Can you take Valerian root during pregnancy?

Answer 1

The current recommendations of the Food and Drug Administration in the USA are that Valerian should not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is too little information to call it 'safe' or 'unsafe'. I've been researching this myself, and am not an expert but here is what I've learned.

1. No studies have been done of pregnant women and valerian use.

2. No studies have been done on the effects of valerian on pregnant animals (re: the offspring). Apparently there was a study done on mice which had been Previously given valerian Before pregnancy. There were no ill effects on the ability of the mice to conceive and produce healthy babies from taking it Before they were pregnant.

3. Anecdotal evidence from discussion boards with pregnant women and mothers who have taken valerian when they didn't know about pregnancy or took it in low doses and occasionally do not include any anecdotes of visible birth defects, disabilities, or impairments.

HOWEVER this is NOT evidence that it is harmless. Mom's who have taken the herb and had negative effects may not post due to guilt, shae etc. Also some negative effects are not easily seen until the child is older - learning or behaviour or hidden organ problems are examples. Also, even substances Proven to be harmful there are babies born who are normal, but the substances are considered harmful because there is HIGHER THAN AVERAGE risk of a negative effect. (EG: alcohol - there are some babies born to Mom's who have drank alcohol who are fine. Other children only show effects later in childhood in behaviour and learning problems. The risk of problems is higher than normal for women who drink even a couple of alcholic beverages in pregnancy, with greater risks with higher exposures. Still, even with alcohlics, some babies appear normal at birth, and it took many years for dr.'s to realize the risk, largely because Mom's who had babies with problems didn't want to admit they may have contributed to the problem.)

4. If Valerian were a prescription drug, these things would put in in the "not recommended but may be used if the known benefit to Mother is greater than the risk to child." That is to say, Valerian is known to be much milder than prescription benzodiazapene drugs such as Ativan, diazepam, and other tranquilizers. If a Mom is in such a bad way that she is unable to live life, work, or sleep, can't stop crying or screaming, etc... the benefits may be greater than the risk posed by crazy sleepless Mommy whose blood is filled with the hormones and neuro transmitters associated with negative feelings (which may have a negative impact on fetus/baby when brain is developing, especially if this is extreme and/or chronic stress, depression, anxiety etc.)

5. If a health professional would consider putting Mom on a prescription drug for her problems, then valerian might be a considered preferable. It's best to ask a health care professional (eg nburse, midwife or doctor), if at all possible. Otherwise, it's better to go for warm milk, a hot bath, a nice cup of tea, or a massage to relax and help sleep.