Evidence supporting the use of: Valerian root
For the health condition: Emotional Sensitivity

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, especially in Europe and Asia, primarily as a remedy for insomnia, anxiety, and general nervousness. While there is no specific historical documentation that valerian was used exclusively for "emotional sensitivity" as a distinct condition, traditional herbalists have often recommended valerian for individuals described as “high-strung,” “nervous,” or “emotionally reactive”—concepts that overlap with what some modern sources might call emotional sensitivity.

Scientifically, valerian has been studied mostly for its sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. These properties are thought to arise from its influence on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, leading to a calming effect. A few studies have suggested valerian may help with symptoms of anxiety and stress, which can be components of emotional sensitivity, but robust clinical evidence is lacking for its direct impact on emotional sensitivity as a distinct diagnosis. Thus, its use for this purpose is mostly justified by tradition rather than strong scientific data. The overall quality of evidence is modest for general calming effects, but limited specifically for emotional sensitivity, meriting a rating of 2 out of 5.

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