{"id":123582,"date":"2026-03-08T09:15:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T13:15:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cablemanpro.com\/wallstreetpr\/ancient-herb-known-as-natures-valium-touted-for-improving-sleep-and-anxiety-123582"},"modified":"2026-03-08T09:15:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T13:15:20","slug":"ancient-herb-known-as-natures-valium-touted-for-improving-sleep-and-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cablemanpro.com\/wallstreetpr\/ancient-herb-known-as-natures-valium-touted-for-improving-sleep-and-anxiety-123582","title":{"rendered":"Ancient herb known as \u2018nature\u2019s Valium\u2019 touted for improving sleep and anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Valerian, an herbal supplement long used for sleep and relaxation, has been referred to as “nature’s Valium” \u2014 but experts are divided on whether it truly compares to the prescription sedative.<\/p>\n

The herb, which is sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S., is a common ingredient in products marketed as “mild sedatives” and sleep aids, according to the National Institutes of Health.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Valium, the brand name for diazepam, is used to treat anxiety, seizures and muscle spasms by calming the nervous system<\/a>, Cleveland Clinic notes.<\/p>\n

EXPERTS REVEAL EXACT BEDTIME THAT COULD PREVENT LATE-NIGHT \u2018SECOND WIND\u2019 INSOMNIA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Valerian supplements are derived from the roots of Valeriana officinalis, a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia that has also naturalized in northeastern America, according to the American Botanical Council (ABC).<\/p>\n

The plant has a “long history of medicinal use,” per the ABC, with the primary goal of reducing anxiety and stress as well as improving sleep quality<\/a>. It has historically also been used for migraines, fatigue and stomach cramps.<\/p>\n

Dried valerian roots can be prepared as teas or tinctures, while other plant materials and extracts have been distributed as capsules or tablets, per the NIH.<\/p>\n

The agency noted, however, that there is a “relatively small amount of research” investigating the herb\u2019s impact on various conditions.<\/p>\n

POPULAR SLEEP POSITIONS COULD BE DAMAGING YOUR NERVES, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

However, Stefan Gafner, PhD, chief science officer of the American Botanical Council in Texas, confirmed that some clinical trials have explored valerian root’s effects.<\/p>\n

A 2020 medical review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that both powdered root and root extracts show a “clear” benefit in treating anxiety, Gafner told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n

The researchers concluded that valerian could be a “safe and effective herb<\/a> to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders.”<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

While valerian may have some benefits, Gafner said he doesn’t think it “makes sense” to compare it to diazepam (Valium).\u00a0<\/p>\n

“I can understand that both are used to relieve anxiety, but valerian is a much milder ingredient, and is really used for mild cases of anxiety and sleep issues,” he told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n

Unlike valerian, diazepam carries a risk of dependence and is generally prescribed short-term, the expert said, and the spectrum of potential adverse effects is “very different.”<\/p>\n

MISSING SLEEP MAY TAKE A HIDDEN TOLL ON YOUR BRAIN AND LONGEVITY, RESEARCH REVEALS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Gafner said he “absolutely” recommends the use of valerian root to relieve anxiety and stress<\/a> and to improve sleep.<\/p>\n

“I have used it myself and I believe it\u2019s an ingredient with well-documented benefits, especially for people with problems falling asleep,” he said. “It is well-tolerated and very safe \u2026 although some sources caution [against] driving a car or using heavy machinery when using valerian.”<\/p>\n

Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician and author of the new book “Weight Loss Cure,” said valerian’s comparisons to Valium may “exaggerate what the science actually shows.”<\/p>\n

“Valerian root contains compounds that appear to enhance calming brain chemicals<\/a>, particularly the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps quiet nerve activity and supports relaxation,” the Florida-based expert told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n

“Some studies do report modest improvements in sleep quality or shorter time to fall asleep, while others find no meaningful difference compared with placebo.”<\/p>\n

Side effects may include headaches, dizziness, digestive upset or next-day grogginess, Mercola noted, adding that he would not recommend it as a primary strategy for anxiety, stress or sleep.<\/p>\n

“Because long-term safety studies remain limited, and supplement quality varies widely, you should approach valerian with caution rather than view it as a universal sleep solution,” he advised.<\/p>\n

“I encourage people to focus first on strategies that correct the underlying drivers of poor sleep<\/a>,” Mercola advised. “When you fix those foundations, you often find that you no longer need an herbal sedative at all.”<\/p>\n

“Bright sunlight during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm and signals your brain to produce melatonin later at night,” he said. “At the same time, complete darkness [at night] supports the hormonal signals that allow deep, restorative sleep.”<\/p>\n

Certain nutrients<\/a> can also promote relaxation and sleep quality, including magnesium, which helps to regulate the nervous system, according to the doctor.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

GABA may help to calm nerve activity, reduce stress markers and improve perceived sleep quality, Mercola said, while glycine \u2014 taken at about 3 grams an hour before bed \u2014 may support relaxation, promote the body\u2019s nighttime temperature drop, and improve sleep onset and overall quality.<\/p>\n

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

“When you combine sunlight exposure<\/a>, magnesium, GABA and glycine, you support the biological systems that control sleep instead of relying on a sedating herb with mixed evidence,” the doctor concluded.<\/p>\n

Fox News Digital reached out to valerian root manufacturers requesting comment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Source – https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\/ancient-herb-known-natures-valium-touted-improving-sleep-anxiety <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Valerian, an herbal supplement long used for sleep and relaxation, has been referred to as “nature’s Valium” \u2014 but experts are divided on whether it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"twitter_2902945987_2902945987":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[16563],"tags":[],"stock_ticker":[],"class_list":["post-123582","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-market-news","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAncient herb known as \u2018nature\u2019s Valium\u2019 touted for improving sleep and anxiety - Wall Street PR<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cablemanpro.com\/wallstreetpr\/ancient-herb-known-as-natures-valium-touted-for-improving-sleep-and-anxiety-123582\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ancient herb known as \u2018nature\u2019s Valium\u2019 touted for improving sleep and anxiety - 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