Valerian

Question: How long does it take for Valerian Root to get out of the body system before it shows in a standard drug test? I found out recently that Valerian Root would bring false positives in a standard drug dest under the class of Benzodiazepines. Since Valerian Root is a derivative of Diazepam, do they have the same duration period of detection? Thank you for your time. Have a nice day everyone!

Answer: I am not sure that there are many reports of Valerian causing false positives in a drug test; however, I am sure it is possible. Based on my personal experience, Valerian has not caused a false positive for me. I take 3-4 a day to overcome anxiety and I test negative for benzos. When you take a drug test be sure to tell them that you have taken Valerian Root.

Question: What is your opinion of valerian root as a sleep aid? I am curious to what others think of valerian root. Can you give me a testimonial? Does it make you sleep? What is your dosage? What do you like/dislike about it? My own experience is that it makes me sleep very soundly and sometimes the sleepiness lasts through the following day. Valerian root affects me, but it doesn't affect my brother. Any valerian root "afficionados" out there? Does it work for you? Do you use it for anything else?

Answer: What many people don’t realize is that it can take a few weeks for some herbs to build up in your system before they start to work. This includes valerian root. There are other herbs that might help for sleep, eg, kava kava, chamomile, hops, passion flower, skullcap. Valerian root and kava kava seem to be the most popular. The minerals calcium and magnesium might be helpful for sleep. Many people report success with 5-HTP, trytophan, or melatonin (about 3 mg). I would not take melatonin for over a month unless your doctor says it is ok.

Question: How long do the effects of the herb valerian last ? I've been using valerian to improve my quality of sleep. I used it on a Thursday night and then had a sleep study friday night. I didn't take the valerian friday but I'm wondering if it could alter results(heartbeat,etc).

Answer: It was probably still in your bloodstream. If, at the time, you didn't tell the technician that you use valerian (even though you didn't take it that night), you should mention it to your doctor when it comes time for you to discuss the results with him/her.

Question: What company produces the best Valerian Root? Ive taken a high quality Valerian root supplement before but that one is discontinued i guess because i cant find it. So i tried a random brand and it was sh**. Anyone know a brand that makes really effective Valerian root?

Answer: I use Natures Bounty. I am happy with it.

Question: Why is it recommended that people prone to hypoglycemia avoid Valerian Root? While doing research on Valerian Root I've found that most sites recommend against its use if you're prone to hypoglycemia... but I can't find any explanation as to why. Valerian Root is supposed to act as a mild sedative for sleep aid and I'd like to try it, but I am prone to hypoglycemia. Anybody have more information?

Answer: Heya Timo - had to hit the herb monographs to double-check this one. I have never heard of links between hypoglycemia and valerian. I re-read the pharmacology and did a quick literature search... As far as I can see, valerian has no impact on glucose levels. I can't find any evidence that there's need for caution in people prone to hypoglycemia.

Question: What are the side effects of taking valerian root? Every now and then I take 2 capsules at bedtime to help me sleep, what are some side effects of taking valerian root, besides feeling very sleepy the day after?

Answer: Well, since Valerian root can act as a diuretic, people who tend to wake during the night to urinate may not find it effective as a sleep aid. Though side effects are rare, some people who use Valerian root for long periods of time may develop headaches, insomnia or agitation. Though this may seem paradoxical, the same side effect is often noted with prescription sleep aids and anti-anxiety medications if they are over-used. Valerian root should be used conservatively to treat symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, and it should not be discontinued suddenly. Because of possible negative interaction with barbiturates and benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Valium, and Xanax, people taking these medications should not use Valerian root.

Question: What are the side effects or contraindications of Valerian? Why does the label on my Valerian say to discontinue use two weeks before surgery? Are there other contraindications or side effects not generally reported?

Answer: 10 types of cancer?? Give me a break, or at least cite your sources for all these extreme contraindications. If you get it from a poor source, then yes, like everything else, you might get what you pay for. If you get valerian from a reputable, organic source, there are not that many serious contraindications. "The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) gives valerian a class 1 safety rating, which indicates that it is a safe herb with a wide dosage range. " - University of Maryland Medical Center Yes, it is a sedative, and therefore by common sense it should be kept away from any other sedative or psychiatric meds or herbs. So no anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, or sedatives of any kind while on valerian. Some psych meds might stay in your system for a long time, so ask a pharmacist if you were on any drugs like that in the past few months. The one side effect I have found in speaking with other herbalists, is that nightmares result for some people. Out of the 25 or more people I know on valerian, three of the reported this. There are likely studies out there which can reflect a more accurate idea of how many people get this. According to the American Botanical Council cited below, most people don't have any problems at all with it. They are even recommending it as safe during pregnancy, although I would look into this more before suggesting it. The other reference I cited below is the University of Maryland Medical Center, and it has more info about some other possible side effects.

Question: Can you split open valerian root capsules and safely take what is inside? I can't swallow capsules and need a sleep aid.Can I split Valerian Root capsules safely and take what is inside?

Answer: yes

Question: Any luck with valerian root and passion flower extract? I've been having recent bouts of severe anxiety. I don't want to use perscription medication for this so a friend recommended valerian root. At the health food store they also recommended passion flower extract and Gaba complex. Does anyone have any advice on these supplements? I know to take the valerian root at night because it will make me tired, but what about the other two? Will they aliviate my symptoms?

Answer: I actually tried valerian root for sleeping but i have anxiety as well. It didn't help me sleep or aleviate my anxiety.

Question: Took Valerian Passion Flower herbal capsules this morning. Is it ok to start Lexapro tonight? Hi, I took 2 Valerian Passion Flower herbal capsules early this morning and I got Lexapro from my doctor this afternoon for some anxiety I've been having. I think it would be okay if I take it tonight before I go to bed but wanted to see what other people thought? Thanks in advance.

Answer: You should be okay. It will take the Lexapro from four to six weeks to reach its "full function" level, so the first few weeks you're getting "broke in" on the medication. I found (by experimenting) that the best time for me to take my Lexapro is with dinner - I sleep better at night, and I'm more awake the next day. Best of luck to you!

Question: Can someone tell me where to get valerian treats? I need a sedative for my cat so I can trim her fur. I am not going to take her to the vet because she's too old. I need a specific product name or direct link to a website if possible. I've gotten other suggestions but when I google I can't find it. Thanks.

Answer: From my computer(im in holland) i automaticcaly go to google.nl instead of .com, even when i typ .com i typed valerian treats in google and found dosens of pages with the treats your looking for and online stores to order them. You didnt say where you live, so i could typ in loads of adresses, but you might want to try google.nl and just typ valerian treats

Question: Do you know if I can take melatonin and valerian together? Even both of these remedies don't make me having a deep sleep, at least I can sleep immediately when I frequent open my eyes.

Answer: Mixing prescriptions is not something you want to mess around with. Do not listen to people on yahoo answers, you need to ask your doctor personally. All you have to do is call your clinic and they will give you an answer promptly.

Question: Would taking valerian root ease my anxiety before getting a tattoo? Im going to get a tattoo but im a little nervous and since I used to take valerian root to calm myself down and go to sleep i thought that it could actually help this time. I could take it before getting the tattoo and i would remain calmed during the procedure. but i've never heard of anyone doing something like this so... i need opinions. thanks :)

Answer: Maybe you should listen to your instincts and not get the tattoo. You're probably nervous because you know you're making a mistake.

Question: Is there a herb which has the opposite effect to Valerian? Lately I've been feeling really drousy and fatigued, I need something other than caffiene to stimulate my brain. My mind cannot handle any strenuous brain activity: not even reading.

Answer: Sounds like a blood test could help you get started on finding what you need. Factors like low blood sugar, low ferritin, and thyroid imbalances can all cause extreme fatigue. You may also be deficient in B-vitamins. Some natural energy boosters are ginseng, as well as bee pollen, B-vitamin supplements or injections (you need a naturopath for this), licorice root, yerba mate, and fresh juices - try wheat grass, it's very stimulating. You may also just need more sleep, but you didn't mention your sleep patterns so I have no idea about that one. A diet consisting of plenty of whole foods should help you too. Best of luck :)

Question: Will valerian root affect the efficacy of Dianette? I'm taking the dianette for acne, not using it as a contraceptive. Random question and I'm not expecting anyone who isn't a GP to be able to give me an answer.

Answer: There is no specific interaction. Dianette is actually considered a poor choice for acne management. Have you tried oral and topical antibiotics for acne? Dianette has a poor safety profile as it has a much higher risk of DVT than other contraceptive pills. With other contraceptive pills the DVT risk is about 25/100,000/year. With Dianette it is about 50/100,000/year- the same DVT risk in pregnancy. In the UK Dianette is only prescribed to help with severe acne and hirsutism in women. Many Doctors are reluctant to prescribe Dianette and the favoured contraceptive choice for acne management is now Yasmin (although Yasmin does not have a specific licence for acne management). Unfortunately some Doctors fail to explain the risks of Dianette to patients before prescribing. - I trust your Doctor has already explained the risks to you so you are aware? The prescribing Physician must explain Dianette's risks to the patient and the patients' agreement must be noted on their medical file.

Question: Just put the contents of 4 bags of valerian teabags into a cake. What happens if someone eats this? And how long will it take for the effects to kick in.

Answer: valerian is a mild sedative and relaxant a person eating that cake might feel more relaxed or drowsy but you should tell people when you put something unexpected into a dish in case the are allergic and the effect is gradual and differs from person to person

Question: Would Valerian Root help me with my anxiety? I have it because I have anxiety and I bought it for my car trip to go on vacation, but that's just when I had anxiety about being stuck in the car. But lately I've been having trouble with school and stuff, and I was wondering if taking Valerian Root Capsules would help me at all.

Answer: Yes they will I know this from experience take 1-2 during the day and 1-2 at night. The good thing about these pills is that they're 100% Whole Herb and they have no side-affects, they also make you feel relaxed and calm....

Question: How do I grow the ((Valerian Plant)) for Medicinal Use in New Hampshire? Thank You Christee106 for your answer ... You will get best answer vote after 24 hours,,, TimothyC You need help.. You're sick!!

Answer: Hope this helps--I have been using it in capsule form. Only Valerian Root helps: Valerian (Superb Herbs: 10 medicinal herbs with economic promise) Valerian is easy to grow and can be cultivated by direct seeding, ... At the end of the second growing season, smaller plants grow around the base of the ... http://www.ncarboretum.org/Superb_Herbs/valerian.html If you're talking about the OTHER kind of valerian plant, it can be grown in any climate, or indoors. :)

Question: Why can't you take valerian and melatonin together? I don't understand. It says right on my bottle of melatonin "do not take with 5htp or valerian" I also have sleepmd however that has both melatonin and valerian. So what is going on?

Answer: I have taken both of them together and it has never bothered me. They probably put that there because in clinical tests it has been proven to cause stomach aches or somthing of that nature. However a fantastic combo if you want REAL awesome sleep is Kava Kava and Melatonin. This is by far the best combo I have found.

Question: So, if Valerian is a herbal remedy to help with anxiety why does it say to take before bed for help sleeping? I have my anxiety during the day not night. Does this mean I can't take during the day because I'll be too drowsy?

Answer: Antianxiety medication makes you drowsy, and it will do so until we come up with subtype selective drugs - which are in the works now, but doubtful that they'll completely elminate the sedation associated with anxiolysis. Valerian is a pissy weak anxiolytic substance, but it's still an anxiolytic. You can take it during the day, but try it on a day with some free time. You don't know exactly how it will affect you if you're worried about it.