Evidence supporting the use of: Valerian root
For the health condition: Fear (excessive)

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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 as a herbal remedy for anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbances, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. The use of valerian for "fear"—particularly in the sense of excessive fear, or what we now classify as anxiety or panic—stems from its calming and sedative properties recognized in folk medicine. Traditional European herbalists often employed valerian to "calm nerves" and reduce emotional turmoil, which would encompass symptoms akin to excessive fear or anxiety.

Scientifically, most contemporary studies on valerian focus on its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative effects. While there is some evidence from animal models and small clinical trials suggesting that valerian may help with mild anxiety and promote relaxation, the results are mixed and generally not robust enough to support strong clinical recommendations, especially for more severe anxiety disorders. The evidence specifically addressing "excessive fear" is indirect, as most research measures general anxiety or sleep quality rather than acute fear responses.

In summary, valerian root’s use for excessive fear is primarily rooted in traditional practice. Scientific studies provide only limited and moderate-quality evidence for its effectiveness in related conditions such as mild anxiety, and there is little direct research on its effects on pathological or excessive fear specifically.

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