We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Benefit of Taking Valerian and Hops Together?

By Nick Doniger
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,408
Share

When taken together, the two herbs valerian and hops are considered to be anxiety reducers and sleep aids. Hops are generally associated with beer making, but have been used since their discovery as sedatives due to their apparent anti-insomnia effect. The valerian root, considered more potent than hops, also offers calming effects and promotes improved sleep quality. Both herbs are available in supplement form. Scientific experiments have been conducted on valerian and hops, though the combination is still considered a holistic form of treatment requiring further study.

Hops are native to North America, Europe, and Asia, and they are best known as the bitter, green flower used as both a flavoring agent and preservative agent for beer. The English began to use these flowers as medicinal herbs in the 17th century. Across the ocean, Native Americans were also using hops medicinally, both for sedative effects and as an aid in soothing toothaches.

Valerian root, which is originally native to Europe and Asia, is perceived as a more potent anti-anxiety and anti-insomnia herb when compared to hops. This plant not only garners acclaim for fighting restlessness, but for improving the quality of sleep, as it helps relax both muscles and bones. For these reasons, taking valerian and hops together may help to both relax the mind and the body.

Experimental studies on valerian and hops have suggested modest effects at treating insomnia. During the 20th and 21st centuries, European scientists began testing the effect of this combination on children. Such experimenters have noted a potentially positive effect on calming children with hyperactivity disorders and aggression. Improved motor coordination has also been noted among some child subjects.

Valerian and hops are available in supplement form, often as capsules consisting of both herbs combined. Hops may also be purchased at specialty stores and home brewing stores and can be brewed as a tea to be taken in conjunction with separate valerian supplements. Valerian root may additionally be taken in tea form or as a tincture.

The treatment of valerian and hops is still viewed as being within the spectrum of holistic medicine. Valerian and hops cocktails have not been evaluated by national government health organizations, such as the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is recommended that a health care provider is consulted before self-diagnosing, as some patients may experience negative reactions to the herbs. Pregnant women and those with depression, low blood pressure, and hypoglycemia are advised to avoid taking these herbs together or separately for medicinal purposes.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By ZipLine — On Nov 24, 2014

I do agree that valerian and hops work better together. My supplement actually also has chamomile. I've been getting great results with it. I just take the recommended dose before bed time and I'm asleep quickly.

I was looking to buy another bottle the other day online and saw that there is also a valerian and hops bath oil. It's supposed to help with sleep and relaxation just like the supplements. I plan on trying that as well.

By fify — On Nov 23, 2014

@serenesurface-- I've used valerian alone, as well as valerian and hops for sleep problems. In my experience, they work better together than alone. Valerian is great for creating drowsiness and makes me fall asleep. Hops is relaxing and seems to improve sleep quality. So when I use them together, I fall asleep on time and I stay asleep.

It's also convenient to use them together because they are available together in capsule form or in tea bags. So it's not like you have to measure them and mix them yourself.

By serenesurface — On Nov 23, 2014

Well if both valerian and hops help with sleep issues and if valerian is stronger and more effective, why bother taking both? I can probably get the same results with just valerian right?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-benefit-of-taking-valerian-and-hops-together.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.