Valerian and sleep have been intimately linked for millennia. Already in Ancient Greece, doctors Hippocrates and Galen recommended its use against insomnia. In the Middle Ages, herbalists saw it as a perfect tranquilizer. During the First World War, it was even common to find it in the pockets of soldiers who used it to calm the nervousness caused by the bombardments. Despite everything, and surprising as it may seem, clinical research has still failed to demonstrate its effectiveness against sleep deprivation. Some studies do note a feeling of improved sleep^1,2 as well as a reduction in fatigue³, but these perceptions are not validated by any objective criteria (time to fall asleep, duration of sleep, number of awakenings during the night, etc.).

Commission E, ESCOP and WHO nevertheless recognize its use to treat sleep disorders and, consequently, the fatigue which results from it. Valerian can be taken internally 30 minutes before bedtime: infuse 2 to 3 g of dried root for 5 to 10 minutes in 15 cl of boiling water.

Effectiveness of Valerian on insomnia: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Fernández-San-Martín MI, Masa-Font R, et al. Sleep Med. 2010 Jun;11(6):505-11. Effectiveness of Valerian on insomnia: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Fernández-San-Martín MI, Masa-Font R, et al. Sleep Med. 2010 Jun;11(6):505-11. Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, et al. Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2006 Dec;119(12):1005-12. The use of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) in improving sleep in patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer: a phase III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study (NCCTG Trial, N01C5). Barton DL, Atherton PJ, et al. J Support Oncol. 2011 Jan-Feb;9(1):24-31.