Welcome to the third installment of our series reviewing supplement ingredients for sleep. In this post, we'll be taking a closer look at Valerian Root - a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including insomnia. We'll explore the effects it has on the brain and body, its benefits for sleep, potential side effects, and why it was not included in our Knocked formula.
What is Valerian Root?
Valerian root is derived from the Valeriana officinalis plant, which is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, including anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. Valerian root contains several compounds that are believed to have a sedative effect on the brain and body, including valerenic acid and isovaleric acid.
Effects on the Brain and Body:
Valerian root works by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate nerve activity and promotes relaxation. By increasing GABA levels, valerian root can help to calm the mind and promote a sense of tranquility. It can also help to relax the muscles and reduce tension in the body.
Benefits for Sleep:
Valerian root is commonly used as a natural remedy for insomnia. It has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. Valerian root is also believed to promote deep sleep, which is important for overall health and well-being.
Potential Side Effects:
While Valerian root is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset. It can also cause drowsiness, so it's important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking valerian root. Additionally, it should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Why we didn't include it in our Knocked formula:
Although Valerian root has been shown to be effective for improving sleep, we chose not to include it in our Knocked formula. This was primarily due to the potential for side effects and the fact that it can interact with certain medications. We wanted to create a formula that was safe and effective for a wide range of people, which is why we opted for other natural ingredients that have been shown to promote sleep without causing adverse reactions.
Valerian root is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including insomnia. While it can be effective for improving sleep, it can also cause side effects and interact with certain medications. At Knocked, we chose not to include Valerian root in our formula to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our product. However, it may be a suitable option for some individuals, particularly those who are looking for a natural remedy for sleep. As always, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or medication.
Sources:
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Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M., & Mehling, W. (2006). Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), 1005-1012. [https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(06)00275-8/fulltext]
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Taibi, D. M., Landis, C. A., Petry, H., & Vitiello, M. V. (2007). A systematic review of valerian as a sleep aid: safe but not effective. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 11(3), 209-230. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087079207000138]
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Houghton, P. J. (1999). The scientific basis for the reputed activity of Valerian. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 51(5), 505-512. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1211/0022357991772772]
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Mirabi, P., & Mojab, F. (2014). The effects of valerian root on hot flashes in menopausal women. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 13(1), 217-222. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3808124/]
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Donath, F., Quispe, S., Diefenbach, K., Maurer, A., Fietze, I., & Roots, I. (2000). Critical evaluation of the effect of valerian extract on sleep structure and sleep quality. Pharmacopsychiatry, 33(2), 47-53. [https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2000-7972]
