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

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
ashwagandha
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
black tea
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
Chinese salvia root
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
fish oil
ginger
ginkgo biloba
gooseberry
gotu kola
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
luteolin
magnesium
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
Peppermint
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
purple butterbur root
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Almond fruit
ubiquinol
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
atractylodes
blackboard tree
swertia
Szechuan lovage
chrysanthemum
soursop
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Apple Cider Vinegar
Albizia
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blepharis
Balsam
Banyan
Brahmi
Butterbur
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
Chinese Silkvine
Crocin
Creatine
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folic Acid
Flavin mononucleotide
Ficus religiosa
Fish
Flavanones
Ficus simplicissima
Frankincense
Goldthread
Gelsemium
Ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
Hellebore
iridoids
Ketone Salts
Kuding tea
lemon balm
Lesser speargrass
Little ironweed
Linalool
Mesua
Methylxanthine
Meadowsweet
Nardostachys
Night jessamine
Osthole
Puerarin
Petasines
Phthalides
Paeoniflorin
Pycnogenol
Polygonum
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Rue
Rubus
Rauvolfia
Rubiaceae
Spikenard
Sensitive Plant
Salmon Oil
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Uncaria
Withanolides
Xanthine
Xanthophyll
Xanthone
Yuzu
Zingerone