Valerian roots and other herbal supplements are often recommended in traditional practices for sleep issues and other problems. But how safe are valerian roots during pregnancy? Can they be considered a safe alternative for sleep aids or anxiety medications? Many pregnant moms may want to stop medications for insomnia or anxiety since some can be teratogenic or cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. Before consuming anything, irrespective of how safe it is for others, you should seek a doctor’s consultation for safe pregnancy medications to deal with any health issues. Keep reading the post to know more about valerian roots, safety, and effects.
What Is Valerian Root?
Valerian is a perennial herb, which means that the valerian plant grows for longer than two years. Its root is used for medicinal purposes and is most often used as a remedy for sleep disorders. It is also used to relieve anxiety, stomach pain, headache, menstrual cramps, and depression. There are around 200 species of the herb. But V. Officinalis is the species most used for medicinal purposes. The stems (both horizontal and underground) are also used as ingredients in herbal products. Valerian root is available in the form of powder or tinctures. Its consumption is mostly in the form of tea. It is also used with other herbs and botanicals such as passionflower, lemon balm, hops, and others. These herbs do the job of masking the rather putrid smell of valerian root (1) (2).
Is It Safe To Use Valerian Root During Pregnancy?
If you are pregnant, it is better for you to avoid valerian root. There is insufficient research available on the use of valerian root on fetal and maternal health (3). Consult with your doctor if you want to use valerian root during pregnancy. Some safety concerns with valerian root use during pregnancy:
There is not enough research available yet on the safe use of valerian root for all purposes. Valerian root is available as a dietary supplement. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal or dietary supplement ingredients with the same stringency as it does with drugs. Therefore, herbal products like valerian root are available in the market even without adequate research on their safety and use during pregnancy (4).
Some studies indicate that maternal use of valerian root may reduce the level of zinc in your developing baby’s brain. Zinc is a necessary element for proper brain development (3). Lack of zinc can adversely affect your baby’s brain function in many ways (5).
Valerian use is also known to cause sleepiness. If you are pregnant, excessive drowsiness may prove to be even more dangerous for you (6). You may risk a fall and cause fetal injury. If your doctor approves your use of valerian root, be careful with tasks that require you to be extra vigilant such as driving, exercising, or similar activities.
Side Effects Of Using Valerian Root During Pregnancy
Valerian is a safe herb to use in most cases. It doesn’t lead to severe problems when used regularly. All herbal remedies, like medicines, may produce side effects. Possible side effects of valerian root use may be dizziness, tiredness, headache, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, among others (4). In some cases, withdrawal symptoms may also be possible (6).
Drug Interactions
Valerian may react with some drugs (1).
Valerian can add to the effect of sedatives. Some examples can be medicines for insomnia such as ramelteon (Rozerem), zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and ramelteon (Rozerem). Or tranquilizers like benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), and depressants that work on the central nervous system such as propofol (Diprivan).
It can also interact with antidepressant medicines like amitriptyline (Elavil).
Interactions are also possible with anticonvulsants (a drug to treat seizures) such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote).
Valerian can also interact with antihistamines (drugs for seasonal allergies).
Other interactions are possible with statins (for cholesterol) and antifungal drugs. As valerian breaks down in the liver, it can slow the breakdown of other herbs or any other drug that also goes through the breakdown process with the help of liver enzymes.
It can also interfere with anesthesia. If you are using valerian regularly, it can add to the effect of the anesthesia and cause surgical complications.
Valerian during pregnancy can also reduce the effect of other dietary supplements like kava, melatonin, skullcap, sage, catnip, calamus, St. John’s wort, and others. These herbs are also sedatives. So, using any of these with valerian root may increase sleepiness. These interactions may also increase the side effects of valerian root (8). Image: Shutterstock
Using Herbal Remedies During Pregnancy
The use of herbal remedies during pregnancy is prevalent in many cultures. Some remedies may work for you; others may not work at all. Some herbal products can cause side effects while others may provide you relief from certain health issues. But the fact remains that there is no sufficient scientific data available on the use of herbal products during pregnancy (7).
A Word Of Caution:
If you plan to use any herbal product such as valerian root during pregnancy, do so only when your doctor recommends it. Ask if the condition you want to treat through a herb can be treated with safe medicines. ‘Safe’ for you means drugs that have scientific evidence to prove are safe for maternal use (8). Do not be afraid to discuss the benefits and side effects of any herb or drug your doctor prescribes for you (9).
When using herbs, treat them with the same caution you do when using medicines during pregnancy. The use of herbs may cause miscarriages, premature uterine contractions or harm the fetus. Herbs may contain compounds that may increase your risk of preterm deliveries (10). Even if a herb is safe for someone, there is a possibility that it may be harmful to you due to your pregnancy or otherwise. Image: iStock
Remember that even herbs that are considered safe to use may be harmful to pregnant women. For instance, safe herbs like rosemary and sage in large doses are known to be harmful during pregnancy (11). A few can cause uterine contractions. Herbs like chamomile can interact with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin (9).
With valerian root, take the side of caution and do not use it during pregnancy. If you suffer from insomnia or have trouble sleeping, use another product that is safe to use during pregnancy. Also, avoid valerian root if you are planning your pregnancy or are a nursing mother.
