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3Medicinal

Valerian root

Also sold as Valeriana officinalis

Traditional sedative herb; sedates additively with alcohol and sleep drugs.

3TrustedSupp Tier System™ · Tier 3Take as a defined course
Check before you startThis one has documented interactions with medication classes where the consequences are serious. If you take any prescription medicine, run it past a pharmacist before starting.

How long to take it

Short courses of two to six weeks.

Who it's actually for

Mild sleep difficulty, as a short-term aid.

Safe upper limit

Unverified
No formal limit; 300–600 mg extract before bed
Additive sedation is the main risk. Rare liver reactions reported.
No source attached yet. Treat this as a starting point, not a citation, until reviewed.

Interactions to know about

  • Sedatives / sleep medicationBenzodiazepines, zopiclone, zolpidem, opioids
  • AntidepressantsSSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics
  • Liver disease or impairmentHepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver

Other supplements:

Run your full list through the interaction check.

Practical notes

  • Do not combine with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or sleep medication.
  • Don't drive if it leaves you groggy in the morning.