Reviews and Information for Valerian
Valerian Supplements
Trying to find a good valerian supplement? Find out which ones passed our tests and find out which are the best for your money. Review the evidence for and against using valerian supplements for insomnia, better sleep during menopause, anxiety and stress. Plus, information about dosage, safety, side effects, potential drug interactions and more.
Valerian Supplements Review
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News Release
May 31, 2018
ConsumerLab Identifies the Best Valerian Supplements -- Strength, Quality and Cost Vary Widely Among Popular Brands
White Plains, New York, May 31, 2018 — Valerian is often promoted as a sleep aid and to help with anxiety. But does it really work, and if so, which products are best? To find out, ConsumerLab recently purchased and tested popular valerian supplements sold in the U.S.
Clinical Update
9/11/2011
Better Sleep with Valerian
A recent study evaluated the effect of valerian extract on postmenopausal women with insomnia. Among those women who took valerian, 30% reported an improvement in their sleep compared to only 4% in the placebo group. More details, including the dosage and type of valerian used in the study, is found in an update to the Valerian Supplements Review -- which includes our quality ratings of valerian products. More >>
News Release
October 23, 2013
Valerian “Sleep” Supplements Vary Widely in Key Compounds and Two Fail Tests for Lead Contamination
White Plains, New York — October 23, 2013 — Valerian root powders and extracts are popular herbal sleep aids and may have anti-anxiety effects, but few products on the market provide the amounts of compounds typically used in clinical trials, and some are contaminated with lead, ...
Clinical Update
9/30/2024
Valerian for Restless Legs?
Does taking valerian root reduce the severity of restless legs syndrome? See what clinical evidence shows in our Valerian Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among valerian supplements.
Also see: Do any supplements help with restless legs syndrome?
Clinical Update
11/14/2023
Valerian Tea for Insomnia?
Valerian tea is commonly promoted for improving sleep, but does it work? Find out in our Valerian Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for valerian.
Also see: Which supplements and lifestyle changes improve sleep, and which cause insomnia?
News Release
November 24, 2010
ConsumerLab.com faults AHPA trade group for misrepresenting quality of valerian supplements
White Plains, New York — November 24, 2010 — ConsumerLab.com responded today to false comments made by the American Herbal Product Associations (AHPA), an industry trade group, about ConsumerLab.com report published earlier this month on the quality of valerian herbal supplements.
News Release
November 10, 2010
Only 22% of valerian herbal sleep supplements selected for review pass tests for quality by ConsumerLab.com
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — NOVEMBER 10, 2010 — ConsumerLab.com reported that most of the valerian herbal supplements recently selected for testing contained less of the herb than expected and/or were contaminated with lead.
Clinical Update
11/10/2023
Valerian for Better Sleep?
Does taking valerian help people fall asleep faster, or stay asleep longer? Find out what the latest research shows in the What It Does section of our Valerian Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
Also see: Which supplements and lifestyle changes improve sleep, and which cause insomnia?
News Release
August 15, 2006
Over 70% of herbal sleep supplements fail tests for quality by ConsumerLab.com — Results for 16 valerian products released today
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — AUGUST 15, 2006 — Most of the valerian dietary supplements recently tested by ConsumerLab.com were low in potency and/or contaminated, the testing company reported today. Valerian, an herbal sleep aid, accounts for approximately $50 million in sales in the U.S.
CL Answer
Which supplements and lifestyle changes improve sleep, and which cause insomnia?
Find out which vitamins may help you sleep and learn if any vitamins or supplements can cause insomnia.
CL Answer
What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?
Info on which supplements to avoid before surgery due to increased risk of bleeding or interference with anesthesia.
CL Answer
How much should I expect to pay for supplements? Are higher-priced supplements any better than low-priced brands?
Learn about the cost of supplements. Info including the best pricing on fish oil, CoQ10, vitamins C & D, magnesium, and calcium.
CL Answer
10 Supplements That May Help Reduce Nighttime Urination (And 5 That May Not)
Waking up more than once during the night to use the bathroom? Learn more about the 9 supplements that may help and 5 others that don't.
CL Answer
I've heard that rice has high levels of arsenic. Does that mean rice bran oil does too?
Find out if rice bran oil can contain high levels of arsenic like whole rice and other rice products do.
CL Answer
Which supplements can help me sleep and which cause insomnia?
Find out which supplements may improve sleep, including melatonin, L-tryptophan, and magnesium, and which may make sleeping more difficult.
CL Answer
Do supplements help with Parkinson’s disease treatment or prevention?
Learn what has been shown with vitamins D and E, niacin, CoQ10, melatonin, creatine, SAMe, NAC, valerian, CoQ10, and CBD, as well as with coffee and the Mediterranean and MIND diets for treating and/or preventing Parkinson's disease.
CL Answer
With herbal supplements, what is the difference between root powder and root extract? Does it matter?
Learn more about the different forms of herbal supplements, including aloe, boswellia, ginkgo, green tea, and milk thistle.
CL Answer
Which dietary supplements, health foods or spices contain high levels of lead?
Information about lead and heavy metals in vitamins, supplements and foods. Information on the adverse effects of lead.
Clinical Update
10/04/2022
Nighttime Urination & Supplements
We answered the following additional questions relating to our article about Supplements for Reducing Nighttime Urination:
- Can sleep apnea or other conditions cause nighttime urination?
- What dietary factors cause nighttime urination?
- Does taking valerian or pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) reduce nighttime urination?
CL Answer
Do any supplements help relieve stress?
Are there actually supplements for stress relief and panic attacks? Learn more about holy basil, fish oil, L-theanine, and ginseng.
News Release
August 01, 2006
ConsumerLab.com evaluates cholesterol-lowering supplements — Test results available for over 90 products; Review of nine popular ingredients
WHITE PLAINS, NY — AUGUST 1, 2006 — ConsumerLab.com has released a major new review of dietary supplements used to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Product Review
Melatonin Supplements Review
Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.
News Release
June 22, 2006
What's in a garlic supplement? Consumerlab finds few brands have it right and many mislead
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — JUNE 22, 2006 A new study of garlic supplements by ConsumerLab.com found that only 6 of the 14 products it selected contained the amount of garlic expected from the labels and met quality standards.
CL Answer
What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?
Best natural supplements for depression and anxiety, including the evidence for fish oil, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbal supplements for depression such as curcumin (from turmeric) and saffron.
CL Answer
Is there a risk of liver toxicity with certain supplements?
Find out if there is risk of liver damage from supplements such as green tea, niacin, red yeast rice and vitamin A.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help with restless legs syndrome?
Find out whether supplements or vitamins like iron, magnesium, vitamin E and others can help for restless leg syndrome (RLS). ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
What are the side effects of melatonin supplements?
Melatonin side effects - are there any? Read about drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, mood & behavior, the risk of fractures and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Recalls & Warnings
February 22, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Melatonin & Other Sleep Supplements
On February 18, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to SANA Group LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Sleep Sana Sleep Drops and Sleep Shots to be drug claims.
CL Answer
What is the best way to take melatonin to get a good night's sleep?
Learn more about the best way to take melatonin for better sleep. When to take it, how to take it, and general melatonin information.
News Release
July 07, 2004
ConsumerLab.com finds several herbal sleep supplements fail tests for quality — Results for 13 valerian products released today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — Wednesday, July 7, 2004 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that five valerian dietary supplements failed to pass recent testing due to low potency and/or contamination. Valerian, an herbal sleep aid, accounted for $47 million in sales in the U.S.
News Release
May 28, 2004
ConsumerLab.com warns of deceptive campaign by manufacturer of children's vitamin
WHITE PLAINS, NY — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — FRIDAY MAY 28, 2004 — Responding to a deceptive public relations campaign recently launched by vitamin manufacturer Northwest Natural Products, Inc., ConsumerLab.
News Release
May 21, 2004
Consumers warned of pitfalls with some multivitamins and vitamin waters — Testing by ConsumerLab.com uncovers problems with many brands
WHITE PLAINS, NY — FRIDAY MAY 21, 2004 — (Updated June 2, 2004) — ConsumerLab.com reported the results today of a major new analysis of popular multivitamin products.
News Release
April 27, 2004
New ConsumerLab.com report on St. John's wort highlights benefits and risks of herbal product for depression
NEW CONSUMERLAB.COM REPORT ON ST.
News Release
April 22, 2004
ConsumerLab.com shares insights from 2 years of testing supplements for athletic banned substances — Athletes and manufacturers urged to learn how to avoid problems
WHITE PLAINS, NY — April 22, 2004 — Two years after initiating the first program to test dietary supplements for substances banned from athletic competition, ConsumerLab.com today released a short advisory summarizing problems uncovered to-date from its testing.
News Release
April 07, 2004
ConsumerLab.com finds some zinc supplements low in ingredient and many don't instruct on proper use — Consumers urged to learn more about zinc when using supplements
WHITE PLAINS, NY — April 7, 2004 (updated May 4, 2004) — ConsumerLab.com announced today that two of nine zinc pill or liquid supplements that it recently tested contained only 73% to 85% of the claimed amounts.
News Release
March 18, 2004
Many echinacea supplements don't meet quality standards according to ConsumerLab.com — Test results of cold-reducing herbal supplements released
WHITE PLAINS, NY — March 18, 2004 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that five echinacea supplements failed to pass recent independent testing. Lower than claimed amounts of key compounds such as echinacoside and phenols were the most common problem.
Recalls & Warnings
December 16, 2015
Maker of Red Yeast Rice, St. John's Wort, Valerian and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On December 2, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nature's Health, LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's product, including Ginkgo & Rhodiola, Blood Sugar Balance IV, Cinnamon Extract, Choles-Balance Red Yeast Extract, Lecithin, Milk Thistle Seed Extract, ...
Recalls & Warnings
February 13, 2014
Seller of Iron, Prostate, Valerian and Other Supplements Warned For Multiple Violations and Drug Claims
On January 31, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to NatureAll-STF Holding, LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Colostrum, Valerian-Plus, Wormwood, Black Walnut-Plus, Lung-Plus, Yucca-Plus (Arthro Plus), Iron Plus, MSM Plus, White Willow Plus, ...
Recalls & Warnings
December 26, 2012
Seller of Blood Sugar, Depression and Sleep Supplements Warned For Making Drug Claims
On October 15, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to BioNeurix Corporation after statements found on the company's website, http://www.pharma-tree.com, were found to promote the dietary supplements Blood Sugar 360, Amoryn, Seredyn, and Mellodyn as drugs.
Recalls & Warnings
November 02, 2012
Maker of Joint Health, Blood Sugar, Prostate, Ginkgo Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding and Adulteration
On September 10, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Global Source Management & Consulting for making drug claims about the following dietary supplements: Scientific Joint Program capsules, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Healthy Blood Sugar Diabetic Support, Dr.
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2015
FTC Charges Maker of Supplement for Opiate Addiction with Deceptive Claims
On November 16, 2015, the FTC filed a lawsuit against Sunrise Nutraceuticals, LLC, charging that the company made deceptive claims its product, Elimidrol, can alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms and increase a user's likelihood of overcoming opiate addiction.
Recalls & Warnings
December 16, 2013
Weight Loss Capsules Recalled Due Allergen Risk
On December 13, 2013, Stone Independent Research, Inc. issued recall of one lot of Zanocap Scientific Weight Loss 500 mg capsules because they contain undeclared whey protein, which is derived from milk.
Recalls & Warnings
July 27, 2012
Prescription and Street Drug Alternatives Found in Male Enhancement, Mood, and Sleep Supplements
On July 10, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Evol Nutrition Associates, Inc. subsequent to a 2011 inspection which found a number of the company's products contained prescription and investigational drugs and were misbranded.
Recalls & Warnings
February 13, 2013
Herbal Supplement Maker Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Misbranding
On February 6, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Genesis Herb Company LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's Seizure, Relax, Formula ARTH, Disintegrate, Gout, Plantain, and Colloidal Silver dietary supplements to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or ...
Recalls & Warnings
August 08, 2013
Sleep Supplement Recalled Due To Undeclared Drugs
On August 7, 2013, Health and Beyond LLC issued a voluntary recall of dietary supplement Tranquility because it was found to contain traces of undeclared drugs, Doxepin and Chlorpromazine.
Recalls & Warnings
October 21, 2014
Seller of Weight Loss, Saw Palmetto Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims
On October 9, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bethel Nutritional Consulting, Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about 15 Day Detox Diet, Alpha Lipoic Acid. 300 mg.
News Release
July 10, 2002
Pharmavite dietary supplements receive ConsumerLab.com approval — Vitamin E, SAM-e, St. John's Wort, Ginkgo and others merit approved quality products ranking
WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 10, 2002 — ConsumerLab.
News Release
February 08, 2002
Athletic Banned Substances Screening and Certification Program announced by ConsumerLab.com — Tester of supplements to screen for substances banned in Olympics
WHITE PLAINS, NY — February 8, 2002 — ConsumerLab.
News Release
January 08, 2002
ConsumerLab.com finds most B vitamin supplements contain what they claim, but often exceed safe levels — Consumers cautioned to be aware of side effects with high dose products
WHITE PLAINS, NY — January 8, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that all but one of the twenty-one products analyzed in its B Vitamin Product Review contained the claimed amounts of B vitamins.
News Release
November 20, 2001
ConsumerLab.com finds fish oil supplements free of mercury, but 30% lacking in key ingredient — Test results of omega-3 fatty acid (EPA and DHA) products released today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — November 20, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, released results today of its Product Review of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA) from Fish/Marine Oils.
News Release
October 30, 2001
Sixty percent of nutrition bars fail to meet claims in ConsumerLab.com tests — "Low Carb" bars often loaded with carbohydrates; excess sodium and saturated fat also found
WHITE PLAINS, NY — October 30, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, released results today of its Nutrition Bar Product Review.
News Release
October 03, 2001
Most iron supplements pass ConsumerLab.com testing — Lead contamination and insufficient iron found in some
WHITE PLAINS, NY — October 3, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, released results today of its Product Review of Iron Supplements. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in the U.S. and worldwide.
News Release
August 15, 2001
Problems and ambiguity among alternative estrogen products reported by ConsumerLab.com — Results of soy and red clover isoflavone product testing released online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 15, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, today released results of its Phytoestrogen Product Review. The review focused on dietary supplements made from soy and red clover isoflavones.
News Release
July 09, 2001
Many herbal sleep products lack key claimed ingredient — Results of ConsumerLab.com's testing of valerian products released on web today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 9, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, today released results of its Product Review of valerian supplements — used primarily as sleep aids and minor tranquilizers.
News Release
June 04, 2001
ConsumerLab.com reports test results of arthritis supplement — MSM; Quality found higher than for most supplements, but room for improvement remains
WHITE PLAINS, NY — June 4, 2001 — ConsumerLab.
News Release
May 07, 2001
Over forty percent of Echinacea products fail ConsumerLab.com review; Inadequate labeling and missing ingredients found common for popular herbal cold remedy
WHITE PLAINS, NY — May 7, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, today released results of its Product Review of echinacea supplements.
News Release
April 10, 2001
Quality of popular herbal anti-depressant found to vary; certain types of St. John's Wort supplements more likely to pass testing
White Plains, NY — April 11, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, today released results of its Product Review of St. John's wort supplements.
News Release
March 27, 2001
ConsumerLab.com expands testing of health products; success of dietary supplement evaluations leads company into broader nutrition field, beginning with popular nutrition bars
WHITE PLAINS, NY — March 27, 2001 — Having established its presence as the leading independent evaluator of the quality of dietary supplements sold in the U.S, ConsumerLab.com announced today the expansion of its work to include foods and food ingredients.
News Release
March 13, 2001
ConsumerLab.com review of vitamin E supplements finds some insufficiencies and need for clearer labeling; test results released online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — March 13, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com today released results of its Product Review of vitamin E products. Vitamin E is one of the most popular dietary supplements in the U.S.
Recalls & Warnings
August 29, 2012
Herbal Supplement Company Warned For Medical Claims
On August 2, 2012, the FDA issued a warning to HSAC Enterprises, Inc. dba Kare-N-Herbs subsequent to a facility inspection and website review in May 2012 which found statements made about Kold Kare, Energy Kare and Tranquility Kare dietary supplements to constitute drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
May 10, 2013
Seller Of Sexual Enhancement and Hormonal Balance Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations
On April 26, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Pristine Bay, L.L.C.
Recalls & Warnings
August 19, 2015
Soylent Meal Replacement Powder Reported to Contain Lead and Cadmium
On August 13, 2015, an environmental-health watchdog group, As You Sow, filed a notice of intent to bring legal action against Soylent, a "meal replacement" powder, alleging violation of California's "Prop 65" Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act ...
News Release
January 29, 2001
Some supplements for arthritis may exceed newly released safe intake levels for manganese
WHITE PLAINS, NY — January 29, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com issued an alert today to its online readers that that some glucosamine and chondroitin products (popularly used for osteoarthritis), exceed newly established upper intake levels for manganese.
Recalls & Warnings
February 20, 2013
Cold, Flu and Stress Supplement Company Warned For Adulteration, Drug Claims And More
On October 5, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Wholistic Herbs, Inc. following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including At-Ease, Morning Calm, Aller-Ban, Stomach Flu, Kold & Koff, Kold Sore, and L.
Recalls & Warnings
February 03, 2015
Major Retailers Accused of Selling Adulterated Herbal Supplements
On February 3, 2015, the New York State Attorney General announced that his office sent letters to four major retailers, GNC, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens, for allegedly selling store brand herbal supplement products in New York that either could not be verified to contain the labeled substance, ...
