Stacking guide
What goes well with Valerian Root?
Evidence-graded stacking partners for Valerian Root. Synergistic and neutral combinations are listed alongside pairings to avoid. Use this to design a deliberate stack rather than experimenting blind.
Combine with caution (2)
- AshwagandhaEVIDENCEA
Withania somnifera, the most clinically validated herbal adaptogen for stress and anxiety. Reduces serum cortisol by roughly 28% at 600 mg/day over 8 weeks. Modest evidence for sleep quality and testosterone in men. Choose the KSM-66 extract for the best-studied form.
Both sedating — manageable but expect heavy drowsiness.
- MelatoninEVIDENCEA
Pineal hormone regulating circadian rhythm. Low doses (0.3-1mg) often outperform higher doses for sleep.
Both sedating. Watch for morning grogginess.
Avoid stacking (2)
Sedative + sedative — respiratory depression risk.
- PhenibutEVIDENCEC
Russian GABA-B agonist. Anxiolytic and sleep-promoting, but with significant dependence risk. Banned as a supplement in the US/AU.
Compounding GABAergic sedation.
Build a stack: use the Stack Builder with Valerian Root pre-selected, or check any specific pairing in the Interaction Checker.
Stacking guidance reflects curated interaction rules from the published literature, traditional use, and well-characterised mechanisms. Individual response varies; introduce one substance at a time and track effects. Not medical advice — see our disclaimer.