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OnePin Peptide Library · Cognitive & Mood

Cognitive & Mood Valeriana officinalis Root

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

Valeriana officinalis RootGABA-Modulating Sleep BotanicalTraditional Sleep AidDietary Supplement

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant whose root has been used for centuries as a sleep aid and anxiolytic. Active compounds include valerenic acid, valepotriates, and various GABA-modulating compounds. Mechanism overlaps with benzodiazepines but valerian is non-addictive and produces no withdrawal at typical doses.

Quick Start
Route
Oral capsule, tincture, or tea
Start low
300-600mg standardized extract
Frequency
1x at bedtime
Timing
Independent

30-60 min before bed.

❋

Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.

Tiered Protocols · lowest first
Quick Start
Conservative start
300-600mg standardized extract · Oral capsule, tincture, or tea · 1x at bedtime
Lowest starting point. Hold about a week to assess tolerance before stepping up.
300-600mg standardized extract
1x at bedtime
Standard
Mild Sedative
300-600 mg · Oral · Daily
human study · Bent et al. 2006 (Am J Med)
300-600 mg
Daily
◆
01

How it works

Valerian acts via multiple GABA-modulating pathways:

GABA-A Receptor Modulation

Valerenic acid is a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors - similar mechanism to benzodiazepines but lower potency.

GABA Reuptake Inhibition

Valerenic acid and other compounds inhibit GABA reuptake, raising synaptic GABA.

Adenosine A1 Agonism

Valerian compounds have adenosine receptor activity contributing to sleepiness.

Serotonergic Effects

Modest 5-HT1A agonism may contribute to anxiolytic action.

Non-Addictive Profile

Unlike benzodiazepines, valerian doesn't appear to produce dependence or withdrawal at typical doses.

02

What to expect

Early
Days 1–7

Acute 30-60 min onset.

Mid
Weeks 2–4

Weeks 1-4: peak effects.

Later
Weeks 4–12

Long-term continuous use OK.

03

Evidence

HumanPresent
AnimalPresent
In-vitroPresent
2006Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis · Bent S et al, American Journal of Medicine ↗review
2010Effectiveness of valerian on insomnia: a meta-analysis · Fernández-San-Martín MI et al, Sleep Medicine ↗review
2003Valerian and other anti-anxiety herbs · Hadley S, Petry JJ, American Family Physician ↗review
04

Interactions & stacking

What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.

Keep separate

05

Side effects & safety

Commonly reported

  • Mild morning drowsiness (rare)
  • Mild GI
  • Vivid dreams

Less common & notes

  • Hepatotoxicity rare case reports - discontinue if jaundice.
  • Headache with chronic high doses.
  • Generally well-tolerated.
06

Pharmacokinetics

Illustrative plasma concentration · 24 h
Half-life
Variable per component
Peak · Tmax
1-2 hours
Elimination
Hours plasma
Activity
4-6 hours per dose

Storage. Capsule/tincture/tea. Cool dry location.

07

Regulatory status

Dietary supplement (US, DSHEA). Traditional medicine in EU.

Put it to work

Calculate, log & track

Open Valerian straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.

Open Valerian in the app →

Go deeper

The guide & community

The complete Valerian walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.

Join the community ↗
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