Traditionally used for its calming properties, Valerian root may reduce anxiety, relieve stress, improve sleep quality, and even help relieve headaches. We’ll count down five top brands in our search for the best Valerian root supplement.
Valerian root is a flowering herb commonly used for centuries as a sleep aid, often called “nature’s Valium.” This beneficial herb contains calming properties that make it easier for people to fall asleep and stay asleep. Valerian root may also benefit those plagued by anxiety and restlessness.
The herb has a long history of medicinal use dating back to the Greek physician Hippocrates who prescribed the herb for insomnia. Since the Middle Ages, people have used Valerian root to promote relaxation and sleep without medications. This beneficial herb may also treat trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations. Valerian root is native to Asia and Europe and grows wild across the U.S. and Canada.
You May Also Like:
5 Great Benefits of Organic Ginger Root
BrainMD Restful Sleep Supplement vs DELTA BrainLuxury
The best Valerian root supplement contains calming compounds
Today, the most common uses for Valerian root are insomnia and nervous tension. The herb may also relieve menopausal symptoms. Research indicates that the calming properties in Valerian root include lignans, flavonoids, terpenes, valepotriates, and GABA.
Terpenes may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, while GABA is a chemical messenger that helps regulate nerve impulses in the body’s nervous system. It is also one of the primary neurotransmitters responsible for regulating sleep. Certain compounds in Valerian root may promote the feeling of calm by enhancing the availability of GABA, which has sedative effects on the brain.
Compounds in Valerian root may also interact with receptors for serotonin and adenosine. Serotonin plays a vital role in how well and how long you sleep. Valepotriates, the compounds that give Valerian root its pungent odor, may also have anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and sedative effects on the body.
5 Best Valerian root supplement brands
Valerian root comes in many forms, including tinctures, teas, and capsules. Given its intense aroma, many people prefer capsules over teas. The best Valerian root supplement brands do not contain mega-doses of the powerful herb.
Supplement mega-doses are unnatural and may not be effectively absorbed by the body. The best Valerian root supplement takes a sufficient dose into account. Here are the top 5 best Valerian root supplement brands.
#5 Carlyle Valerian Root is a scented herbal supplement with a blend of Valerian root in quick-release capsules. Each serving is 2400mg of Valerian root. The capsules are lab-tested and free of gluten, wheat, artificial flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners. The product is also non-GMO.
#4 American Standard Valerian Root capsules contain 450mg of concentrated extract, equivalent to 1800mg of fresh Valerian root. It is certified organic and non-GMO, containing no sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. The company claims it offers the highest potency of Valerian on the market.
#3 Bronson Valerian Root Capsules are 1200mg of 10 to 1 extract. Bronson products are in-house tested and manufactured by trained professionals. Additional ingredients include modified cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide.
#2 NOW Valerian Root is a 500mg vegan capsule. The ingredients are non-GMO and are free of soy, nuts, egg, dairy, and corn. Every aspect of its manufacturing process has been examined for stability, potency, and product formulation. The reviews include comments like “Two pills work well if you’re having trouble sleeping but can make me feel groggy waking up.”
The best Valerian root supplement is myPEAK Delta Sleep
Taking the number one spot on the best Valerian root supplement list is myPEAK Delta Sleep. The product blends natural Valerian root, melatonin, chamomile, passionflower, vitamin B3, and GABA. It is a blend that optimizes the deep sleep cycle. The product was developed by physician Dr. Bhargav Patel who has always been fascinated by the connection between good nutrition and good health.
Dr. Patel found that mega-doses of Valerian root and other medicinal herbs and vitamins may be rejected and not fully absorbed by the body. However, too small of a dose may not have the desired effect either. After extensive study, Dr. Patel determined that the ideal dose of Valerian root for improved sleep quality and stress reduction benefits is 200mg.
Dr. Patel believes that wholesome living is the foundation for reaching peak potential. He tested the formulations he created for the myPEAK Delta Sleep product on family and friends. The blends are designed to work together in the same way that your body works, with each ingredient specifically chosen to achieve the desired effect. The premium branded ingredients are all-natural, plant-based, non-GMO, and lab tested.
Dr. Patel says, “When we’re sourcing supplements, we try to source the purest forms available and in the cleanest supply chains available. We use a lot of branded ingredients that have been clinically studied and which are proven for the claims that they make.” MyPEAK Delta Sleep has received excellent reviews such as “Does the job” and “Performing better in the day due to getting a good night’s sleep.”
The best Valerian root supplement available to you – What’s next?
Now that you have some information on the top 5 brands and an idea of what the best Valerian root supplement should contain, you can decide which brand is optimal for you. You now know which ingredient blends work optimally and what dosing is best to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up more refreshed. You may want to do more research on this topic, so we have added additional links below. Now that you know what to look for, you can choose the best Valerian root supplement for you to support faster, deeper, and longer sleep.
Further reading for additional information
Health.com: Health benefits of Valerian root
SciTechDaily: Top 5 Science-backed benefits of Valerian root
Very Well Health: What is Valerian root?
Harvard School of Public Health: Sleep
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not be evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.