Dr. Joseph Mercola was recently featured in a Fox News health article examining valerian, an herbal remedy often promoted as a natural sleep aid.
The coverage explored claims that valerian functions as “nature’s Valium,” while highlighting expert perspectives on how the science behind the herb compares with that characterization.
In the article, Mercola explained that valerian root contains compounds that appear to influence calming brain chemicals involved in relaxation. Some studies have reported modest improvements in sleep quality or a shorter time to fall asleep, although findings across clinical trials remain mixed. He noted that these inconsistencies suggest valerian’s effects may be more limited than many marketing claims imply.
Mercola also emphasized that long-term safety data on valerian remain limited, and supplement quality can vary widely. Because of that uncertainty, he encouraged focusing first on foundational habits that support healthy sleep patterns, including exposure to natural daylight and maintaining a dark, consistent nighttime environment.
Fox News, March 8, 2026