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Valerian Supplements

Valerian Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

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, ...

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.

A toilet in an empty bathroom at night

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?

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.

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.

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.

Cost and Quality of Dietary Supplements -- supplement bottles on store shelves

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?

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.

Supplements to stop before surgery - operating room

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

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.

Arsenic in Rice & Rice Bran Oil -- bottle of rice bran oil, grains of rice and bowl of rice bran

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.

Elderly man with parkinsons holding trembling hand while eating

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.

Lead in Supplements & Foods -- concerned woman looking at pill

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.

Herbal Supplements

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.

Clinical Update

10/04/2022

Nighttime Urination & Supplements

We answered the following additional questions relating to our article about Supplements for Reducing Nighttime Urination:

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.

Best Supplements for Depression and Anxiety -- sad young woman sitting on couch, looking toward the window

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.

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.

Liver Shape Made From Paper with Pills and Bottle Against Blue Background

Product Review

Melatonin Supplements Review

Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.

Melatonin Review 2024

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 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.

Melatonin Review 2024

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.

Melatonin Review 2024

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.

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

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 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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 ...

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, ...