Is Valerian Root Safe During Pregnancy?

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Written by Editorial Team

Editorial Team

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting..

valerian root during pregnancy

Having sleepless nights is a common symptom during pregnancy due to increasing weight, anxiety, and several other reasons. This is the time when pregnant ladies are not too keen to take any sort of medication. If you think “is valerian root safe during pregnancy”, then this blog is for you.

Pregnancy is a time when one has to take medicines like iron, folate, vitamins, etc. Therefore, any further medicines for treating sleep issues can further create difficulties for both the mother and the baby. Thus, it becomes important to look for more options and even the use of certain herbs to cure this.

The Valerian root is one of the herbs that is used for the treatment of sleep disorders and even nervousness. But since pregnancy is a critical phase, it is mandatory to find how safe it is. It is important to know its advantages and side effects. Let us have a look at all these one be one.

What is Valerian Root?

The valerian plant grows for two years or even more. Thus, this herb is perennial, and the root of the plant is widely used as medicine. It helps curing sleep disorders, alleviating nervousness, stomach aches, anxiety fatigue, etc.

There are over 200 types of valerian plants. However, there is only one type is used for medicines. Its stems -both underground, as well as horizontal- can be used as a component for the preparation of herbal merchandise.

This root comes in powder form or even tinctures. It is widely consumed as a tea and is also along with other herbs such as lemon balm etc.

Valerian Root Safe During Pregnancy

In case one has conceived, it is advisable not to consume valerian root. As per studies, the effect of using valerian root on the baby and the mother’s health is still not known. So, it is better to have a doctor’s recommendation in case one wishes to use the root during pregnancy.

Some safety points while using valerian root during pregnancy are:

Few studies and researches have indicated that using valerian root during pregnancy has been known to lower the zinc level in the brain of the baby.
Valerian root is famous for easing off the problem of sleep, but sleepiness is not a good sign. It can contribute to falling and harming the baby.
In case one has got a go-ahead from the doctor regarding its usage, it is better to be cautious with what activities are being undertaken after it, especially driving, etc.

Benefits of Using Valerian Roots During Pregnancy

dried valerian roots

Valerian root contain a lot of powerful bioactive compounds that have a relaxing, sleep-promoting, anti-inflammatory effect. It is also beneficial for a healthy heart.

Thus, the valerian root is used as a cure for depression, sleep disorders, fatigue, lethargy, healthy functioning of the heart, etc. It even has some anti-inflammatory compounds and therefore offers many other benefits.

Let us have a look at some of them below:

The usage of valerian root is known to work as a cure for people suffering from insomnia, Sleep Apnea, or who cannot have a deep sleep.
Consumption of valerian root helps to combat stress as it has magnesium that enhances the mood.
Valerian root may also help increase concentration and learning.

Side Effects of Valerian Root During Pregnancy

Using Valerian root is generally safe. Intake of this root in limited quantities and does not cause harm in the majority of cases. Yet all sorts of herbal cures do have side effects. Most of the side effects are drowsiness, giddiness, impatience, head pain, and gastric disorders.

The other side effects are:

The usage of valerian root can react with some sedatives or depressants.
It can even react with antidepressants.
It can react with cholesterol levels and liver enzymes.
Can interfere while giving anesthesia leading to several surgical difficulties.
Using valerian root during pregnancy can lessen the impact of all sorts of dietary add-ons.

Is it Safe to Drink Valerian Tea During Pregnancy?

Valerian tea

Drinking herbal tea during pregnancy has its benefits. But remember not to drink it continually throughout the pregnancy. Also,

Don’t have more than one cup a day.
Never take it longer than six weeks at a time.

Herbal Remedies for Pregnant Women

It is common to use herbal remedies through pregnancy in many cultures. Few remedies work for one, and others might not.

While some of the herbal products can cause side effects, others could work as providing relief. However, no adequate data or records are accessible for the effect of the use of herbal products through pregnancy.

Safety Issues

As per some studies and researches, valerian roots in moderate amounts cause no harm during pregnancy. Yet it is advisable to consume it only after a doctor’s recommendation.

Some of the safety concerns of eating valerian root during pregnancy are:

It is important to find out if the herbal remedy that is safe both for the mother as well as the unborn baby.
It is best to have a good idea regarding its benefits and the side-effects as well.
Use herbs with proper care and attention, as improper use of herbs, can also lead to premature births, miscarriages, etc.
It is good to remember that the herbs that are safe otherwise can be unsafe in pregnancy.

Therefore, it is significant to know that even though the valerian root helps to alleviate sleep issues, restlessness, anxiety, etc., it is best to be vigilant and not use it while one is pregnant. It is also not advisable to consume valerian root in case one wishes to conceive or is lactating.

FAQ’s

1. Can Valerian Root Cure my Pregnancy Insomnia?

We are not sure. Valerian root is not safe during pregnancy. So, if your doctor prescribes it, clear all your doubts and start the medication.

2. Can Consuming Valerian Root During Pregnancy Harm my Baby?

Yes it can. Some believe it can reduce the zinc in your body. This can affect the baby’s brain.

3. Can Consuming Valerian Root During Pregnancy Keep Away Post Partum Depression?

No there is no research to prove this. Many believe valerian root is not safe for pregnant women. Consuming something in advance can’t keep depression away.

4. How Much Valerian Can I Have When Pregnant?

If you must consume valerian root, do so after consulting your doctor. So not have too much of this root. It can be dangerous.

Editorial Team,

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.

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