Valerian Can This Popular Sleep Aid Help Arthritis Sufferers?

If you suffer from arthritis, you will no doubt be familiar with the hallmark characteristics of this often-painful condition. Stiff morning joints, pain and swelling, and decreased mobility are just some of the symptoms you may experience. Treatment for most forms of arthritis generally consists of the use of NSAID class drugs. These drugs are non-steroidal and help contain the symptoms related to the inflammation associated with most forms of arthritis. Lifestyle management choices are also an important part of treatment, including maintaining a healthy weight and eating a rich and varied diet. But what if you can take an herbal supplement to relieve your symptoms? Drug therapies are often effective, but they can also result in patients experiencing any number of undesired side effects. A

s natural medicine has become more accepted by the mainstream health community, many herbal supplements have been highly touted for their ability to reduce the intensity of symptoms. One such herbal supplement is valerian. This perennial favorite has been used for hundreds of years as a safe yet effective sleep aid, and is also used to quash the occasional bout with anxiety. But will it help you in the battle against arthritis? Here is what the most recent research tells us about this popular herb.

Valerian has been proven as a safe and effective sleep aid. Many arthritis sufferers report that they have difficulty sleeping, so it makes sense that valerian can help in this respect. However, before taking any herbal supplement-no matter its reputation for safety and efficacy-you should discuss its use with your doctor. Although valerian is generally considered very safe, there are certain precautions that should always be taken. For instance, it is well known that valerian should not be mixed with sedative drugs, even other herbal drugs such as St. John's Wort.

This makes sense, since valerian already contains sedative properties. Other drugs that should be avoided while taking valerian include antifungal drugs. Anti-arrhythmia drugs and statins should also be avoided while taking valerian. People with liver disorders should also avoid valerian. Side effects associated with valerian tend to be quite mild, but may include stomach problems, increased sleeplessness and anxiety, and headaches. Herbal supplements can be quite potent, and they may not combine well with any other medications you may be taking. Although there is not yet any conclusive research, most health professionals agree that valerian can help counteract mild insomnia in arthritis patients.

Some arthritis sufferers take valerian with the hope that the herb will help alleviate joint pain and stiffness. However, there is no research or evidence that proves whether valerian is effective in counteracting musculoskeletal pain. Because of its sedative properties, some health professionals and herbalists speculate that valerian can help induce rest and reduce the overall discomfort that is associated with almost all forms of arthritis. However, until large clinical trials are conducted to test its efficacy as a viable arthritis treatment option, most health experts agree that valerian should only be taken as a mild sedative to induce a good night's rest.

People who prefer an herbal approach to their insomnia should also consider chamomile tea. This herb also may have a mild sedative effect. Chamomile may be particularly helpful for people who also have digestive upsets that disturb their sleep.