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Erin (Tampa, Fl) on 10/07/2012:
I have to give this one a nay. I have in the past been able to take this herb with no problems as a sleep aid, but ever since my gastrointestinal problems got worse, I can't take Valerian without experiencing an IgE response. I can't see how this would possibly be healing to the gut given that reaction, and I would use it with extreme caution if you do have similar problems.
I have been taking a 450mg valerian root capsule each night before bed for the past week and it has led to a marked improvement in my IBS-C symptoms. It might be due to the fact that valerian has a slowing/calming effect on the body and has allowed my digestive system to relax somewhat. The one night I missed a dose, my crampy/gurgly symptoms started coming back during the day, so I am positive that it's the valerian that is helping.
