My husband has been suffering from cluster headaches from before we got married. In the 9 years of my marriage we've tried everything to ease the pain. Recently a friend from Peru that lives in the Amazon and loves nature told me that in Peru, cluster headaches are treated with VALERIAN ROOT and makes you feel better. My husband was desperate. After 2 months of continuos headaches he gave it a try and he is so excited that wanted to share the experience. GNC is a good brand. We actually bought the one from CVS, and open the 3 capsules into hot water and drink it as tea for faster results. Hope it helps :)

Copied from the "We Are Wellness insight Journal"
Pharmacology and Mechanisms of Action:
Valerian has an affinity for GABAA receptors, likely due to the relatively high GABA content in valerian itself. The amount of GABA present in valerian extract is sufficient to induce release of GABA in synaptosomes and may also inhibit GABA reuptake.

Other believed mechanisms of action in valerian include inhibition of the catabolism of GABA by valerenolic acid and acetylvalerenolic acid and affinity for the 5-HTA receptor by another constituent of valerian, called hydroxypinoresinal.

Due to the herb’s historical use as an anti-convulsant, sedative, migraine treatment and pain reliever, most basic research has been focused on the interaction of valerian constituents with the GABA neurotransmitter. The findings of these studies remain inconclusive. Thus, the true mechanism of action of valerian remains unknown


I would be curious to hear our more "educated and research minded" board members chime in. I did a little internet research on this and several sites spoke of it being used as an anti epileptic, anti seizure, and a sleep aid. Cross uses for several of our CH meds.......

Joe

Yes that makes sense... Valproic acid, an analogue of valeric acid, found naturally in valerian, is the drug Depakote, and also used in synthesis of Divalproex, both used to treat CH. I take Valerian regularly.

i tried valproic acid for a couple years until i became toxic to it...lost my hair and balance (vertigo)

Duing the trial i did have lower kips but still remained pretty much chronic.


p

Valproic Acid by itself is in Depakene.  depakote is actually a combination of Valproic Acid and Sodium Valproate.  i used to take Depakene for simple partial seizures.  (odd things, more of a nuisance than anything else).  if i ever experience the symptoms of the partial seizures again i think ill just try valerian root...  and of course ill give it a try for CH.  couldnt hurt right?  it would be nice to find another inexpensive addition to the arsenal.  thanks for the tip, and im glad you found something that works! 
question though, is it used as an abortive or a preventative?  my limited knowledge of valerian root leads me to think prevent, but the thing about drinking it as a tea for "faster results" leaves me thinking abortive?

When I read these kind of threads, I admit, I'm usually very skeptical. But based on what I've read in this short thread, I wouldn't totally discount it. If it is related to Depakote, and others are finding relief from Depakote (Which I never did), It just may help some individuals, but I don't think there is just 1 'cure-all' that will help all sufferers.

Glad to hear it helped someone and maybe someone else will try it and also find relief.

its plausible.  my mother takes valerian root for migraines and bipolor disorder.  she is of the mind that anything treatable with a medication can be treated with a plant... sometimes annoying, but she hasn't tried to kill anyone lately so i guess it has been working...