Ancient herb known as ‘nature’s Valium’ touted for improving sleep and anxiety

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. Sleep is critical for brain function and longevity, according to Dr. Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and owner of Amen Clinics in California. Valerian, an herbal supplement long used for sleep and relaxation, has been referred to as "nature's Valium" — but experts are divided on whether it truly compares to the prescription sedative. The herb, which is sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S., is a common ingredient in products marketed as "mild sedatives" and sleep aids, according to the National Institutes of Health. Valium, the brand name for diazepam, is used to treat anxiety, seizures and muscle spasms by calming the nervous system, Cleveland Clinic notes. EXPERTS REVEAL EXACT BEDTIME THAT COULD PREVENT LATE-NIGHT ‘SECOND WIND’ INSOMNIA Valerian supplements are derived from the roots of Valeriana officinalis, a flowering plant native to Europe and Asi