Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has a long history of traditional use as a herbal remedy for anxiety and insomnia, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Historically, it has been used to alleviate nervousness, restlessness, and symptoms of anxiety. The plant’s root contains several compounds thought to influence neurotransmitter activity, such as valerenic acid, which may interact with the GABAergic system in the brain—a pathway implicated in anxiety regulation.

Scientific evidence supporting valerian’s effectiveness for anxiety disorders is limited and mixed. Some small clinical trials and open-label studies have suggested mild anxiolytic effects, but results are often inconclusive due to methodological limitations (e.g., small sample size, lack of blinding, or short duration). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally report insufficient or inconsistent evidence for valerian’s efficacy in treating anxiety disorders compared to placebo. Most clinical trials focus on insomnia rather than anxiety specifically, though improvements in sleep may indirectly benefit anxiety symptoms.

In summary, while valerian is traditionally used for anxiety, robust scientific validation is lacking. The evidence base is weak (rated 2/5), and more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to determine its true effectiveness for anxiety disorders.