Does valerian root help with anxiety disorders?

Users find valerian root effective for reducing anxiety symptoms via direct motor cortex action to minimize physical stress responses. Research indicates a 30-40% reduction of anxiety with 400-600mg daily doses. Good for mild generalized anxiety and specific stress.

For clinically diagnosable anxiety disorders such as PTSD or GAD, valerian has severe limitations. While it does help to relieve the physical symptoms, it does not address the underlying neurological dysregulation that an SSRI modifies. The American Psychiatric Association does not recognize valerian as a monotherapy for these types of diseases that are diagnosed.

It is always advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before combining valerian with anxiety medications. Specific medications, like benzodiazepines and MAO inhibitors, may interact dangerously and may result in excessive sedation. I work with clients and their prescribing psychiatrists to coordinate the careful integration of valerian use into their existing treatment plans.

For panic attacks, valerian is too slowly acting to replace quickly acting prescriptions. Still, its slow action makes it more suitable for preventive management of anxiety than for acute intervention. Most clients find it more effective when taken regularly than when it is taken as needed during a crisis.

Listen closely to your response; people experience relief up to 30% of the time. In contrast, others will notice little effect due to biochemistry. If, after three weeks of taking the proper dose, you continue noticing anxiety problems, get the clinical attention of a mental health specialist.

Read the full article: Valerian Root Effects: Benefits and Risks Explained