Evidence supporting the use of: Valerian root
For the health condition: Migraine

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily for its sedative and anxiolytic effects. Its use for migraine relief is rooted mainly in traditional practices rather than solid scientific evidence. Historically, valerian has been used to address a variety of nervous system complaints, such as insomnia, anxiety, and headaches, including migraines. The rationale for its use in migraines historically relates to its calming effects, which may help reduce stress and muscle tension—both considered potential migraine triggers.

However, rigorous clinical data supporting valerian root specifically for migraine prevention or treatment are lacking. Most scientific studies have focused on valerian’s impact on sleep disorders and anxiety, not migraines. Some herbalists and traditional practitioners have suggested that its muscle relaxant and CNS depressant effects could theoretically help with migraine symptoms, but direct clinical trials are virtually nonexistent. Modern guidelines for migraine management do not include valerian root, and its use remains anecdotal and based on traditional herbal medicine rather than evidence-based practice.

In summary, valerian root's use for migraines is grounded in traditional use with minimal scientific investigation or validation. Anyone considering valerian for migraines should consult a healthcare provider, as it is not a standard or well-supported therapy for this condition.

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Other ingredients used for Migraine

1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Albizia
Almond fruit
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
apple cider vinegar
ashwagandha
atractylodes
atractylone
Baikal Skullcap
balsam
banyan
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
beta-hydroxybutyrate
betony
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
black seed
black tea
blackboard tree
Blepharis
brahmi
bupleurum falcatum
butterbur
cannabidiol
Carthamus
Chinese salvia root
Chinese silkvine
chrysanthemum
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cola nut
Corydalis
creatine
crocin
curcumin
danshen
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
fish
fish oil
flavanones
flavin mononucleotide
folic acid
frankincense
Gelsemium
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
goldthread
gooseberry
gotu kola
Hellebore
Indian frankincense
iridoids
ketone salts
kuding tea
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
lemon balm
Lesser speargrass
linalool
little ironweed
luteolin
magnesium
Meadowsweet
Melatonin
Mesua
Methylxanthine
Moringa
Nardostachys
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Night jessamine
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peppermint
Petasines
Phthalides
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
Polygonum
Puerarin
purple butterbur root
Pycnogenol
Rauvolfia
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Rubiaceae
Rubus
rue
Salmon Oil
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sensitive Plant
soursop
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Spikenard
Swertia
Szechuan lovage
turmeric
ubiquinol
Uncaria
Valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Withanolides
Xanthine
Xanthone
Xanthophyll
Yuzu
Zinc
Zingerone