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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Franz on April 10, 2007, at 20:48:45
I would like to know if one needs to take breaks from valerian.
I find it is not only for anxiety but also improves my mood.
I bought some passion flower tincture but it is not as effective, maybe it is the brand.
I read somewhere that valerian is not for long term, but is there any serious reason?.
Posted by teejay on April 10, 2007, at 21:10:26
In reply to For how long can I take valerian?, posted by Franz on April 10, 2007, at 20:48:45
Just typed 'valerian long term use' into google and its come up with rakes of info.
Happy reading :-)
Posted by Franz on April 11, 2007, at 6:38:11
In reply to Re: For how long can I take valerian?, posted by teejay on April 10, 2007, at 21:10:26
> Just typed 'valerian long term use' into google and its come up with rakes of info.
>
> Happy reading :-)
>
>Thanks teejay, I already said I read about it, but I should have said I want reports from people using it or that compared the readings with their experience.
Posted by nolvas on April 11, 2007, at 16:49:57
In reply to Re: For how long can I take valerian?, posted by Franz on April 11, 2007, at 6:38:11
Some people build up a tolerance to Valerian. I think it's wise not to use it on a continuous daily basis but to have a break from using it.
The precise mechanism for Valerian is not known, but it seems to act on the Gabergenic system in the brain. It does contain a fair quantity of the amino acid Gaba although this doesn't transfer through the blood brain barrier that easily if at all. Any drugs or herbs that act on Gaba receptors seem to be prone to tolerance and rebound anxiety.
I'm usually taking some supplement to try and calm my anxiety. I'll take Valerian for maybe a week then I'll change to Magnesium Citrate or Kava root. The next experiments I will be trying are Glycine on it's own and also a mix of Lysine and Arginine 3 grams each per day. I also take Taurine sometimes, Vitamin C time release and Niacinamide. Although maybe it's just me but I find I get rebound anxiety from the last 3 supplements I've mentioned.
There's lots of things you can try, however they usually aren't as powerful in effect as prescription drugs.
Posted by linkadge on April 11, 2007, at 18:41:29
In reply to Re: For how long can I take valerian?, posted by nolvas on April 11, 2007, at 16:49:57
I actually had the same question. I think there have been a few cases of liver problems, but the articles didn't seem to directly link it to valerian, perhaps with other skullcap or germander ingredients.
One may or may not build a tollerance since there are multiple mechanisms for kava. Some involve serotonin receptor agonism and antagonism, opiate modulation, inhibition of gaba metabolism, and gaba receptor agonism.
Valerian has affinity for 5-ht1a which may help to reduce anxiety after longer term administration. Ie in a manner similar to buspar.
Linakdge
Posted by Vale on April 12, 2007, at 16:59:35
In reply to For how long can I take valerian?, posted by Franz on April 10, 2007, at 20:48:45
I took it for 3 months continually X2 100mg caps.
Not much in the way side-effects, but I felt headaches and palpitations were an issue after the 3 months. I read also that it could be heavy on the adrenal glands after prolonged use.
It combined well with Rhodiola rosea capsules.
Acid reflux is also possible when alcohol is taken concomitantly. ( I like wine more than Valeriana, so that's another reason for not using continually)
Everything will eventually poop out or cause problems if taken continually, our angst ridden psyches are easier to placate when using different substances intermittantly, it's the old Darwinian thing again.P.S. I eventually obtained full remission from depression/ anxiety, not with sups. or meds. But with diet. Bread/ cereals were the culprit. But I guess everybodys built differently.
Posted by Franz on April 14, 2007, at 10:18:49
In reply to Re: For how long can I take valerian?, posted by linkadge on April 11, 2007, at 18:41:29
Thanks to all for the comments, very interesting information.
It seems the valerian pros/conts resemble those of benzos.
I too get stomach discomfort from high or long use of valerian.
Now I am using 2 x 100 mg extract tablets /day. Maybe in a month I should try to replace with melissa, chamomile or other brand of passion flower that works.
Posted by verne on April 30, 2007, at 4:52:29
In reply to Re: For how long can I take valerian?, posted by Franz on April 14, 2007, at 10:18:49
I'm glad Valerian is working for you. I tend to get the heart-pounding, heavily-sedated, yet can't sleep effect.
I'm still experimenting but I like Feverfew (the miracle migraine cure), Yellow Dock, magnesium (citrate and malate), and the odd Skullcap.
Valerian is too heavy for me. Passion Flower and Skullcap are lighter but still have a twist. Skullcap the least. All three of these herbs are in the "heroic" category: go in, kick butt and take names.
The key for me is a more subtle, *cooling*, approach. Feverfew, Goldenseal, Yellow Dock. I'd like to drink wine but I'm probably an alcoholic and shouldn't.
I've taken a lot of valerian and it will knock the other knight off his horse every time. I may sleep, but my heart will pound, and I'll wake up hungover, wishing, perhaps, I'd drank something instead.
Valerian is a hero, who takes no prisoner and gives no quarter. If you can break that bronco and stomach my mixing of metaphors, you're home free.
Verne
Posted by Franz on April 30, 2007, at 20:11:15
In reply to Re: For how long can I take valerian?, posted by verne on April 30, 2007, at 4:52:29
> I'm glad Valerian is working for you. I tend to get the heart-pounding, heavily-sedated, yet can't sleep effect.
>
> I'm still experimenting but I like Feverfew (the miracle migraine cure), Yellow Dock, magnesium (citrate and malate), and the odd Skullcap.
>
> Valerian is too heavy for me. Passion Flower and Skullcap are lighter but still have a twist. Skullcap the least. All three of these herbs are in the "heroic" category: go in, kick butt and take names.
>
> The key for me is a more subtle, *cooling*, approach. Feverfew, Goldenseal, Yellow Dock. I'd like to drink wine but I'm probably an alcoholic and shouldn't.
>
> I've taken a lot of valerian and it will knock the other knight off his horse every time. I may sleep, but my heart will pound, and I'll wake up hungover, wishing, perhaps, I'd drank something instead.
>
> Valerian is a hero, who takes no prisoner and gives no quarter. If you can break that bronco and stomach my mixing of metaphors, you're home free.
>
> Verne
I get side effects from valerian too.Sometimes it relaxes and then I feel more alert, I don´t know how to describe it, it is not a simple sedative.
I am trying bromazepam now, 1.5 mg at night (which is a small dose). It works different than alprazolam and clonazepam.
It seems I can´t take anything for too long so I will keep the valerian at hand.
Also, I am trying to get some sun and exercise and take breaths to disrupt bad thoughts.
This is the end of the thread.
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