What is it used for?
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve restlessness and/or nervousness (calmative) [Source note 2].
(Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a) sleep aid/(to) help(s) (to) promote sleep [Source note 3].
The above uses can be combined on the product label if from the same traditional or non-traditional system of medicine (e.g. Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve restlessness and nervousness and to help promote sleep).
For multi-ingredient products:
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Methods of preparation: Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract*, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Infusion)
0.3-12 grams of dried root or root and rhizome, per day; Not to exceed 3.6 grams per single dose [Source note 4].
*Note: Solvents allowed for the method of preparation “Non-standardized extracts (Dry extract)” as part of this reference are ethanol and/or water only.
Methods of preparation: Standardized extracts (Dry extract, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Infusion)
0.3-12 grams of dried root or root and rhizome, per day; Not to exceed 3.6 grams per single dose
0.05-0.90% valerenic acid (USP 2023; Brinker 2010USP)
0.10-0.90% sesquiterpenic acids [Source note 5]
Note For extracts standardized to valerenic acid or sesquiterpenic acids, the quantity dried equivalent and the extract ratio must be provided.
How is it used?
Sleep Aid
Take 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, as needed [Source note 6].
Restlessness/nervousness
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
How long is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Warnings and precautions
All uses
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding [Source note 7].
When using this product avoid taking with alcohol or products that cause drowsiness [Source note 8].
When using this product exercise caution if you drive or use machinery as you may experience drowsiness [Source note 9].
Sleep aid
Ask a healthcare professional if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than 4 weeks (chronic insomnia) [Source note 10].
Restlessness/nervousness
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
When should it be avoided?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Possible side effects
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valeriana officinalis |
| Valeriana officinalis |
| Dry |
References: Proper name: USDA 2023; Common names: McGuffin et al. 2000; Source information: ESCOP 2003, Hoffmann 2003, BHP 1996.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- July 26, 2024
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
Taking a medication too?
Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.