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
27-deoxyactein7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Achyranthes
Agnuside
Agrimonia pilosa
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alfalfa
Aloe vera
amaranth
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
antler
Ashoka
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
atractylodes
atractylone
banyan
barrenwort
bee pollen
bioflavonoids
black cohosh
black currant
black root
black seed
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
Chinese silkvine
Clary sage
Cnidium
cohosh
cordyceps
Crinum latifolium
Cynomorium
daidzein
damiana
danshen
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dioscorea
dog rose
dong quai
dong quai root
durian
eleuthero
elk antler
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
Euryale seed
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Ficus religiosa
fish oil
flaxseed
fo-ti
genistein
genistin
Glycetein
goji berry
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
horny goat weed
Hypericum
Indian frankincense
isoflavones
jujube
knotweed
kudzu
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
lemon balm
licorice root
lignans
linden
lingzhi
Loranthus
lotus
Lycium
maca
macaenes
macamides
Marine lipid
Meadow sage
Melatonin
Miroestrol
Montanoa tomentosa
Moringa
Motherwort
Nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
Ophiopogon
ophiopogon root
Phytoestrogens
pollen
Polygonum
pomegranate
Prickly Pear Cactus
Puerain
Pulsatilla
red clover
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhubarb
rockweed
Rooibos
root tuber
Rosa laevigata
rose
rose oil
royal jelly
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
rue
saffron
sage
seaweed
smilax
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
Stone Root
Valerian root
Vervain
Viburnum
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Wild yam
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
