Solaray Valerian Root Review
Solaray Valerian Root 470mg is offered as VegCaps, with bottle options of 100ct and 180ct. The product page describes Solaray as a company that has been making supplements since 1973 and that believes what you put in your body should be proven, not promised. The page explains that valerian is an herb that has been used historically throughout the world for thousands of years, and it notes that the herb has a strong and easily identifiable smell. The page states that the name of the herb is said to derive from the Latin word valere meaning all heal, because of its wide array of potential benefits. Today, the page says, valerian is most commonly used for relaxation support. Solaray frames the product as a way to get peaceful rest when the lights go out, and it adds Valerian Root to its full line of supplements. According to the page, the Valerian Root is non-GMO, vegan and lab verified for potency, purity and identity. The label lists valerian root and vegetable cellulose capsule as the only ingredients. The directions say to use only as directed, to take 1 VegCap daily with a meal or glass of water, and to store in a cool, dry place. The page also describes the company's quality program. It says the company sources its own raw materials and triple-tests every lot, manufactures 95 percent of its products for full control, and runs 15,000 tests per month to verify ingredient potency and purity. The listed testing covers heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, microbials including mold, yeast, coliform and E. coli, contaminants including gluten and ethylene oxide, and physical properties such as moisture, color, disintegration, tap density and mesh sizes. The page notes that most contaminants, heavy metals and microbes are tested to ensure no more than 3 ppm. Production takes place at a GMP facility in Ogden, Utah that is certified by NSF, and the company says it conducts testing in an ISO-accredited lab. The product badges shown on the page are Lab Verified and Vegan. The page also carries a California warning link and a disclaimer that the statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The page advises consulting a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen or if there are health concerns. At the time the page was captured, the product was shown as sold out, with a notify me when back in stock option available.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members OnlyHuman studies
No human studies on valerian and sleep were included, so the evidence for this product comes only from animal research, and none of it tested a dose that can be compared to the 470 mg in each serving. In mice, powdered valerian root combined with another herb lengthened drug-induced sleep more than either herb alone, at doses that did nothing on their own [1]. In animal experiments, linarin, a compound from valerian, had calming and sleep-enhancing effects, and these grew stronger when it was given with valerenic acid, another valerian compound [2]. In rats, a valerian and hops combination increased slow brain wave activity, which the authors link to sedation and sleep [3]. However, in mice and rats, valerian extracts did not reduce activity or lengthen anesthesia, though they did reduce anxious behavior. The authors suggest any sleep benefit may come from easing anxiety rather than from direct sedation [4]. Several of the positive findings involved valerian mixed with other herbs or isolated compounds, not plain valerian root alone. Animal numbers and study lengths were not reported, so it is unclear how well these results apply to people. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
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Review Totals and Summary
Members Only67 reviews · 88% positive
Solaray Valerian Root capsules are generally well-regarded by customers, with about 67 ratings across various stores. Of the reviews that include star ratings, a significant 88% give 4 or 5 stars, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users. **What Buyers Say It Did For Them** Customers primarily use these capsules to support relaxation and improve sleep quality. Many report that the product helps them to "make you sleepy" and achieve "more peaceful sleep!" Users often find it helps their mind "calm down and your body relax," which they describe as "Internal necessities for a good night of sleep!" Some reviewers noted that it "helps me to sleep deeply and that provides me with a great next day!" The product is also praised for its calming effects, with one customer stating it "kept them very calm and relaxed." **What They Complain About** There are very few complaints directly related to the product's effectiveness or attributes. The available feedback, including store summaries, indicates a general absence of specific drawbacks such as capsule size, taste, or aftertaste. One customer did mention a minor issue with delivery speed, noting their order "Didn't come as fast I'd hope," but this refers to shipping rather than the capsules themselves. **Taste, Smell, Pill Size, or Form** The capsules are generally considered easy to take. One customer specifically highlighted that "The pill is easy to swallow." There are no complaints about any unpleasant taste or smell associated with the product in the provided reviews. This summary focuses exclusively on the capsule form of Solaray Valerian Root, excluding other forms like gummies or powders that may be available. **Value for Money** Many customers perceive the Solaray Valerian Root capsules as offering good value. Reviewers commented that "Shipping and price are good" and that the product is "Most affordable." One customer specifically noted that "its cheaper on here than anywhere else" they had looked, suggesting competitive pricing. **Who It Seems To Suit** The capsules appear to be well-suited for individuals seeking a natural remedy to aid relaxation and sleep. Some users have had the product "approved by my mental health therapist" or were recommended valerian root by a professional. It has been found to be effective for those for whom other sleep aids might not work, with one user stating it "Works better than melatonin!" The product has also been helpful for older individuals, as one reviewer mentioned, "My mother finds this very helpful to for her sleep." There is no indication from the reviews or summaries of who the product did not suit.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only5 of 10 recommend it
The panel is split on valerian root, with four of the seven who spoke leaning toward recommending or using it for sleep and relaxation, and the rest neutral or cautious. Those in favor say it helps people fall asleep, stay asleep, calm racing thoughts at night, and wind down when stressed. One takes it in capsule form before bed and says it smells bad but works, and another prefers a concentrated form or extract, and one pairs it with CBD for deep sleep. Critics warn that it mostly sedates rather than producing true sleep, that it can leave grogginess the next morning, that it may disrupt sleep after the first few hours, and that one advises against it for insomnia. Others note the data does not clearly beat placebo, long-term research is thin, and product formulations vary too much to compare, and no one gave a specific dose.
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Thomas DeLauer · Valerian · warns
- Warns that valerian, like other common sleep supplements, does not directly address the physiological issues of body temperature and brain restlessness, instead only sedating the user.
- Warns against Valerian root for sleep, rating it as "decent" but not making his list, because while it can make one feel tired by inhibiting GABA breakdown, it often leads to grogginess and lack of motivation the next morning, essentially sedating rather than promoting true sleep.
- Notes that while valerian root is interesting and somewhat powerful for sleep, he has seen data suggesting it can disrupt sleep after the first few hours.
- Mentions that some people lean into valerian root for sleep, and studies show tart cherry juice is comparable to it.
- Recommends taking valerian root in a concentrated form over melatonin for improving deeper sleep.
- Suggests that taking tryptophan supplements is better than taking valerian root for keto insomnia.
Siim Land · Valerian · neutral
- Notes that there isn't much long-term research on substances like valerian root for sleep and anxiety, and replication is a problem due to varying product formulations. He also points out a lack of follow-up on people after they discontinue supplementation.
- Mentions valerian as a recommendation for stress management, but states he does not use it.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Valerian · neutral
- Notes that Valerian binds to separate allosteric sites on the GABA receptor, increasing the amount of GABA to bind.
- Recommends valerian root as an herbal supplement for deep sleep and relaxation, especially for those who are tired, wired, and stressed.
- Mentions valerian root as an herb that can be helpful for sleep.
- Sometimes takes a supplement with herbs like valerian root to wind down before bed.
- Suggests trying valerian root as an herb that can be very helpful for sleep.
- Mentions Valerian as a helpful herb for sleep.
- Suggests that herbs like valerian root can be very helpful for sleep.
- Recommends herbs like valerian for sleep.
- States that at the Ultrawell Center, they use valerian, an herb, as part of their toolbox to help patients with sleep.
- Suggests using herbs like valerian for sleep.
Andrew Huberman · Valerian · uses
- Mentions valerian root as one of the clinically supported ingredients that can help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling more refreshed, and he has worked with AG1 to create a product that includes it.
- Mentions Valerian root as a clinically supported ingredient that can help people fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
- States that valerian root is a clinically supported ingredient that can help one fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
- Mentions valerian root as one of several clinically supported ingredients that can help people fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
- States that Valerian root does not seem to hold up in terms of any sleep benefit whatsoever based on the data.
- States that the evidence is quite against Valerian root being a beneficial sleep aid, with most good studies finding no benefits on sleep metrics.
- Notes that Valeriana officinalis has shown some improvement in hot flash symptoms and associated insomnia during menopause, based on double-blind placebo-controlled studies.
- Notes that valerian root is a lesser-known but clinically supported ingredient that can help people fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
- Mentions Valerian as a supplement for sleep.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Valerian · recommends
- Recommends valerian as a better option for a sleep-promoting supplement.
- Recommends Valerian as a sleep supplement that promotes relaxation and reduces nighttime awakenings, offering meaningful improvements to sleep quality.
- States that Valerian is sedating and calming, and while it came closest to beating placebo for insomnia, the data still shows it does not.
Ben Greenfield · Valerian · recommends
- Suggests using valerian root as a compound to help shut down hardwired dopamine firing pathways for those with ruminating thoughts at night.
- Ben Greenfield recommends valerian as an herbal supplement for insomnia.
- Ben Greenfield's sleep supplement primarily uses Valerian root, which acts as a Gaba Agonist to help with relaxation and sleep.
- Recommends valerian root extract for improving fitful sleep.
- Mentions valerian as a GABA precursor that, when combined with CBD, helps him achieve deep sleep.
- States that Valerian is very good for sleep.
- Recommends Valerian for improving sleep while fasting.
- Mentions Valerian as a potentially useful micronutrient for sleep aid.
- Mentions that the ŌURA ring can be used with the Curious platform to track sleep aids like valerian.
- Ben mentions Valerian Root as part of a sleep hack stack.
Dave Asprey · Valerian · uses
- Says he takes valerian root in capsule form before bed as one of his four natural sleep aids, noting that it smells bad but works.
- Dave suggests that valerian root might increase deep sleep.
Dr. Eric Berg · Valerian · warns
- Advises against using valerian root for insomnia.
- Uses their Sleep Aid product, available in vegan and regular versions, taking it right before bed to support the adrenal and promote a nice, refreshing sleep without being addicting, containing hormones, melatonin, or Valerian root.
- Dr. Berg mentions that his Adrenal Night Formula does not contain valerian root.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 3 for Sleep
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Nervous system
Combine with: To enhance the sleep-promoting effects of Valerian Root, consider combining it with supplements known for their synergistic calming and sleep-inducing properties. Magnesium bisglycinate can help relax muscles and calm the nervous system, while L-Theanine promotes a state of relaxed alertness without drowsiness. GABA, a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, can further support brain calmness. For a more comprehensive herbal approach, Lemon Balm or Chamomile can also be excellent additions to support relaxation and deeper sleep.
Possible side effects: No major side effects reported.
Supplement Facts
Valerian 470 mg
| Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) (root) | 470 mg | † |
Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule.
Directions: Use only as directed. Take 1 VegCap daily with a meal or glass of water. Store in a cool, dry place.
Label source: Solaray · Report a label change
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Graded October 27, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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