Valerian Root for Anxiety

Valerian root is sometimes called "Nature's Valium," because of its effect as a sedative and muscle relaxant. Valerian root is recommended as a sleep aide, to calm stress, headaches, nervousness and anxiety. While I have found it not very helpful in promoting sleep, it has been most helpful in treating anxiety.

My own anxiety was fairly extreme. It stemmed from health problems that ensued after having been the victim of a crime, perpetrated by uniformed police and other armed men. I felt that I was near death at more than one point and suffered horrible nightmares, both awake and asleep, for months after the attack. Stemming from the attack, I also experienced terrifying heart palpitations and severe angina. Five to six months after the original nightmarish event, I used Valerian in the whole root form. I found that it did nothing as a sleep aide, but it did act as a muscle relaxant and after just one cup, my anxiety level dropped, considerably. Since the angina I was experiencing was stress-induced, the Valerian root was helpful.

If you cannot gather this herb in the wild, the best source I have found so far is Mexican grocery stores. The whole root, one about an inch long, is more powerful than the powder or powder in capsules. It has a terrible odor, but is palatable if combined with some kind of herbal tea in a bag, such as chamomile. To prepare: Place the root in the cup along with the teabag and add boiling water. Let it steep until warm before drinking it.

I would caution over-use of the herb, simply because it can make you too relaxed to function. One or two powerful cups of this tea on anxious occasions, however, might work wonders. But, in my experience, only the whole root has had any effect. Valerian root is safe; however, people who have used it for months at a time have reported adverse effects, such as nervousness, when they stopped using it. It is not considered to be addictive. Also, be aware that Valerian root does not have a calming effect on everyone who uses it. Some people experience anxiety and heart palpitations from it.

The best advice I can give to sufferers of anxiety is to remove yourself from the source of your stress. If you are in the throes of an attack on your very existence, no herb (or pill, for that matter) will help you. Face the reality of your situation, even if others around you cannot, and find a way to remove yourself from whatever or whoever it is that persecutes you. Over a long period of time, sustained high levels of anxiety are damaging to your health.