A Review on the Use of Ashwagandha, Chamomile, and Valerian for Treating Insomnia

Vaishnavi M. Kadam, Mayur T. Gaikar

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate Ashwagandha, Chamomile, and Valerian for their effects on thubmitted my me central nervous system, focusing on their use as sedatives and hypnotics. The herbs were tested for hypnotic, sedative, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic activities using standard experimental methods. Valerian is often used to treat insomnia, but its active ingredients and how it works are not yet fully understood. Non-restorative sleep affects about 10% of people worldwide, leading to poor sleep and both physical and mental fatigue. In this study, an extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal L.) was tested for its ability to improve sleep quality in people with non-restorative sleep. Chamomile, from the German chamomile plant (Matricaria chamomilla L.), has long been used as a calming and sedative herb. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb from Ayurveda, has shown it can reduce stress and help with sleep by affecting cortisol and GABA activity. Chamomile contains flavonoids like apigenin, which can have mild calming and anti-anxiety effects by interacting with certain brain receptors. Valerian root, used in Europe for centuries, helps increase GABA activity and can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, though results can vary. Overall, these herbs may help improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and could be used alongside or instead of synthetic sleep aids.

Keywords: Insomnia, ashwagandha, chamomile, valerian, sleep disorder, Herbal medicine

How to Cite?: Vaishnavi M. Kadam, Mayur T. Gaikar, "A Review on the Use of Ashwagandha, Chamomile, and Valerian for Treating Insomnia", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 436-441, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251031170219, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251031170219