Many individuals have used valerian root for opiate withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and sore muscles. This anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant herb is often used in combination with other nutrients to help people reduce withdrawal symptoms from home while detoxing off opiates.
In my opinion, this herb by itself doesn’t offer much benefit to someone going through severe opiate withdrawal, however, when mixed with the right combination of natural opiate withdrawal remedies, valerian’s efficacy is significantly enhanced.
Valerian Root Overview
Valerian is a perennial flowering plant that is native to Europe and parts of Asia, which has also been introduced to North America. Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome.
As a result of valerian’s historical use as a sedative, antiseptic, anticonvulsant, migraine treatment and pain reliever, most basic science research has been directed at the interaction of valerian constituents with the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter receptor system.
In the brain, valerian is thought to bind to GABA receptors. By blocking some nerve impulses from reaching the brain, the herb seems to shorten the amount of time it takes to fall asleep as well as improve the quality of sleep that results.
Note: Valerian is also believed to lessen anxiety, because in binding to GABA receptors, it also inhibits nerve impulses and stress-related messages from reaching the brain.
Pain Relief and Sedation
Since valerian root is so effective at reducing stress and tension naturally, this also translates to reduced muscle tension. In a study from 2005, researchers tested the antispasmodic effects of valerian root in animals. Valerian root extract significantly reduced the tension and spasming of digestive muscles in rabbits and guinea pigs.
When you use valerian root internally for muscle pains, the plant may work directly on the nervous system as a natural pain reliever or analgesic. In a study from 2010, researchers found that both the whole extract and the isolated essential oil of the plant had significant analgesic effects on rats. In addition, the essential oil of valerian root increased the effectiveness of aspirin.
Contraindications
To avoid excessive drowsiness or possibly other complications, don’t take valerian with:
- Muscle relaxants
- Narcotic pain relievers
- Prescription sleep medications
- Tranquilizers
- Other drugs that make you sleepy (including certain antihistamines)
Never take valerian:
- With alcohol
- While pregnant
- While breastfeeding
List of Possible Side Effects
At recommended doses, valerian generally doesn’t produce side effects. Some individuals may experience drowsiness when taken at daytime.
Extremely large doses may cause:
- Excitability
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Restlessness
How To Use Valerian Root For Opiate Withdrawal
If you’ve decided you want to use valerian root for opiate withdrawal symptoms, make sure you also take other opiate withdrawal remedies at the same time, otherwise, you won’t get the symptom relief you are looking for.
Use the following dosing guidelines when using valerian root for opiate withdrawal:
- Use high-quality supplements, such as Herb Pharm Certified Organic Valerian Root
or Nature’s Way Valerian Root. - Start with 400-450 mg or 1/2 teaspoon liquid extract and increase to 800-1,350 mg or 1-2 teaspoons liquid extract, if needed, before going to bed.
- During the day, start at a low dose of 400 mg per day, and see how drowsy the herb makes you feel.
- Gradually increase your intake to the recommended dose of 400-450 mg two or three times a day once you feel comfortable with the herb’s effect on your system.
- I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using this Opiate Withdrawal Supplement that contains valerian root in combination with other nutrients that have been shown to be helpful in reducing symptoms.
- If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.
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If you have any questions on using valerian root for opiate withdrawal, please feel free to post them in the comment box below.
Hi matt
Currently on 4 ml of methadone after weaning myself from 4 ml. .I’m now on the 3rd day of 4ml ( prescribed ) and every day is clearer and I’m feeling emotions I haven’t felt in years. ….will valerian help during the 2 ml to nothing period ?
One thing I have found is tonic water helps with leg jerks due to the quinine that’s in it
Great article matt
Brian,
Valerian may very well help with the anxiety and insomnia that is usually a part of opiate withdrawal. I would highly recommend that you start on a dopamine producing amino acid. DLPA (DL-phenylananine) is great for this and has extra benefits that the other ones don’t. If you can’t find it there are also L-tyrosine and L-dopa which promote dopamine also. Mucuna Pruriens (velvet bean) is another choice because this contains l-dopa. Start a diet high in protein and fruits & vegs (snacks of nuts and seeds). Take a multi-vitamin which will provide some of the cofactors needed to produce more dopamine. Low dopamine levels contribute to many of the withdrawal symptoms from opiates such as lack of energy and RLS.
I used a combination of valerian root, melatonin and green tea at night . The green tea contains L-theanine which also helps with anxiety and insomnia.
Sounds like you are well on your way to a drug-free life. Keep up the good work and keep us posted!
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
*Disclaimer- Please discuss with your Dr any new supplements or diet changes. Follow the advice from your Dr.
Mart. My name is Taylor, I am a student in pharmacological r&d. I have some very new and effective ideas for opioid detox. I myself am an opioid addict and have been dependent on opioids since i was 10. I am still taking opioids for severe pain, however… I had had substance abuse issues with opioids since I was 14 and was allowed to administer my own dosage… I think you and i could help a lot of people.
Nice to meet you Taylor. You can reach me here: matt@opiateaddictionsupport.com
I have been on methadone maintenance for pain management for 12 long years. I have weaned myself down from 112mgs to 13 mgs after 6 years of hellish withdrawals and severe depression, and the return of my chronic pain. I want my feelings and emotions back. Methadone not only blocks my pain, it steals my soul. After years of painful withdrawals, I was getting pretty low, but my pain and anguish was becoming too uncomfortable and painful to continue coming down. I tried different withdrawal help, including valerian root. It doesn’t do much alone. I got Xanax from my pain care doc, which only gave me a new addiction to fight off. I kicked the Xanax, but let me say that the withdrawals from that are so much worse than Methadone! It only added to my Hell, so I’m done with them. Recently I tried a withdrawal aid out of desperation, and to my delight, IT WORKS. I was so desperate to not be “dope sick” or hooked on something worse, that I took a chance and sent away for a small package of Red Vein Kratom, from an online company. To my surprise, the horrible mental images, sweating, cramps, kicking and anxiety were lessened to the point where I can now just relax and chill out and let the withdrawals happen without feeling like I’m dying. I know now with this amazing stuff, I can get off of this long time opiate. Im looking into cortisone shots for my pain instead of another opiate. I’m so glad I didn’t just give up. I’m lucky I have a loving family and a helpful pain doctor. I know I can and will get off Methadone soon, and you can too. Research this stuff first and try it. It works for me!
Good luck to you!
L. in Massachusetts
Amazing success story Lori! Thanks for sharing, and here is an article I wrote on red vein kratom for any readers that want to learn more:
How To Use Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal
What if you are currently taking klonopin, or Xanax or any type dog benzodiazepine, will valaryian root interfere with this medication or enhance it? or contradict it? in any way shape or form?
Hi I had a hip replacement dec 21st and 2 weeks ago I started weening off the oxycodone 2 weeks by cutting my doses in half. Very shortly after I began to have jvery disturbing thoughts and anxiety, jitters, nervousness, loss of appetite uncomfortable, butterflies and they have not stopped! the nervousness is still pretty bad and the disturbing thoughts have almost stopped. Within the last couple days I’m nauseous, loss of appetite, diarrhea all the symptoms that I’ve read as a result of withdrawal from the oxycodone. I can handle nausea and diarrhea but the disturbing thoughts and anxiety and nervousness are unbearable so I defintely plan to try the higher end herbs that you recommend! my question is where do I get them and how long do I need to take them in order to feel normal again God bless you for your site!! Thanks and advance
Hi Shawn,
I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this! Anyways, I resonate completely with what you wrote. The physical symptoms are bad, but the mental symptoms are horrific!! For herbs I go to the natural food store close to my house, or I order them off Amazon.com
. If you have a vitamin store close to where you live check it out, and everyone is different in how long the symptoms last. I’ve studied from doctors that state it’s beneficial to take supplements for at least 3-6 months after coming off opiates. Best of luck to you!!!
Great question. Since valerian is believed to bind to GABA receptors, this makes is contraindicated with other gabaergics, including but nowhere near limited to the ones you mentioned. However, the opiate withdrawal syndrome is a horrific meltdown of the brain, and the CNS is going so unbelievably haywire that in my opinion, the use of multiple gabaergics together, as well as many other supplements and/or medications, can have great results when used together to reduce anxiety, insomnia, and other symptoms.
Even though a person would normally feel too sedated from combining strong gabaergics, I think opiate withdrawal would be a good exception to the medical rule. In my own experience, I used multiple gabaergics with great success, no side effects, and no new addictions.
And now I must say it even though you already know:
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This comment is for informational use only. It’s not intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, trying any new supplements, medications, exercise or opiate tapering programs.