Over-the-counter sedatives: Can valerian & co. really help?

Stress, sleep disorders, inner restlessness: More and more people feel unable to relax in their daily lives. Prescription tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and the like are not a real alternative for many, especially since they are often associated with many side effects.

Instead, many are looking for ways to relax without medication. Natural tranquilizers, in particular, are considered an ideal way to slow down the carousel of thoughts.

But which remedies really help? We'll tell you!

Stress is a modern phenomenon? Not at all. Even in ancient times, people sought ways to calm their nerves and psyche. Classic herbal remedies like chamomile, valerian, lemon balm, and lavender have been known for centuries.

Valerian, for example, has a calming effect and can reduce difficulty falling asleep, while lemon balm primarily relieves tension and promotes concentration. Chamomile is often used in the form of tea and tinctures and has relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. Lavender oil also has a relaxing and calming effect. The scent plays a significant role here, as it has a calming effect on the nervous system. More on this in the "Aromatherapy" section.

Most herbal remedies work more mildly and slowly than pharmaceuticals. However, many people find this gentle effect very pleasant because they don't want to be "knocked out" as is known from synthetic sedatives.

But: Not all herbal active ingredients are so mild. Some herbal tranquilizers like teas and drops made from hops and passion flower are effective for stronger restlessness and nervousness. This can impair driving ability. After consumption, you should therefore avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

And: Herbal remedies can also have interactions and side effects. Especially the popular St. John's Wort has some side effects that you should not underestimate: These include increased photosensitivity, so you can get sunburn more quickly. Gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) are also possible. Less commonly, fatigue, headaches, and allergic skin reactions can occur.

In addition, St. John's Wort interacts with some medications. Ideally, you should buy your St. John's Wort preparation at the pharmacy to get advice on interactions.

But not only plants can have a positive effect on your inner balance. Magnesium is a classic for athletes who want to avoid muscle cramps. But did you know that it can also calm your nerves? It helps regulate the nervous system and can also relieve muscle tension often associated with stress.

Another star in the sky of tranquility: L-Theanine, an amino acid found primarily in green tea, has been shown to help calm tense nerves. (1)

Both magnesium and L-Theanine work rather subtly and support your body at a cellular level. Especially during periods of high stress, they help you lower your stress level and regain balance - and all without major side effects.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to bring body and mind into a state of relaxation. The fragrant substances are either released into the air via diffusers, applied to the skin as massage oils, or used in baths.

Scents like lavender, bergamot, chamomile, or ylang-ylang can positively influence the nervous system and reduce stress hormones like cortisol. Studies show that the sense of smell is directly connected to limbic structures in the brain and our well-being. (2) Pleasant scents can therefore help us find relaxation and peace.

Particularly nice: Scents can be easily integrated into daily life and combined with other relaxation methods such as meditation, yoga, autogenic training, or herbal sedatives.

As already mentioned, "herbal" does not mean "without side effects." If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid taking certain sedatives.

These include, for example, valerian drops, passion flower herb, and hops, as they can cause strong drowsiness, blood pressure changes, or other reactions in too high doses. Lemon balm and chamomile are considered relatively harmless in moderation, for example as tea. If in doubt, seek medical advice or talk to your midwife to rule out possible risks.

She can also give you tips on alternative options such as breathing exercises, gentle movement, yoga, or relaxation techniques that improve your well-being without any medication.

The following table can help you compare the different sedatives available without a prescription:

Cannabidiol (CBD), a component of the hemp plant, is the new star in the relaxation sky: Unlike THC, the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant, CBD does not cause intoxication. Rather, it gently interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a central role in regulating mood, sleep, and stress responses, and can thus influence the typical symptoms of inner restlessness.

Many affected individuals report that CBD makes them feel less nervous and stressed and generally more balanced – without becoming drowsy or unfocused. Studies suggest that with regular use, CBD not only promotes short-term relaxation but can also improve stress resilience in the long term. (3)

Another advantage of CBD: it has virtually no side effects. Occasionally, mild fatigue, dry mouth, or digestive problems may occur, but severe adverse effects are extremely rare. Its efficacy has been extensively studied in various research, and further research is ongoing.

Furthermore, CBD can be used flexibly: drops, capsules, and topical creams offer the possibility to adapt dosage and use ideally to one's own needs. The effect usually kicks in within 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the form of administration, and lasts for several hours.

This makes CBD particularly attractive for people who, for example, want to specifically improve their night's sleep without having to resort to strong medication.

If you want to use CBD for calming, start with low doses and increase them slowly to find your individually optimal effect. Special sleep oils with chamomile and other ingredients help treat anxiety, insomnia, and inner restlessness.

Make sure to only use high-quality products with a proven minimal THC content to avoid negative effects. We also recommend taking CBD regularly to stabilize your nervous system long-term and find lasting relaxation.

Over-the-counter sedatives like valerian, passionflower, hops, magnesium, or aromatherapy help to naturally alleviate stress and inner restlessness. Side effects are usually very minimal, and the effect is profound and sustainable.

Particularly exciting: the natural cannabinoid CBD. It gently supports the endocannabinoid system, reduces nervousness, and promotes relaxation without causing daytime drowsiness or lack of focus. The effect is quick, side effects are minimal, and usage can be flexibly adapted to your daily routine.

Why not give it a try!

Medical Disclaimer