NOW Foods Supplements, Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) 500 mg, Herbal Supplement, 250 Veg Capsules

I started taking this valerian root supplement to help me relax and sleep better, and it really works. The capsules are easy to swallow, the taste is mild, and the size is just right. I noticed a big improvement in sleep quality — I fall asleep faster and feel more rested in the morning. It’s a great natural alternative for calming the nervous system without feeling groggy. The value for money is excellent, and the quality from NOW Foods is always reliable.

Great as a natural muscle relaxer that won’t leave ya drowsy or foggy like other chemical man made toxins. Love this stuff. NOW does it again!

Okay, so I've struggled with insomnia since my teens (I'm now in my 30's) and have tried absolutely everything under the sun. I tried no screens for an hour before bed, I've tried reading, I've tried melatonin, I've tried deep breathing and meditation, I've tried medications (with annoying side effects), and so many other things and supplements. I have a super over-active brain that just doesn't shut off, but I also don't sleep very deeply and wake up a lot throughout the night. My functional medicine doctor finally suggested I try Valerian Root tea. I hate bad tasting things, so I knew I likely wouldn't drink it every night if it tasted bad. So I looked for a capsule form and found this one. The first week, I didn't notice much of a difference. But to be fair, I was traveling, so it could have just been because I was out of my normal routine and home. But I stuck with it and tried it for another week once I was home, and I'm so glad I did. After about 2 weeks of taking 2 capsules per night before bed, I finally noticed a drastic difference. I started getting sleepy sooner, and my sleep is much deeper! I actually have times where I wake up in a different position, which NEVER happened for me before (I would always wake up to move). The smell is absolutely horrible. People are correct that it smells like butt haha but if you take a deep inhale before you open the container, then pop the capsules in real fast, it's fine. It thankfully doesn't taste like anything. Plus, it's the only thing that has ever worked for me, so I will gladly deal with the smell in exchange for better sleep. If you've struggled with insomnia, please try this out for a few weeks!

I am very happy with this product! I will say right up front, this smells bad. I take these quicky with at least 8oz of water and immediately wash my hands. While the smell is bad, there is no taste. The four stars is due to the smell, which may not be able to be avoided. This supplement works though. I purchased it to help me sleep and it is very effective. Within 20 to 30 minutes, it calms me and I drift into a peaceful sleep. As an added benefit, it has helped me with night hot flashes due to menopause! I do not suffer any adverse effects. Like any supplement, individual results may vary. Do not take this is you are pregnant or nursing. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure it will not interact with any of your medications.

I like this product very much will reorder. I like the fact that it is not loaded with a bunch who knows what and it is made in the USA. Bought for my mom because she doesn't sleep period. She takes two at night an hour before bed and miracle happen she is now sleeping. There are no side effects for her anyway and it does not make her drag the next morning. This is so much better then then drugs or sleep aides. I would recommend. The pills have a slight scent to them strong nothing crazy but she takes them out and sits them on the counter for a bit before taking and smell gone.

According to the most informative medical website on Valerian, the root has been used as a sedative for more than 2,000 years. Despite its long history, there has been only 16 small scientific studies. The conclusions suggest that it may promote sleep faster with improved quality and becomes more effective over a short time period. The bad effects are stomach upset, headache, or morning grogginess. Taking it with sleeping medications or with alcohol can compound its effect. . I turned to Valerian after developing insomnia a year ago. One to two days per week were struggles. I was up until 3:30 AM. So, my doctor prescribed Ambien. Low dosages on a sporadic schedule made it safe to take. . Things changed three weeks ago. I could not sleep for three days. On nights that I caught some rest, these averaged three or four hours. Due to a lack of sleep, I functioned like the creatures from THE WALKING DEAD. . A diet of Ambien eliminated the above problem. However, my nephew - a pharmacist - warned me on the side-effects. The drug is addictive. In addition, the body tolerates it and requires heavier dosages in the future. The maximum length of usage is 28 days. Unfortunately, patients become dependent on Ambien and abuse it. The drug is one of the most prescribed with constant refills at his work site. . Searching the internet for alternatives, several websites recommend Melatonin. It is a hormone made by the pineal gland in the brain. The natural substance basically controls the sleep and wake cycles of a person. Levels go up in the mid and late evenings. They reach the highest peak at night and drop in the morning. . A 3 milligram dose puts me to sleep within 45 minutes to an hour. I am able to get 7.5 to 8.0 hours. Unfortunately, the good effects of Melatonin lasted only two weeks. One day, I was up all night. The next two days, I increased my intake to two pills and then three. . . . Nothing. . I next turned to Valerian. One pill did nothing. Two pills were useless. On the third night, a combination of Valerian and Melatonin was consumed. Sleep came within one hour.

First and foremost, IT WORKS GREAT as a sleep aid! BUT…. it smells SO BAD that I almost can’t even take it! I mean it literally makes me want to vomit. I (dry heave, red face, watery eyes) gag every time I just open the bottle. And I have to wash my hands immediately after handling them bc it makes my fingers smell so bad I can’t stand it. I’ve started taking 1-2 caps out of the bottle about an hour before bedtime to let them “air out” and that helps with the smell somewhat. But if I don’t remember to do that, I can’t take them. But, like I said…. It works!

I've been taking this before bed to help my back that I threw out really bad a week and a half ago. It makes noticeable improvements. Every time I wake up I feel better. Highly recommend!