A complete safety, timing, and dosage guide for combining Valerian Root with CBD (Cannabidiol) — including how the two supplements interact, the best time of day to take each, and which populations should be careful.
Yes, you can safely combine Valerian Root and CBD; no significant interaction has been reported, but both can make you drowsy.
Valerian Root and CBD together are considered safe and neutral, with no known clinically significant interaction. They act through different pathways, so they can complement each other when used for sleep or anxiety. The main concern is additive sedation if you take higher doses.
Valerian root works mainly by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the synaptic cleft and by positively modulating GABA-A receptors, which promotes calmness. CBD, meanwhile, primarily acts on the endocannabinoid system and has limited direct activity at GABA receptors; it also interacts with TRPV1 and serotonin receptors. Because they don't compete for the same receptor in a meaningful way, no drug-like interaction is expected. That said, both compounds are lipophilic and are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, so taking very high doses of both could theoretically alter each other's clearance, but this has not been shown to be clinically significant with typical supplement doses. No competing absorption pathway has been identified.
For best results, take valerian root about 30-45 minutes before bedtime, and take CBD with it or up to 30 minutes before, preferably with a small snack that contains fat. If you use a CBD oil, hold it under your tongue for 60-90 seconds before swallowing. If you prefer capsules, take both at the same time with a glass of water. If you miss a dose, just skip it; do not double up. On nights when you want a lighter effect, start with half of your usual valerian dose and a low CBD dose, then adjust slowly.
Valerian is often taken as dried root, extract, or tea; standardized extracts are more reliable but no strong evidence separates them. CBD bioavailability is significantly higher when taken as an oil-based softgel or with a fatty meal than as a sublingual isolate, but that does not change the interaction with valerian. If you use both, fat-soluble CBD absorbs best when combined with a meal; valerian can be taken with or without food.
This pair is commonly found in non-prescription sleep-support products alongside magnesium glycinate and melatonin, and in some anti-anxiety wellness tinctures. You may also see both in 'calm' blends with L-theanine.
Yes, you can take Valerian Root and CBD at the same time without worrying about a known interaction. I often suggest starting with a low dose of each to gauge your tolerance. If you feel overly drowsy, separate them or lower one dose.
It is safe to combine them every day for most healthy adults, but I recommend taking regular breaks every few weeks to reassess. There is a lack of long-term safety data for daily CBD use, so using it consistently at a moderate dose is wise. I encourage you to tell your doctor about your daily supplement routine.
You do not need to wait between the two; you can take them at the same time, especially if they are both in capsule form. If you use a sublingual CBD oil, hold it under your tongue and then swallow your valerian shortly after. I avoid telling patients they need a strict gap because there is no pharmacokinetic conflict.
No, I do not see evidence that they compete for absorption. Valerian is absorbed quickly from the gut, and CBD is absorbed slowly and lipophilic, but they do not share a specific transporter that would cause competition. Eating an ounce of nuts or a little olive oil can help CBD absorb without interfering with valerian.
I would advise avoiding this combination if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription sedatives, have liver disease, or are about to have surgery. Because both can affect the central nervous system, people with low blood pressure or a history of fainting should also be cautious. Always clear it with your pharmacist if you are on blood thinners or seizure medication.
Valerian can be taken on an empty stomach without much issue, but taking it with food reduces the chance of mild stomach upset. For CBD, taking it with fat significantly improves absorption, so I recommend having it with a small snack that contains fat. If you take both at night, a light snack like a spoonful of peanut butter works well.
Reviewed by Caroline M. on April 9, 2025 for accuracy against the sources listed above. This page is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
The matrix has 86 supplements and 7310 pairwise interactions. Click any cell to see the full breakdown.