Valerian root for anxiety related IBS?

[Olivia1980]

Hello all, someone mentioned that taking Valerian root regularly might help for anxiety-induced IBS. I've noticed that sometimes stress levels and general worry affect my IBS and I am considering giving it a go. Has anyone tried to take Valerian root for IBS?

[Rubynoodles37]

Hi, Sorry I've not tried them but I'm watching this with interest. My gastroenterologist has said I have anxiety induced IBS and recommended antidepressants which I'm loathed to take at the mo and would like to try something else first. I was looking on the Holland and Barrett website the other day and their Passion flower tablets had good reviews. I've not thought of valerian, am off to have a look 😄

[Olivia1980 in reply to Rubynoodles37]

Thanks for the quick reply. Much appreciated. I think I’ll give it a go too.

[Cat33]

I haven't tried Valerian but I do know it is recommended for anxiety I hope you find it helps you I have the same as you Do you use the videos on YouTube ? There are some good ones for IBS that I find very calming

All the very best 😊

[JammyOK in reply to Cat33]

Can you suggest some YouTube videos?

Does anyone have a mediation app they like?

[Olivia1980 in reply to JammyOK]

I use this one, which is based on the principles of hypnosis- it works ok for me, particularly to fall asleep. itunes.apple.com/us/app/anx...

But there might be better ones out there. I'd love to hear from others too.

[Olivia1980]

Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated. I’ll try and let you know how it goes!

Which videos are you referring to?

[SueMount]

Never heard of it but I would like to know more

[Marlows]

Not used it. The NHS nice guidelines state that is medication has not been successful after a year then hypnotherapy can be of use.

[Olivia1980 in reply to Marlows]

Thanks! I've read it is not good to use Valerian root for long periods of time so it might be only possible to use it for shorter periods of stress.

[Olivia1980]

Thanks for your comment- the stress/anxiety is not necessarily food related. I am trying to control my diet (eliminated wheat/diary/fatty foods), but the anxiety is due to other issues (e.g. high workload; worrying about others' wellbeing, etc). But I've noticed my tummy suffers when I am stressed.

[Hidden]

Hi there,

I have used it in the past in the form of a herbal supplement including valerian and hawthorn. I found it very useful. You might also find other ideas in this article: sickofibs.com/ibs-triggers/...

Alison

[Olivia1980]

Thanks. I’ll read the article!

Can I ask whether you used that herbal supplement for a long period or only ocassionally?

[Hidden in reply to Olivia1980]

Hi Olivia,

I used it for about 2 years non-stop, and then for periods of a couple of months when I needed some extra help. I had no side effects whatsoever.

[JammyOK]

I'm interested in this too, as I've tried Valerian root in the form of Kalms a few times. It didn't seem to help in a majorly stressed event, but I didn't know how long it would take to have an effect. Some supplements need to build up in the system first. I have a clear anxiety stomach link, which has become really acute over recent years. I work on my anxiety, but find that once the digestive part has kicked in, even if I can calm myself the gut stays a mess. I end up having to take Imodium or buscopan with minimal relief.

[Olivia1980]

Thanks for your comment. I find that this happens to me too. Even if the stressful event is over and I feel calm, the gut needs long to recover from these episodes.