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Sleep is something that can be tough for many people to get enough of, and if you’re one of those people, you might be struggling. Thankfully, though, there are things available to help you with this problem, and one of those things is a high quality valerian root supplement. Valerian root is a sleep aid that can help bring some sleep back into your life. And it isn’t one that you’ve likely heard of before, so we can explain to you everything that you need to know about it so you can try something new to get a good night’s sleep.
Sometimes you need to take tougher measures to lull yourself to sleep, and natural supplements like valerian root can be used for some relief for however long you are able to take it. Valerian root isn’t the most common sleep aid supplement, but it could be the one that will finally solve your sleep problems for good. So if you’ve been struggling with your sleep and have tried so much to make the struggles go away already, valerian root could be that thing that finally helps you out. All you have to do is be willing to learn about it and give it a try if it seems to be a good fit!
What is Valerian Root?
Valerian root is an herb that is used as a sedative. It is a tall, flowering plant that can be found in the grasslands of Europe and in parts of Asia. It has a strong scent and can grow to be up to six feet tall, and was used as a remedy all the way back in ancient Greece and Rome. It was used as a remedy for sleep disorders, and for treating stress and anxiety. And while there isn’t the strongest scientific evidence backing some of valerian root’s uses, there is a long history of people using it for these purposes, and finding it to have helpful results.
Valerian root is a supplement that is primarily taken by mouth. It is good when used in the short term, and not necessarily recommended for long term use. It can be used daily for up to 6 weeks, and is typically pretty well tolerated for that duration. What valerian root does to the body is slows down the central nervous system. The slowing of the nervous system is what causes it to bring about a better sleep, and what can cause it to be dangerous with long term use. It has similar effects to anesthesia, although not as extreme.
Valerian Root Side Effects
Valerian root is a natural supplement that is considered to be safe in the short term, but can still bring about some side effects in the meantime. And with valerian root, the side effects also tend to get more severe with time, which is one reason it tends to be best for short term use. Some of the side effects that can come with short term valerian root use include drowsiness, dizziness, stomach pains, headaches, mental dullness, and even vivid dreams.
Valerian root is also known to interact with certain medications, so when you’re using it, you really have to keep track of what you’re combining with it to prevent any serious issues. For one, since valerian root functions as a sedative, it is a bad idea to combine it with other sedative medication. Combining one medication that slows down the nervous system with others that do the same can cause too serious an impact on your body. It is an effect that can wind up being very dangerous in the short term and in the long term.
Some of the nervous system calming drugs to avoid when you take valerian root are anesthesia and other sedative drugs. Mixing valerian root with something like anesthesia can make the strong sedative effects even stronger and lead to a bad reaction. That reaction can be dangerous depending on the amount of each substance in your system, and is best avoided entirely.
The Best Valerian Root Supplements
Valerian root supplements are something you can find from different sources. Like with anything, there are higher and lower caliber versions on the market, which can ultimately have an effect on how well it serves you. So just to get the most out of valerian root, it is a good idea to make sure you get the best of the best right off the bat. That way, you get to try the best of what the market has to offer and truly know just how well valerian root can work for you.
Valerian root can be found online or in stores, though it isn’t the most popular supplement on the market, and so you’ll often have an easier time finding it online. You can find supplements that are pure valerian root, and supplements that are mixed with valerian root along with other complementary substances. And we can help you figure out what will work best for you. Here are some of the best valerian root supplements we’ve found for you to try:
Dr. Emil’s EZ Doze
Dr Emil’s Easy Doze is a supplement that works as a sleep aid, and contains valerian root along with melatonin. These two substances combined can significantly help anyone who suffers from sleep disturbances as each gives more strength to the other as sleep aids. This supplement offers valerian root along with additional substances for more benefit. It contains an extra strength dose of 5HTP, valerian root, melatonin, St. John’s Wort, passion flower extract, and other natural substances. This supplement is the right one for you if you don’t want to purely focus on valerian root for your benefits.
Gaia Herbs Valerian Root
Gaia Herbs valerian root is one of the best on the market. It gets high ratings all around, and there are good reasons for it. It is vegan, soy free, dairy free, purity tested, and gluten free for anyone with food restrictions or sensitivities, so if that sounds like you, this supplement is a really good option for you. It will make you feel calm so that you have a natural transition into sleep, and you can take it the same evening that you need to get a good night’s rest. It has over 16,000 five star reviews and counting, and you can be the latest one to add to the pile!
Nature Made
Nature Made valerian root supplement will provide you with some melatonin-free sleep support, so if that is something you are looking for, this is the right direction to go in. Many sleep support supplements come with melatonin for the added sleep assist effects, but this one leaves it out for anyone who prefers their sleep aids without it. This dietary supplement is triple acting for the strongest support. It will help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and support you through a more restful sleep. It is also free of artificial dyes, colors, flavors, and is completely plant based. All you have to do is take one capsule before bedtime and you will eventually be ready for some much needed sleep.
Herbal Roots Organic Valerian
Herbal Roots Organic Valerian supplement is the right choice for you if you want an organic valerian root supplement. This supplement is made with purely valerian root and nothing else. So if valerian root is the only thing you want to see in your supplement, this one will give you that option. You will know that this valerian root is the real deal from its naturally pungent scent. The capsules contain pure valerian, and you just have to take it an hour or two before bed for it to work. You can also use it whenever you need to calm down, and not only right before you need to sleep. You can use it when you feel nervous for any reason, and when you experience symptoms like menstrual cramps or fatigue.
Valerian root is a plant that can help you get some much needed sleep, and if you get it from one of the options on this list, you will surely be in good hands. Whether you want something that is purely valerian root, or something that comes mixed with similar additives for a different kind of benefit, you can pick one out to get the kind of sleep you need.
