I've started taking valerian, to end a worse self-med habit. Can I do this long-term?

Question

I only take 2 tabs of 500mg root, once in the afternoon and once in the evening. I don't use it as a sleep aid, since I don't have trouble sleeping when I get in the mind to sleep (although I do appreciate Valerian returning REM sleep back to me)

Can I keep up this regimen? I've had conflicted opinions from herbalists and physicians.

I don't take any other herbs (tried st johns for a while but it didn't help with the anxiety that much) and I'm definitely under the dosage some folks would recommend (1800-2000mg a day)

I get a feeling of light elation, I can feel my body relax, and I only occasionally get mild headaches (so mild they can be ignored)

Anxiety is a huge problem for me, and I'm not willing to take commercial pharmaceuticals (the heavy-handed solution, like an ice-pick in the tear duct is a solution to troublesome thoughts)

So... can I keep this up?

Answer 1

If it's working for you I can't see why not. I was surprised how well Valerian works. It's more sedating than anything but it defiantly helps. I used it when coming off prescription anxiety meds and it was a life saver.  It actually make minor withdrawals go away.