Valerian Root: High and Mighty Sedative of the Saxons
Valerian root is an ancient sedative and anxiety reducing herb that is proven to improve dream recall and enhance dream content. Used by every culture from the Saxons to the Greeks, its widespread use persists today
Valerian is one of the most highly effective and popular natural insomnia remedies – and with just reason. It has thousands of years of cultural use and a significant body of scientific literature backing up its benefits.
In fact, it is so reliable that studies have shown it is comparable to commercial drugs such as oxazepam.
Whilst valerian can be used to treat anxiety, insomnia and even get high – in this article we will focus on its potential use as a dream herb.
Valerian Root History
As always, I like to review the history of a given dream herb, before we delve into its details.
So let’s begin!
Valerian is first mentioned by Hippocrates himself around 400 BC. You can check out his wisdom on the matter (if you have such an inclination) in the Hippocratic Corpos.
As you will see, valerian root has spread throughout the world and there is evidence of its use across many varied cultures and locations.
Here is a random list of interesting historical facts about valerian – of which there are many:
- Valerian was commonly used by the ancient Greeks for several ailments. Dioscorides, the Greek physician, used it for maladies of the liver, urinary tract, and digestive tract.
- Mentioned in 924 AD by Isaac Judaeus in his famous work The Book of Fevers.
- During the 1800s valerian was widely used in both America and Europe for treating "hysteria" in women. Of all the natural remedies for anxiety in use at the time, it was in fact so widely prescribed that it would be accurate to call valerian root the "Valium of the 19th Century”.
- Used also in Eastern countries as a scent for bath water and as a perfume! Some people even used the root to give scent to their clothing. Note that there were (and still are) several species of Valerian whose roots smell more appealing than the kind you may be used to. Even today, types of valerian extract are used to underpin musky notes in commercial perfumes!
- Throughout history Valerian was used as a spice. Anglo Saxton recipes containing Valerian have been tracked down. See Bald’s Leechbook, a famous 10th century manuscript (leech was the Old English name for doctor – since that was mostly what they used to cure you, via blood letting!)
- Cats adore valerian! It is not unusual to see a feline instantly attracted to any Valerian plant with bruised leaves or stems. Their reaction is similar to the way they act when they encounter catnip. It is known that many of the historic apothecaries judged the quality of the Valerian they used by the way a cat reacted to it.
- Many have experienced success in catching rats with a Valerian laced trap. It has even been suggested that the infamous rat charmer, the Pied Piper of Hamlin actually used valerian to lure his horde of vermin into the river – his pipe being just an elaborate ruse!
- Native Americans were known to use chewed Valerian in their ears to provide relief from earaches. The Blackfoot tribe in particular used it to treat stomach problems - whilst several tribes (including the Thompsons of British Columbia and the Menominee) have used valerian root topically to treat cuts and wounds.
- The root use was prescribed during the Second World War to those suffering overwrought nerves caused by the regular air raids that the population of England had to endure.
Valerian Root Dreams
Valerian root is a bona fide dream herb.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that valerian influences my dreams. I know this not only from my own experiences with the herb, but from this study.
When investigating the effects of the extract on stress-induced insomnia, 16% of patients formally reported vivid dreams as a side effect of the valerian mixture.
To be honest, I’m surprised the figure is so low. My suspicion is that if a proper trial were re-conducted with a larger sample size - and an emphasis on this measure - the figure would be much greater.
When I take valerian, the most pronounced effect I notice is an improvement in dream recall. It would be rare for me to take valerian and not remember my dreams the next day. But then I only take the supplement periodically for dream enhancement purposes – and not every night.
The second effect I notice is a marked influence on dream content – the dreams I have on valerian always seem more bizarre and sometimes more vivid.
So can you use valerian for lucid dreaming, you ask?
Whilst it doesn’t have the sheer lucidity inducing power of a strong AChE Inhibitor, ultimately any dream herb can be used in conjunction with lucid dreaming techniques to ease your way into the dream world.
When you have bizarre dreams like this, you may be more likely to realise you are dreaming and become lucid.
Your mileage may vary.
Valerian is definitely not the best choice for inducing lucid dreams - when taken alone.
It is best used as a peripheral ingredient in combination with other stronger dream herbs. In this way, it promotes greater dream recall and bizarreness of content – in conjunction with the lucidity promoting effects of other oneirogens.
Valerian Root Reviews
Let’s take a look at a couple of experiences and reviews from erowid:
For me, valerian has proved to be very effective in reducing the anxiety I often feel at bedtime […] It seems to soothe my body and mind and puts me in a comfortable place, where I can relax and drift off to sleep. In fact, I have found that my dreams with valerian are more vivid and comforting -- lots of back-to-mother imagery and sparkling white castles on fluffy white clouds. There is nothing powerful or overwhelming about it, in fact it is quite subtle. […] for me it has worked wonderfully over the past two months, and I feel much more in control of my sleep schedule. There is no grogginess to speak of the next day, and no other noticeable side effects.
- Smith, Erowid
Something interesting about these tablets was that I actually dreamed that night. I usually dream very seldom, or at least don't remember anything next morning. Also, I tend to have very 'incoherent' dreams. I don't think this is unnormal, but this night I dreamed very coherently and in greater detail than I usually do.
- Kay, Erowid
So as you can see, it’s not just scientific studies but also anecdotal evidence that proves valerian influences your dreams.
What's the best valerian root supplement?
If you’re looking to find the best valerian supplement for dream enhancement, it’s important that you understand the role of valerenic acid.
You see, most supplements use an ‘extract’ rather than the raw plant material – which is great for convenience since as we don’t need to store a great herbal bulk under the sink!
The issue is that since extraction methods vary, the yields of valerenic acid also vary. You need to be aware of this, so you can calculate a potent dose.
As a rule of thumb, the raw plant material typically contains around 0.16% valerenic acid. Extracts are typically based around a 4:1 strength ratio – which means a valerenic acid content around 0.8%.
Just make sure you don't buy any capsules on Amazon that are weaker than this as quality and results do vary!
If you're considering trying out Valerian to enhance your dreams, we recommend checking out this one on Amazon. It contains 450mg of 0.8% extract, which is the amount supported by clinical studies - as well as mugwort and melatonin to complement and enhance the experience.
Conclusion
Valerian root is a herbal supplement that works and it works well.
It will influence your dreams - and as a bonus it will also help you get a decent night's slumber.
About the author
Chris Hammond - Editor and "Chief Lucidity Officer" of World of Lucid Dreaming. That means he writes about lucid dreaming, awareness - and other gooey stuff like the nature of consciousness and cosmic existence.
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