Valerian Studied for Menstrual Discomfort

According to a new double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, valerian aids in common menstrual discomfort. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a botanical that has been used historically for enhancing sleep due to its calming properties.

The subjects included 100 female students. The subjects were supplemented with 255 mg of valerian three times daily or a placebo for three days beginning at the onset of menstruation. The students were supplemented with valerian or placebo for 2 consecutive menstrual cycles. At the beginning of the study and again during the menstrual cycles, the subjects were evaluated for menstrual discomfort and commonly associated issues.

At the beginning of the study, there was no difference between the two groups regarding menstrual discomfort. The study showed that after the two intervention cycles, menstrual discomfort was reduced in both groups. However, the extent of the reduction in menstrual discomfort was significantly greater in the group supplemented with valerian compared to the placebo group. Associated complaints were also reduced in both groups after the 2 intervention cycles.

The researchers stated that valerian seems to be effective to reduce menstrual discomfort, possibly due to spasm-reducing effects.

Reference:

Mirabi P, Dolatian M, Mojab F, Majd HA. Effects of valerian on the severity and systemic manifestations of dysmenorrhea. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2011 Sep 27. Published Online Ahead of Print.