PlainPill
SupplementSleepAnxiety

Valerian Root

People mainly take Valerian Root for sleep, anxiety. Based on 94 first-hand reports and 2 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #67 of 1,974 overall.

Compare with…Alternatives for sleep
54
User score
Mixed
29% positive13% mixed13% negative46% unclear

Of reports that state an outcome, 53% are positive.

Clinical research
BModerate research base
2
meta-analyses
8
RCTs
109
papers

What Valerian Root does, according to users

Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.

Sleep84% of 44Anxiety70% of 10
2 more with fewer than 3 reports
Digestion100% of 1Mood100% of 1
betterno changeworse

What the research says

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.

BModerate research base

At least one meta-analysis, or 5+ randomized controlled trials. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.

J Evid Based Integr Med · 2020 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Conclusion: In conclusion, valerian could be a safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders. However, due to the presence of multiple active constituents and relatively unstable nature of some of the active constituents, it may be necessary to revise the quality control processes, including standardization methods and shelf life.

PubMed 33086877 ↗
J Altern Complement Med · 2021 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Dietary Supplement Ingredients for Optimizing Cognitive Performance Among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

Conclusion: Whereas certain trends regarding promising serving sizes or duration for use, are pointed to in this synthesis, when combined, studies are inconsistent and imprecise, and many are methodologically flawed. Potential solutions to address research gaps are offered, for future research next steps, which is needed to strengthen the evidence and inform decisions.

PubMed 34370563 ↗

Dosage people report

As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.

500 mgbefore bed
1000 mgas reported
at nightas reported
500 mgas reported
dailyas reported
nightlyas reported

Reported side effects

How often each side effect came up across all reports.

vivid dreams ×8drowsiness ×4insomnia ×2unpalatable taste ×1sleep paralysis ×1potential liver ×1bad taste ×1

What users say

Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.

“the few times I've used valerian, it was very effective too”
Source discussion ↗
“Sleep: phenibut 250mg, valarian root, tart cherry extract, tryptophan, itazilopam, cabergoline(for primary limb movement)”
Source discussion ↗
“I found supplements like valerian root, lemon balm, passion flower, and chamomile helpful, as was CES therapy and REBT therapy.”
Source discussion ↗
“valerian root**”
Source discussion ↗
“I've tried valerian root capsules. Those did not help me staying a sleep.”
Source discussion ↗
Top discussions (5)

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User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate