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Valerian

Our Overview

Valerian is not intended for long-term use but may have benefit as a treatment for helping pets sleep through the night and exposure to periodic stressors, such as travel, thunderstorm phobias, and acute anxiety. Several weeks may be needed to achieve success.

Valerian helps to support the natural relaxant pathways within the nervous system, without affecting muscles. It doesn’t make pets dopey or sleepy – in fact it is widely used for agility and show dogs when they need to be alert and focussed, but calm.

The benefits of Valerian appear to have some scientific relevance, whilst limited in studies there is more available information for this nutraceutical than many other supplements.

Background

Valerian, specifically the fresh or dried rhizomes, roots, and stolons, is a popular herb used as a mild sedativehypnotic/anxiolytic in humans and animals. Valepotriates, valerenic acid, amino acids, -aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamine, lignans, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils are among the active ingredients in valerian (sesquiterpenes). Valerian’s sedative effects are most likely due to interactions with GABA receptors (i.e., GABA agonism). Melatonin receptors, serotonin receptors, H1 (histamine) receptors, and dopamine receptors may also have effects. Valerian improved sleep quality in insomniacs (similar to benzodiazepines) without causing daytime sedation. Valerian has some anticonvulsant properties as well.

Valerian supplements have a distinctively strong odour. This herb can be taken alone, but in the author’s experience, it is frequently combined with other sedative herbs like lemon balm, passionflower, and hops.

Side Effects

Valerian is generally safe when used at recommended doses.

Interactions

Because of the additive effects, combining valerian with other CNS depressant medications (e.g., benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, anaesthetics) should be avoided. However, valerian may be beneficial when attempting to reduce the dosage of medications like benzodiazepines. As with other CNS depressant herbs, it is prudent to discontinue valerian approximately 10 days before anaesthesia.

Indications

  • Provides sedation
  • Alleviates anxiety

Dose Recommendations

The dose of dried herb clinicians recommend ranges between 25 and 300 mg per kg per day day.

Contraindications

Valerian may enhance the effects of central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and it is generally contraindicated to combine it with similar acting medications.

Products containing Valerian

Your experience with Valerian

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Further Reading

  1. Wynn SG, Fougère B. Veterinary Herbal Medicine. St. Louis (MO): Mosby Elsevier; 2007:657.
  2. Broadfoot PJ, Palmquist RE, Jonston K, et al. Integrating complementary medicine into veterinary practice. Goldstein R, ed. Blackwell; 2008:649–707.
  3. Pizzorno J, Murray M. Textbook of natural medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis (MO): Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005:1371–3.
  4. Wynn SG, Marsden S. Manual of natural veterinary medicine: science and tradition. St. Louis (MO): Mosby; 2003:51, 55, 86.
  5. Schoen A, Wynn SG. Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine: principles and practice. St. Louis (MO): Mosby; 1998:333–4.
  6. Stargrove M, Treasure J, McKee D. Herb, nutrient, and drug interactions: clinical implications and therapeutic strategies. St. Louis (MO): Mosby Elsevier; 2008:167–70.
  7. Pizzorno J, Murray M, Joiner-Bey H. The clinician’s handbook of natural medicine. 2nd ed. St. Louis (MO): Churchill Livingstone; 2008:431–2.
  8. Fetrow CW, Avila J. Professional’s handbook of complementary and alternative medicines. 3rd ed. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004:835–9.
  9. Mills S, Bone K. Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine. St. Louis (MS): Churchill Livingstone; 2000:581–8.

Important Notice

The indications provided on this page are suggested uses for each supplement based upon published clinical experience and/or scientific studies. They do not represent as cures or medical treatments and should be treated as advice only. The recommended doses may be provided in human form where dosing for animals has not been established. It is imperative that you understand that this information is provided as guidelines only. You should consult with a registered veterinarian before administering any nutraceutical. Where using a marketed product you should follow the manufacturers instructions.