquilizers such as Xanax, Ativan (lorazepam), and Klonopin or sedatives such as Restoril (temazepam), Ambien (zolpidem), and Sonata (zaleplon). It can be combined with other herbs, such as kava, Saint John's -wort, and especially hops or passionflower.
-- Natural Relief for Anxiety, Edmund J. Bourne, PH.D. All Rights Reserved. Used With Permission
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