Evidence supporting the use of: Valerian root
For the health condition: Menopause
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 sleep disturbances, anxiety, and nervousness. Its use for menopause is primarily based on its historical application for managing symptoms commonly experienced during menopause, such as insomnia and mild anxiety. Many menopausal women seek valerian root to address sleep difficulties and restlessness, which are frequent complaints during this life stage.
While there is limited scientific evidence directly connecting valerian root to menopause symptom relief, a few small clinical studies suggest potential benefits. For example, a 2013 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that valerian significantly improved sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Another small study indicated valerian might reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes, though results were not consistent across research. Despite these findings, the evidence base remains limited in size and methodological quality.
Overall, valerian root's traditional use for menopause-related symptoms is far more established than its scientific validation. Most recommendations stem from its sedative and anxiolytic properties, not from robust clinical trials specifically targeting menopause. Thus, while valerian is widely used, more high-quality research is needed to determine its true effectiveness for menopause symptoms.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)Alfalfa
Aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
Akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Fo-Ti
Ficus religiosa
Glycetein
Horny Goat Weed
Hypericum
Isoflavones
Lycium
lemon balm
Lady's Mantle
Linden
Lotus
Loranthus
Labisia pumila
Macamides
Montanoa tomentosa
Meadow sage
Miroestrol
Macaenes
Ophiopogon
Puerain
Pulsatilla
Prickly Pear Cactus
Phytoestrogens
Polygonum
Rue
Rubus
Rockweed
Rehmannia
Rose
Rooibos
Rosa laevigata
Rhubarb
Soy
Soy Protein
Stone Root
Vervain
Viburnum
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Withanolides
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Other health conditions supported by valerian root
Addictions (drugs)Addictions (general remedies for)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Emotional Sensitivity
Epilepsy
Fear (excessive)
Grief and Sadness
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hysteria
Insomnia
Irritability
Menopause
Migraine
Nervousness
PMS (general)
Restless Leg Syndrome
Stress
Tension
Products containing valerian root
Designs For Health
CatecholaCalm™
Metagenics
Fem EstroPlex®
Vitabase
Healthy Sleep Support
Designs For Health
Insomnitol™ Capsules
Metagenics
MyoCalm
Metagenics
MyoCalm®
Metagenics
MyoCalm
Metagenics
MyoCalm Plus
Metagenics
MyoCalm Plus
Designs For Health
MyoSedate™
Vitabase
Relaxation Support
Vitabase
Super Stress Formula