Do you have trouble sleeping? Stress at work? Ever feel the need to chill out more?
If the answer is yes to any of the above then you should be aware of valerian root.
Many people are starting to turn their backs on conventional pharmaceutical sedatives and look for natural alternatives such as valerian root to help them get a good night’s rest.
With the relaxing influence this herb could provide, its popularity is beginning to increase on the supplement market.
This of course raises the discussion, what is the best valerian root supplement brand on the market right now? Read on to find out.
- Includes 1 (60 count) Gaia Herbs Valerian Root Plant Based Herbal Supplement
- 30 Day Supply - Suggested Use: Adults take 2 capsules, 1 hour before bed time
- A vegan herbal sleep support supplement designed to promote deep and restful sleep
- Restful sleep without next-day grogginess*
- Top selling product to promote relaxation and comfort*
- Supports a restful night's sleep without over sedation*
- BETTER SLEEP // WAKE MORE REFRESHED! - That's our promise to you from our expert formulators, or your money back! Driftoff is...
- REST ASSURED - You can rest assured knowing that Driftoff is made with an emphasis on non-habit forming ingredients - even...
- RISE & SHINE! - Most of us roll our eyes at that statement, but you will be surprised at how energized you'll feel after...
- SUPPORT RESTFUL SLEEP: Valerian is traditionally used to support a restful nights week.*
- SUPERIOR QUALITY STANDARDS: Our Standardized Valerian Extract is carefully tested and produced to superior quality standards.
- NON-GMO PROJECT VERIFIED: We're proud partners with The Non-GMO Project. In keeping with our mission to follow the best...
- CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE: Vegetable Capsules are free of: Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Soy, Yeast, Sugar, and Sodium. Also do not...
- KOSHER CERTIFIED: Designated Solgar products are certified by KOF-K Kosher Supervision - an international organization that...
- PROMOTE RELAXATION: Valerian root works harmoniously with the natural relaxation cycle in the body to leave behind a busy day...
What is Valerian Root
Valerian root is a kind of herb which grows as a flowering plant across Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
Studies have found that that valerian root is an anxiolytic agent. This means it has the potential to create feelings of calm and relaxation in the body. (source)
Relieves Sleep Disorders
We all know how important it is for our bodies to get enough sleep. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an estimated 50 to 70 million adults in the US have some form of sleep disorder. (source)
Those that suffer from sleep deficiency are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as depression, obesity or high blood pressure.
Clinical research suggests that the calming effects of valerian root extract could help you both sleep faster and obtain a better quality of rest at night.
One study investigated the association between sleep quality and valerian supplements, results indicated 44% of subjects noted perfect sleep and 89% experienced improved sleep rates when taking the herb. (source)
It follows that valerian supplements could prove beneficial for those who suffer from disruptive sleeping disorders such as insomnia.
The reason valerian root could be effective in helping you drift off to sleep is down to its ability to increase neurotransmitters within the brain with sedative properties. (sources 1, 2)
Alleviates Anxiety
Everyone has felt anxious in a situation at one time or another in their lives and to a certain extent it’s completely natural.
However, anxiety disorders develop when feelings of worry, restlessness, or uneasiness become excessive for a prolonged period of time. (source) At this point, they begin to impede the person’s ability to carry out normal, everyday tasks.
Valerian root has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and reinstate composure.
This all comes down to a chemical in the brain called GABA.
Studies suggest if GABA levels are too low in the body, this could contribute to higher levels of stress which has a detrimental effect on anxiety. (source)
One clinical study assessed the relaxing effects of valerian root. 24 volunteers were given 3 separate doses of differing levels (600 mg, 1200 mg and 1800 mg) plus a placebo. Volunteers were given 4 tasks to complete and anxiety levels were assessed.
Results indicated 600 mg dosage significantly decreased levels of anxiety.
However it’s worth pointing out, the highest level administered (1800 mg) had the opposite effect and actually increased anxiety. (source)
What is the Best Valerian Root Supplement?
With so many products on the market to choose from, you could end up with sleepless nights trying to decide which manufacturer offers the best quality supplement.
I have looked at the options available and chose five top contenders for best valerian root supplement along with their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Gaia Herbs
Gaia Herbs Valerian Root Liquid Phyto-Capsules Gaia Herbs have created this valerian supplement to support restful sleep and to promote calm and relaxation. With a generous serving of 450 mg valerian root extract and all-organic ingredients, this is a great option for those looking for the raw approach. The gel caps make them easier to swallow, which is handy for those that have difficulty swallowing pills. However one let down for some users was that this supplement simply did nothing for them.
ProHealth
Pro Health Valerian Extract with Lemon Balm Pro Health has formulated their supplement for healthy sleep without the next day morning grogginess. It has an adequate serving of 320 mg valerian root extract combined with 160 mg lemon balm to enhance the feeling of calm. These capsules smell quite mild, therefore could be beneficial for those with a keen sense of smell. However some users still experienced a broken sleep pattern, therefore how well it works for you is a completely individual experience.
Zhou Nutrition
DRIFTOFF Natural Sleep Aid Zhou Nutrition’s Drift Off is a natural complex which aims to help calm anxiety, ease restlessness and allow for all-night sleep. This supplement comes with a reasonable serving of 150 mg valerian root and a combination of other calming ingredients which complement restfulness. The ingredients are non GMO, free from common allergens and manufactured in accordance with GMP standards which gives you a sense of the quality of this supplement. This may work for some, however a few users were disappointed with the lack of improvement they experienced.
Nature's Way
Nature's Way Valerian Caps This supplement from Nature’s Way aims to naturally promote restful sleep. It contains a generous combination of 800 mg valerian root and 220 mg valerian root extract. This supplement is made from non GMO ingredients. Nature’s Way Valerian comes in at a really good price, and you get a lot for your money. However you will need to get over the smell of these capsules which doesn’t agree with everyone.
Solgar
Solgar Valerian Root Vegetable Capsules Solgar has formulated a valerian root supplement to promote relaxation. It comes with a decent serving of 300 mg valerian root extract. It’s gluten and dairy free and suitable for vegetarians. Most users experience noticeable improvements however some observed a feeling of grogginess in the morning after taking the supplement.
our #1 rated
Pros
450 mg valerian root extract
Organic ingredients
Gluten free
Dairy free
Lab tested for purity
Suitable for vegetarians/vegans
60 capsules
Cons
Some users didn’t notice an effect
our #2 rated
Pros
320 mg valerian root extract
160 mg lemon balm (ratio 4:1)
Gluten free
Soy free
Suitable for vegan/vegetarians
60 capsules
Cons
Some users felt lacked effect
our #3 rated
Pros
150 mg valerian root
2 m melatonin
100 mg lemon balm
GMP certified
Made in USA
Non GMO
Vegetarian
60 capsules
Cons
Some users didn’t notice improved sleep
our #4 rated
Pros
800 mg valerian root
220 mg valerian root extract (0.8%)
Non GMO
90 capsules
Good price
Cons
Smells bad
our #5 rated
Pros
300 mg valerian root extract (ratio 4:1)
Gluten free
Dairy free
Vegetarian
100 capsules
Cons
Groggy feeling
Our Choice
For me, the best valerian root supplement has to be Gaia Herbs Valerian Root. It has a generous serving of valerian root extract and I love the fact it is made with organic ingredients giving you that natural option.
The fact it has been lab tested for purity gives you confidence – you know exactly what you are putting into your body.
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