Valerian Root Side Effects?
I have taken valerian for two years now and never had problems. I told my friend, who has been stressed, to try it. Well she said that her brother took it and it made him suicidal. oh yea he has bipolar. But I don’t think that it could be it, has anyone ever heard of problems with valerian like this?
After 24 years of practicing as a medical herbalist, it is amazing the reactions you sometimes see with herbs.
If my husband takes Valerian, it really ‘dopes him up’ the next day. Typically, you see these reaction in people who have allot of heat signs; those would certainly be evident in mania(I’ve had the opportunity to treat lots of bipolar patients). My husband runs so hot, we don’t need heat at night in the winter. (He had an unexplained fever as a 2 month old that nearly killed him, and the fire just won’t go out). The reason is likely that valerian is a warm herb and would aggravate ‘Yang-type’ individuals.
Hops is another stress/sleep remedy that can aggravate depression and certain conditions. Also, I used to think allergic reactions to herbs was rare until I started testing for them in clinic. Allergies can manifest in many ways, physical and emotional.
Most herbs do not have side effects, except interaction with real drugs.
Now it has a weird side effect: when you burp it up it taste nasty. good thing I usually take it in the pill form.
Aside from the taste and smell, it has no general side effects other than the normal warnings that should be heeded with any supplement. Simply, ask a medical professional if it’s safe for you to use if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or have a medical condition…. oh, and of course Valerian cautions against driving and operating heavy machinery, but that’s obvious for any sleeping/relaxation product
Since your friend has bipolar, he should have checked with a medical professional before taking any supplement (moreso if he’s taking prescriptions).
If you (or anyone) has clinical depression, they should check with a medical professional before trying Valerian as some forms are worsened, but some are actually helped by it. However, if it’s just a general depression that’s not chemical, Valerian will likely help it because it does have more of a calming and relaxing effect.
Try a web search for “valerian root” + “side effects”.