Historically, valerian has been an unscientific resource for relieving anxiety and insomnia.1 Harmful effects of FDA-approved medications for These symptoms lead many professionals to wonder whether the most effective and efficient. a safe resource is available through an additional approach. This led to investigation into the true effectiveness of valerian root and its impact on its subjects. In the treatment of anxiety, a peer-reviewed study found that there was no significant difference between valerian and placebo.2 Valerian was compared to diazepam using the STAI. -Trait scale, revealing that diazepam produced superior results, but side effects were similar for both.2 No further research could be found on the effects of valerian as a treatment for anxiety. This, combined with the results of the aforementioned study, led me to conclude that this would not be a safe or effective way to treat anxiety. I would not recommend valerian as a treatment for anxiety. Studies conducted on the effectiveness and time constraints of valerian as an insomnia medication have yielded varied and conflicting results. Although some studies have found that valerian has a slight subjective sedative effect on improving sleep,3 others have found that there is no objective statistical significance between valerian and placebo.5 Even, some research found that valerian reduced objective sleep latency when administered acutely. period of 3 days4, while one study found that it takes about 2 to 3 weeks before valerian actually begins to work.1 The latency period becomes a limiting factor in the effectiveness of research evaluating valerian, because not all studies extended for 14 days or more.5The information is therefore questionable as to the true effectiveness...... middle of paper ......ients suffering primarily from insomnia, but i I would consider prescribing it to patients with rheumatoid arthritis or similar conditions as a mild treatment. sleep aid. Works cited. Larzelere MM, Wiseman P. Anxiety, depression and insomnia. Primary care. 2002;29(2):339.2. Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BGO. Valerian for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database System Rev. 2006(4):CD004515.3. Balderer G, Borbély, AA Effect of valerian on human sleep. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1985;87(4):406-409.4. Taibi DM, Bourguignon C, Taylor AG. Use of valerian for sleep disorders related to rheumatoid arthritis. Holistic nursing practice. 2004;18(3):120-126.5. Fernández-San-Martín MI, Masa-Font R, Palacios-Soler L, Sancho-Gómez P, Calbó-Caldentey C, Flores-Mateo G. Efficacy of valerian on insomnia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by placebo. Sleep Med. 2010;11(6):505-511.