Valerian
At last update significant data on breastfeeding were not found.
A commonly used herb in many cultures and countries, even during pregnancy and breastfeeding with very few reported side-effects. Whenever not abused it has a low toxicity.
Moderate use is considered to be compatible with breastfeeding, however because of the possibility of sedative effect in infants should better be avoided in cases of prematurity and in the neonatal period. Be aware of sedative effects in the infant.
Roots, rhizomes and stolons of the plant are used. It contains iridoids, valepotriates, steroids, essential oils, GABA and tannins.
Unproven beneficial effects in adults: sedative, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic.
Indication after Commission E of German Ministry of Health: insomnia, nervousness, anxiety.
Maximal daily dose: 9 g (2 g of dried extract)
Alternatives
We do not have alternatives for Valerian.
Very Low Risk
Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.
Low Risk
Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.
High Risk
Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.
Very High Risk
Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.
Synonyms
- All-Heal
- Garden heliotrope
Writings
- Valeriana officinalis (Latin, botanical name)
Drug trade names
References
- Yurcheshen M, Seehuus M, Pigeon W. Updates on Nutraceutical Sleep Therapeutics and Investigational Research. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Medline Plus Valeriana Medicinas, hierbas y suplementos 2014 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Medline Plus Valerian Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Information 2014 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Bunchorntavakul C, Reddy KR. Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Kennedy DA, Lupattelli A, Koren G, Nordeng H. Herbal medicine use in pregnancy: results of a multinational study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Douros A, Bronder E, Andersohn F, Klimpel A, Thomae M, Ockenga J, Kreutz R, Garbe E. Drug-induced acute pancreatitis: results from the hospital-based Berlin case-control surveillance study of 102 cases. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013Abstract
- The Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria Australia. Herbal and Traditional Medicines in Breasfeeding. Fact Sheet. 2013 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Sachs HC; Committee On Drugs. The transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk: an update on selected topics. Pediatrics. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Teschke R, Wolff A, Frenzel C, Schulze J, Eickhoff A. Herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases. Liver Int. 2012Abstract
- Consolini AE, Ragone MI. Patterns of self-medication with medicinal plants and related adverse events--a South American survey. Curr Drug Saf. 2010Abstract
- Cuzzolin L, Francini-Pesenti F, Verlato G, Joppi M, Baldelli P, Benoni G. Use of herbal products among 392 Italian pregnant women: focus on pregnancy outcome. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2010Abstract
- COMMITTEE ON HERBAL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS Valerian Root EMEA 2010 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- COMITÉ DE MEDICAMENTOS A BASE DE PLANTAS Valeriana EMEA 2009 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Holst L, Nordeng H, Haavik S. Use of herbal drugs during early pregnancy in relation to maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2008Abstract
- Taibi DM, Landis CA, Petry H, Vitiello MV. A systematic review of valerian as a sleep aid: safe but not effective. Sleep Med Rev. 2007Abstract
- Zaffani S, Cuzzolin L, Benoni G. Herbal products: behaviors and beliefs among Italian women. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2006Abstract
- Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, Patterson M, Mehling W. Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2006Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- [No authors listed] Management of insomnia: a place for traditional herbal remedies. Prescrire Int. 2005Abstract
- Anderson GD, Elmer GW, Kantor ED, Templeton IE, Vitiello MV. Pharmacokinetics of valerenic acid after administration of valerian in healthy subjects. Phytother Res. 2005Abstract
- Tesch BJ. Herbs commonly used by women: an evidence-based review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003Abstract
- Haller CA, Anderson IB, Kim SY, Blanc PD. An evaluation of selected herbal reference texts and comparison to published reports of adverse herbal events. Adverse Drug React Toxicol Rev. 2002Abstract
- Petry JJ, Hadley SK. Medicinal herbs: answers and advice, part 1. Hosp Pract (1995). 2001Abstract
- Allaire AD, Moos MK, Wells SR. Complementary and alternative medicine in pregnancy: a survey of North Carolina certified nurse-midwives. Obstet Gynecol. 2000Abstract
- Mennecier D, Saloum T, Dourthe PM, Bronstein JA, Thiolet C, Farret O. [Acute hepatitis after phytotherapy]. Presse Med. 1999Abstract
- WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume I. WHO monographs 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- O'Hara M, Kiefer D, Farrell K, Kemper K. A review of 12 commonly used medicinal herbs. Arch Fam Med. 1998Abstract
- MacGregor FB, Abernethy VE, Dahabra S, Cobden I, Hayes PC. Hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies. BMJ. 1989Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Houghton PJ. The biological activity of Valerian and related plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 1988Abstract