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Botanical

Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant whose root and other underground parts are used dried, as tea or as extract.

Also listed as Valeriana Officinalis, Valerian Extract, Valerian Powder, Valerian Root

SleepStress & Mood

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Sleep qualitySleepSmallBNo linked study
Sleep OnsetSleepSmallBNo linked study
AnxietyStress & MoodSmallCNo linked study
Mood SupportStress & MoodSmallCNo linked study
Sleep DurationSleepSmallCNo linked study
Chronic StressStress & MoodSmallCNo linked study
Every rating with its studiesGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is valerian?

Valerian medicines use the underground parts of Valeriana officinalis, as dried root, tea or extracts. 1

Why people take it

Stress & Mood26.1%
Sleep24.3%
Essential Health18.5%
Cognition10.8%
Immune Support4.2%
Energy3.1%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Is valerian established for anxiety?

Evidence is insufficient to draw a conclusion about anxiety disorders. 2

Can it be stopped abruptly after prolonged use?

NCCIH reports possible withdrawal symptoms after abrupt cessation following chronic use. 2

Why do sleep reviews reach different conclusions?

Some studies report subjective improvement, but inconsistent methods and objective findings make the overall treatment effect difficult to establish. 3

Sources