Evidence supporting the use of: Valerian
For the health condition: Worry

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an herb traditionally used in Europe for its sedative and anxiolytic effects. Its use for "worry" (commonly interpreted as mild anxiety) has some scientific backing, although the evidence is not robust. Several small clinical trials have investigated valerian’s effect on anxiety and related symptoms, such as nervousness and restlessness. Some studies suggest that valerian may modestly reduce subjective anxiety, likely due to its interaction with the GABAergic system in the brain, which is involved in calming neural activity. However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while valerian appears to be safe, the evidence for its efficacy in treating anxiety is inconsistent and limited by methodological weaknesses, such as small sample sizes and varying formulations. Regulatory bodies like the European Medicines Agency recognize valerian as a traditional herbal remedy for the relief of mild nervous tension, but do not endorse it as an evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders. In summary, valerian is used for worry based on both traditional use and some scientific evidence, but high-quality clinical validation is lacking and its effect size is likely small.

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Products containing Valerian

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