Several hundred years ago, people in Europe thought that valerian (Valeriana officinalis) was an effective treatment for epilepsy. Unfortunately, modern studies have not found that to be true.

Although valerian is a flowering plant, the part used for medicinal purposes is the root. It is available in capsule form or is sometimes brewed as a tea. It does appear to have some usefulness in improving sleep. Sleep deprivation is a common trigger for seizures, so valerian may be helpful for some people with epilepsy who are troubled by insomnia. It also may help with anxiety experienced during withdrawal from benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (Klonopin), clobazam (Frisium), diazepam (Valium), or lorazepam (Ativan). Do not start using valerian without talking to your doctor first.

Unwanted drowsiness or decreased alertness can be a problem for some people, especially those who also take other medicines with similar effects, such as the benzodiazepines mentioned above, or barbiturates like phenobarbital.

Doctors are uncertain whether people who take valerian regularly for a long time have an increased risk of liver damage. People with liver problems should ask their doctor before they start using it.

Read more about valerian in the "About Herbs" section of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website. (If you have not visited the site before, the information on valerian will be preceded by a Disclaimer.)

Much of the information in this article is based on Spinella M: Herbal medicines and epilepsy: The potential for benefit and adverse effects. Epilepsy Behav 2001; 2(6):524-532. (PMID 12609386)

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed:12/15/06