If your sleep rhythm is disturbed and you are constantly mentally on the alert, valerian is one of the best-known remedies to help you find peaceful rest .
Let's find out together what this plant really is, how it affects the nervous system, what benefits it offers people who suffer from insomnia or stress, and how to take it safely.
What is valerian and why does it promote sleep?
Valerianaofficinalisis a perennial herbaceous plant from the valerian family, which has been known for its calming properties since antiquity.
The ancient Greeks and Romans already used the dried roots as a natural remedy for insomnia and restlessness, while in medieval medicine it was considered a plant that promoted concentration.
has given way to scientific research, which has confirmed the relaxing properties of this plant species.
Valerian's sleep-promoting effect is based on its action on the central nervous system.Its active ingredients promote the release of substances that regulate the balance between tension and relaxation, thus helping to reduce the restlessness that often precedes sleep.
Valeriana officinalis, the best-researched and most commonly used species for therapeutic purposes, must be distinguished from other varieties of the same botanical genus, such asValeriana jatamansi or Valeriana wallichii.
The latter grow in different environments and have a non-identical chemical composition, therefore they do not offer the same benefits or the same effectiveness.
What properties does valerian have?
Valerian roots contain a complex set of substances that work together synergistically to produce a calming effect.
Among these, valerenic acid is one of the main contributors to the relaxing effect, as it influences the availability of neurotransmitters associated with sleep and mental serenity.
In addition, essential oils contribute to the generation of a general feeling of relaxation, while other compounds such as valepotriates intervene in the modulation of the functions of the nervous system.
This combination of molecules makes valerian one of the most popular plants for promoting natural sleep, without being addictive or causing serious side effects.
Numerous studieshave shown that the regular intake of standardized extracts improves sleep quality, shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, and contributes to calming the mind in the evening hours.
How does it affect the nervous system?
The active ingredients contained in the root interact with the GABAergic system, which regulates the activity of neurons and promotes mental calmness.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain's most important inhibitory neurotransmitter, a kind of "natural brake" that reduces excessive neuronal excitation. Valerian promotes its availability and duration of action and helps the brain prepare for sleep.
Through its effect on the relaxation of the nervous system, the plant promotes psychophysical relaxation, which gently leads to calm without causing sedation or excessive drowsiness upon waking.
Unlike hypnotics or anxiolytics, which act more directly and can alter the sleep structure, valerian does not force the physiological process, but rather supports it in a natural way.
The effect is rather gentle and cumulative in nature, which is why the positive effect often occurs after only a few days of regular intake.
The proven benefits of valerian for sleep.
Numerous clinical studies have confirmed that valerian helps to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and improveoverallsleep quality.
This effect is particularly useful for mild insomnia or when sleep disorders are caused by emotional stress,work-related stress or hormonal changes.
The calming effect of valerian helps to regulate the body's response to stress, improve neurochemical balance, and restore the body's ability to relax spontaneously.
Many also choose to do this in order to cope with moments of evening restlessness, when the mind continues to process thoughts or worries that prevent sleep.
Use of valerian in specific contexts
During menopause and premenopause, many women suffer from insomnia, nighttime awakenings, and difficulty falling asleep due to hormonal imbalances.
Valerian can be a valuable aid during this phase, as it helps to reduce a state of nervous tension without affecting the hormonal balance.
Greater cautionis advised when using valerian in children and adolescents. Although some extracts are used in pediatric formulations, it is always advisable to consult a pediatrician before taking it.
In fact, the dosage and duration of treatment must be assessed based on age and specific needs.
Even for adults, valerian can be a useful aid during times of high stress or performance anxiety, such asbefore exams, job interviews, or challenging events.
In these cases, it helps to calm the mind , relieve muscle tension, and improve concentration. It also improves sleep quality in the nights leading up to particularly stressful moments.
The combination of valerian and a healthy lifestyle improves sleep.
When integrated into a balanced evening routine. Sleep hygiene is the first step towards restful recovery, and every detail can make a difference.
Regular bedtime, reducing exposure to blue light from electronic devices, and creating a pleasant, quiet, and well-ventilated environment help the body recognize when it needs rest.
Even small gestures, such as dimming the lights or reading for a few minutes, send a calming signal to the brain, preparing it for sleep.
A light evening meal helps to enhance the relaxing effect of valerian. Avoiding coffee, tea , alcohol, and foods high in sugar or fat helps to prevent disruptions in the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm.
Incorporate natural relaxation exercises to further enhance the benefits. Deep breathing or guided meditation help lower heart rate and free the mind from accumulated tension.
Contraindications and side effects of valerian
Like any herbal remedy, valerian requires careful application . Although it is well tolerated by most people, slight residual drowsiness can occur in some cases.
For this reason, it is advisable to take the medication only in the evening and to avoid driving or engaging in activities that require concentration immediately after taking it.
Particular caution is advised if you are taking sedatives, anxiolytics or antidepressants: Valerian can intensify their effects, which is why a medical examination is necessary before starting to take it. It is also advisable not to combine it with alcohol, as this can increase the sedative effect.
In rare cases, intolerance reactions such as mild headaches,gastrointestinal complaints or itching skin may occur. These symptoms usually disappear after discontinuation of treatment.
Another aspect that is often questioned concerns long-term use: There is no evidence that valerian causes dependence or addiction, as long as it is used in the correct dosage and with rest periods between individual cycles.
How to take it correctly
Valerian is available in various forms. Capsules and dry extracts ensure precise dosing of the active ingredients and are therefore ideal for anyone who wants controlled nutritional supplementation.
Herbal teas, on the other hand, offer a gentler effect and a relaxing ritual that naturally complements your evening routine. Drops and tinctures allow for more individual dosing, but require careful attention to the product concentration.
The amount of active ingredient may vary depending on the formulation, but generally it is taken about half an hour to an hour before bedtime so that the body can gradually absorb the calming effect.
is achieved through consistent application for at least two weeks, as valerian has a progressive and cumulative effect.
Valerian and Melatonin: Synergy or Alternative?
Valerian and melatonin are often combined, although their mechanisms of action are different and complementary.
Valerian works by modulating the GABA system, thus promoting muscle and mental relaxation, while melatonin regulates the circadian rhythm and helps the body recognize the natural moment of rest.
Together, they create a synergy that supports both the sleep onset phase and the quality of deep sleep, especially during times of stress or changes in daily routine.
The combined intake may be useful for people who have difficulty falling asleep or wake up frequently at night. In case of changes in the sleep-wake rhythm due to jet lag or shift work, melatonin alone may be sufficient.
It is always advisable to start with short cycles and observe your body's reaction, and then adjust the duration and frequency of intake.
How to recognize a high-quality dietary supplement
A good valerian preparation must ensure a precise titration of the active ingredients: This parameter ensures that each dose contains an effective and constant amount of the functional substance.
Organic certifications and purity tests represent another quality characteristic. The origin of the raw materials and the extraction methods used are essential aspects, as they influence the concentration of the active ingredients.
The best extracts are obtained from the roots of Valeriana officinalis, which are grown without pesticides and processed in slow and controlled methods that preserve the original phytochemical profile.
Those who opt for transparent brands that provide detailed information about origin and production standards are choosing safety and respect for their body.
The best valerian preparation for a peaceful sleep
In times when insomnia, tension, or nighttime thoughts make it difficult to get a good night's rest, a well-formulated extract can make all the difference.
Dietary supplements that combine valerian, melatonin , and other calming plants such as California poppy andmoringa oleifera work on several fronts: They relax the nervous system, regulate the circadian rhythm, and promote deeper, more restful sleep.
At RedMoringa, we work hard every day to offer you safe products that have been carefully tested and made with high-quality natural ingredients.
OurDeep Sleep preparationwith melatonin, California poppy, valerian and moringa is intended for anyone who wants to fall asleep more easily and wake up rested, without unwanted side effects.
Thanks to the synergy between pure plant extracts and titrated active ingredients, it helps to find a natural balance between body and mind and improves nocturnal well-being in a gentle but concrete way.