3 replies to this topic

[edward]

I used to take sleep aids like lunesta and ambien both of which worked great however I have been trying valerian root for the past two weeks as an alternative and it seems to be just as effective (I also take melantonin, ashwagandha and bacopa at night). I have read mixed reviews about long term use. Anyone have any experience with Valerian long term or any suggestions? Does tolerance build up? Any effect on the liver? Any positive effects that would cause one to choose Valerian over Lunesta or Ambien, besides the fact that its "natural". With popular herbs like this it is hard to sort through all the information available and seperate it from the hype.

[narcissistic]

this interest me to. at least valerian doesn’t seems to have a long term toxic effect. the combination of valerian and ashwagandha seems to be grate.

[sentinel]

This is a bit of an aside but a lot of people find Bacopa to have a stimulant effect.

Re Valerian, it seems as harmless as anything that will provide a noticable effect in this area:

Valerian: A Practical Review for Clinicians
Michael F. Caron, RPh * *Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston † †Good Samaritan Medical Center, Brockton, Massachusetts June E. Riedlinger, PharmD, RPh * *Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston *Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston †Good Samaritan Medical Center, Brockton, Massachusetts
Reprint requests to June E. Riedlinger, PharmD, RPh, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.
Nutr Clin Care. 1999;2:250–257
Abstract
Abstract Valerian is a natural preparation of the root and rhizome of the perennial herb, Valeriana officinalis L. It has sedative and calming effects and is utilized primarily in the treatment of insomnia and sleep disturbances. Several compounds have been identified in valerian, and although pharmacological activity has not been attributed to a specific constituent, this herb's mechanism of action is thought to be related to its ability to interact with the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid. This thorough review highlights significant valerian research to date. Valerian has been generally well tolerated in clinical trials; however, long-term administration has been associated with occasional side effects of headache, excitability, uneasiness, and cardiac disturbances. Due to the limitations of small sample size, variation in formulation, and inconsistent results in currently published clinical trials, further research is needed to clarify the efficacy and side effect profile of valerian, especially in regard to long-term therapy.

[narcissistic]

noting really indicates that it wouldn’t be safe, compared to mainstream drugs I’m sure its an alternative worth considering. I’m not sure abbot unlimited us of adaptogens such as ashwagandha thaw. some claim it is safe wile others are wary critical of using it during long periods in high doses (what has bin concluded from experience I don’t know, but examples of adverse effects seams to be extremely rare if not unexisting) .

the combination valeria and ashwagandha however might be weary good as ashwagandha also efects GABA. maby it might be woth combining ashwagandha and valeria witch apigenin as well witch is a flavonoid mildly efecting the GABA system.