Evidence supporting the use of: Valerian
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, primarily for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. In the context of menopause, valerian is traditionally used to help with symptoms such as insomnia and mild anxiety, which are common during this period. The rationale is that valerian root can help improve sleep quality and reduce restlessness, which may indirectly ease some menopausal symptoms. Scientifically, there is some limited evidence from small clinical studies suggesting valerian may improve sleep quality in menopausal women. For example, a few randomized controlled trials have indicated that valerian extract may help reduce the severity of hot flashes and improve sleep when compared to placebo. However, the quality of these studies is generally low, with small sample sizes and methodological limitations. Systematic reviews typically conclude that while valerian appears to be safe for short-term use, more robust evidence is needed to confirm its efficacy for menopausal symptoms. Overall, the use of valerian for menopause is primarily rooted in traditional practice, with some preliminary scientific support, particularly for sleep disturbances. It is not widely endorsed in clinical guidelines for menopause management.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Elk antler
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Valerian
Abdominal PainAddictions (general remedies for)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Insomnia
Irritability
Menopause
Migraine
Nightmares
Restless Dreams
Restless Leg Syndrome
Stress
Tension
Worry