Valerian root is one of the most effective natural sedatives. The herb has a rich history of use for insomnia relief among plenty of other things. Because of this, you can easily purchase valerian root in many forms to help with your wellness. Being that it is a healthy, natural drug, it has few side effects to be concerned about. However, one thing that is often overlooked about valerian root is that it can have a profound effect on your dreams when you use it for sleep.
In this post, we’ll cover how valerian root changes your dreams and other facts about the herb.
- What is Valerian Root?
- How Does Valerian Root Affect Your Dreams?
- Why You Should Use Valerian Root and How to Do it Safely
What Is Valerian Root?
Valerian root, aka Valeriana Officinalis, is a unique herb that is native to parts of Europe and Asia. This root is a common ingredient in medicine due to how effective of a sedative it is. You can find the herb used to treat plenty of conditions like the following:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleeping disorders
- Premenstrual syndromes
- Menopause symptoms
The root is best known for its calming properties, but it contains more than meets the eye. As far as herbs go, valerian is definitely one of the most interesting.
First of all, its use dates back as far as 400 BC. It was used by the Romans, the Saxons, and the Greeks! It can be used in pills, supplements, and even teas that help you sleep, give you more vivid dreams, and even in some cases get you high!
One of the most distinct properties of the root is actually its smell. Valerian root's distinct odor is often described as musky, sweaty, and stale. This smell is actually a defense mechanism evolved by the herb to ward off herbivores from eating it. This is similar to peppers being spicy for the same reason!
There are plenty of unique facts about valerian, but by far the most mysterious is the fact that it can cause increasingly vivid dreams when used for sleep. How and why does this happen?
How Does Valerian Root Affect Your Dreams?
Many people who use Valerian for sleep report having more vivid dreams — this is backed up by science! Though few studies have been done to prove valerian’s dream-altering properties, many believe there is a clear correlation.
During one study done to research stress-induced insomnia, 16% of subjects reported changes in their dreams when using valerian root. This number may be small, but it shows some correlation nonetheless.
From accounts of personal experiences, people using the herb reported the following effects on their dreams:
- Increased dream recall - some people reported being able to remember their dreams much easier and more vividly than usual
- More vivid and bizarre dreams - it is also reported that valerian root dreams tend to contain more odd and distinct subject matter.
- Lucid dreaming - In conjunction with other techniques, valerian can help induce a state of lucid dreaming.
- Reduced nightmares - some users of valerian root reported that in addition to making dreams more vivid, the intensity and frequency of nightmares were reduced.
Should You Use Valerian Root?
Valerian root can be a great option if you’re looking for a natural calming agent or an insomnia remedy. However, if you’re thinking about trying it, it’s important to consider the other side effects.
One thing to consider about valerian root is that it still has unknown properties. The plant is yet to be researched thoroughly, so using it may introduce the risk of revealing unknown side effects. It is safe for short-term use, but as of now there aren’t enough studies to predict the side effects of long-term use. If you plan to use it for a longer period, you may be treading into the unknown.
Through frequent and prolonged use, individuals who used valerian root frequently have reported these side effects with frequent use.
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Mental unrest
- Heart irregularity
- Drowsiness the morning after use
As well, you should not use the herb in combination with alcohol or other sedatives. You shouldn’t use valerian root if you are pregnant or breastfeeding too.
Now that you know the potential risks, here’s the good stuff. Though there are potential side effects, valerian is actually healthier than your typical sleep aid while still being almost as effective. Studies have been done that prove that valerian’s strength is on par with that of commercial drugs like oxazepam. Valerian root is a great, natural, and clean herb that you can easily incorporate into your wellness routine for quick results. Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your body, so it’s always okay to use some sleep aid for a healthy sleep.
The best ways to take valerian root are through pills, capsules, tinctures, or teas. Dr. Emil offers some great products containing the root as well, like EZ Doze and Bedtime Burn.
If you’re looking for a tea you can drink before bed or to calm yourself down, Yogi and Traditional Medicinals offer some great options as well.
The Wonders of Valerian
Valerian Root isn’t your average herb, it has a rich history and unique properties like making your dreams more vivid. The herb is a great option to include in your wellness routine, to aid in better sleep, or even to help you lucid dream!
