Research
Valerian for Menopause: Evidence, Interactions and Cautions
Valerian is an ingredient used in menopause supplements marketed to women. Below is what it has actually been studied for, how strong that evidence is, the drug interactions and cautions on record, and the primary source our grade rests on — all drawn from the HerWellReport ingredient dataset.
Also sold as: Valeriana officinalis; valerian root
What the evidence says about Valerian
NCCIH says the evidence on whether valerian helps sleep problems is inconsistent, and that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended against using it for chronic insomnia in adults. On menopause specifically, NCCIH notes that three small studies suggest valerian might be helpful for menopause symptoms but there is not enough evidence to know for certain. Valerian does not appear in the Menopause Society's 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement, whose general position is that supplements and herbal remedies are not recommended for hot flushes.
The grade "limited" means: limited — One or two small human trials, or trials for a closely related outcome. Grades are explained in full on our methodology page.
Read the primary source this grade rests on (opens in a new tab).
Valerian drug interactions
- Alcohol
- sedatives
Who should be careful with Valerian
- Do not take it with alcohol or sedatives
- long-term safety is unknown and the evidence covers only about 300-600 mg daily for up to 6 weeks
- stopping abruptly after long use may cause anxiety and insomnia
- avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- side effects include headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability and vivid dreams
Read more on HerWellReport
- Best Menopause Supplements: What Is Actually In Them
- Nature’s Way AM/PM PeriMenopause Formula: An Honest Ingredient Review
This entry is generated from row "Valerian" of the HerWellReport ingredient dataset (v2.1, updated 2026-09-23). The dataset is free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 — how to cite it. Ingredient evidence is not evidence for any finished product, and nothing here is medical advice.