Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Therapy How Is Valerian Root Used for Social Anxiety? By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety." Learn about our editorial process Arlin Cuncic Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Elena Klimenko, MD on May 28, 2020 facebook linkedin Elena Klimenko, MD, is a board-certified doctor in internal medicine and licensed in medical acupuncture and homeopathy. Learn about our Review Board Elena Klimenko, MD Updated on May 28, 2020 Print Siri Stafford/Photodisc/Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Administration Dosage Effects Contraindications Interactions Side Effects Risks Valerian root (valeriana officinalis) is derived from a plant that originally comes from Europe and Asia. The root of this plant has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for various conditions including the following: Arthritis Digestive problems Disorders of the nervous system Headaches Sleep problems Administration Valerian root can be taken as a capsule, tea, tablet, or liquid extract. It should be taken 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime. Dosage Guidelines Dosage for the treatment of insomnia ranges from 300 to 600 mg of liquid root extract, or the equivalent of 2 to 3 g of dried valerian root. Lower dosages are typically used for the treatment of nervous tension and when the root is used in combination with other supplements. Before taking valerian root, you should read the product label and discuss the dose with a qualified health care provider. Effects It is believed that valerian root has an impact on the availability of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. On the whole, some research suggests that valerian root has mild sedative and tranquilizing properties—less than prescription sleep medication. Even though valerian root is used for a variety of problems, there is not enough research evidence to support the effectiveness of the herb. Use of valerian root as a sleep aid is supported by some evidence from clinical trials; however, these studies tend to be small and not conducted with strict standards. There isn't enough research evidence to support the use of valerian root in the treatment of anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, some people who take the supplement regularly have shared that it makes them feel calm, and reduces nervous tension and stress. Physicians who prescribe Valerian root have been surprised to hear positive feedback from their patients. Who Shouldn’t Take It You should not take valerian root if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you suffer from liver disease. If you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other antidepressants and certain other classes of medication, Valerian root should be used with caution, and may not be appropriate in those cases. Medication Interactions Valerian root may make you feel drowsy if you take it with prescription medications such as: Barbiturates such as phenobarbitol Benzodiazepines Narcotics such as codeine Over-the-counter cold and sleep remedies Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) In general, you should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional and/or pharmacist about possible interactions. Side Effects Side effects of valerian root are rare but may include headache, upset stomach, daytime drowsiness, and dizziness. Associated Risks Unlike prescription sleep medications, valerian root is not believed to carry a risk of dependency. In some cases, it is even used to help insomniacs with benzodiazepine withdrawal. However, the supplement should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, and caution should be used if you are taking the supplement for an extended period of time. Do not operate heavy or dangerous machinery until you know how the supplement affects you. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the production of herbs and supplements. Most herbs and supplements are not thoroughly tested, and there is no guarantee about the ingredients or safety of the products. It may be wise to consult with your doctor before taking valerian root for social anxiety disorder. The 7 Best Online Anxiety Support Groups Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Savage K, Firth J, Stough C, Sarris J. GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Phytother Res. 2018;32(1):3-18. doi:10.1002/ptr.5940 Leach MJ, Page AT. Herbal medicine for insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2015;24:1-12. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2014.12.003 Ozsavci D, Ozakpinar OB, Cetin M, Aricioglu F. Level of clinical evidence of herbal complementary therapies in psychiatric disorders. Psychiat Clin Psych. 2019;29(3):239-243. doi:10.1080/24750573.2019.1625587 Peláez DG, Fernández HM, Regino WO. Emerging concepts: herb-induced liver injury (HILI). Rev Colomb Gastroenterol. 2019;34(1):56-62. doi:10.22516/25007440.355 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Valerian. Updated September 2016. Poyares DR, Guilleminault C, Ohayon MM, Tufik S. Can valerian improve the sleep of insomniacs after benzodiazepine withdrawal?. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2002;26(3):539-45. doi:10.1016/s0278-5846(01)00305-0 Cleveland Clinic. Valerian, valeriana officinalis oral dosage forms. 2020. Additional Reading Nunes A, Sousa M. Use of valerian in anxiety and sleep disorders: what is the best evidence? Acta Med Port. 2011;24 Suppl 4:961-966. Trompetter I, Krick B, Weiss G. Herbal triplet in treatment of nervous agitation in children. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2013;163(3-4):52-57. doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0165-1