Valerian is one of the most harmless and proven for decades sedatives. In drops or tablets, it is used from generation to generation, without even reading the instructions. However, a frivolous attitude even towards soft and tried medicinal drugs unacceptable.

In addition to this, the drug contains: Excipients:

magnesium carbonate
starch;
croscarmellose sodium;
gelatin;
calcium stearate.

The tincture contains 70% as an excipient ethanol.

Medicinal forms

The form of release of valerian can be different: in tablets, drops or in the form of a tincture.

In order not to harm the body, it is important to read the instructions, indications and contraindications before use:

Medicinal properties

Valerian has a number useful properties, recognized official medicine.

Sedative. The sedative effect is due to the presence of an ester of isovaleric acid and borneol in the plant. Preparations based on valerian until reaching noticeable result need to be taken systematically because they act gradually. Such an effect is observed only in the case of a complex effect of substances present in the plant and at the same time giving a stable and noticeable sedative effect.
Antispasmodic. Valeric acid and valepotriates have a slight antispasmodic and choleretic effect. The active ingredients activate the gastrointestinal mucosa and dilate blood vessels.
Hypnotic. With regular and long-term use of the drug, it helps to slow down the heart rate and quickly achieve sound, healthy sleep.

Indications

Traditional medicine recognizes the effectiveness of valerian preparations in treating the following problems:

In folk methods of treatment, valerian is used for a more extensive list of diseases:

Valerian extract can be taken as an independent remedy, and if the natural mild effect is not enough, it can be used in combination with other sedatives.

Contraindications

Instructions for using valerian tablets include contraindications for use:

high sensitivity to the components of the drug or intolerance to them;
age less than 3 years;
first trimester of pregnancy;
food intolerance to fructose, glucose, galactose;
lack of lactase/sucrase/isomaltose in the body.

Alcohol tincture - before using it, you need to take into account not only the main contraindications, but also those which are associated with the presence of ethyl alcohol in the composition:

alcoholism;
liver problems;
work related to driving vehicles and using complex mechanisms, since valerian relaxes and can cause slight motor impairment, lethargy and decreased attention.

Daily value for adults and children

Alcohol tincture of valerian can be used from very early childhood, daily dose in this case it is calculated as follows: the number of drops of tincture should be equal to the number of full years of the child. For adults, the average daily dose of valerian alcohol tincture is from 90 to 120 drops.

Valerian tablets contain a concentrated extract of medicinal substances, so you must adhere to the recommendations specified in the instructions for use. It provides an average daily dose for adults of 6 pieces, for children from 12 years of age - no more than 2. IN individual cases the daily dosage can be increased, but only on the recommendation of a specialist.

Possible side effects and overdose

Side effects of valerian drugs are directly related to their medicinal properties And appear most often as a result of a drug overdose:

More serious side effects manifest themselves as a result of a large overdose - usually this is more than 20 times the dosage limit. In this case, heart rhythm disturbances may occur - arrhythmia, bradycardia.

Despite the fact that valerian preparations are among the most harmless natural medicines and fatal poisoning by them, even with a large overdose, is unlikely; individual reactions and the state of human health cannot be ignored.

In case of overdose, you must immediately take first aid measures - rinse the stomach, take Activated carbon or other sorbent. To prevent absorption of the drug in the intestines and cause a laxative effect, you can take magnesium sulfate.

There is no specific antidote to valerian. In any case, before you start taking it, you must carefully read the instructions for use and compare the benefits and harms of the medicine.

Interaction with other tools

Valerian preparations can enhance the effect of sedatives and sleeping pills, and they also have an enhancing effect when taking antispasmodics. Products containing caffeine are antagonists of the drug and destroy the calming effect of valerian. In this regard, when taking medication, it is advisable to exclude or minimize the consumption of tea and coffee.

When using alcohol tincture of valerian, it is also necessary to take into account the compatibility of ethyl alcohol with other medications.

Before taking it, you must inform the doctor about all medications taken at the same time.

How to take medicine in tablets. Instructions

The instructions for use of the drug provide for its use for the treatment of mainly adults and adolescents.

Valerian tablets help well with problems with the nervous system and irritability, depression, it is possible to combine valerian with other drugs or use it independently in the amount of 1-2 pieces 3-4 times a day immediately after meals.

The treatment is long-term, at least 2-4 weeks, since the drug has a cumulative effect. The instructions also provide for repeated courses of therapy. Depending on the problem for which the drug is prescribed and the individual characteristics of the body, the dosage may be increased.

Instructions for use of the tincture

The tincture is taken, like the tablet form of the medicine, immediately after meals, usually 3-4 times a day. . Dosage: no more than 20–30 drops at a time. To achieve a noticeable effect, a course of treatment of at least one month is required, which must be systematically repeated.

Valerian can be taken for a very long period. But if positive result treatment does not take a long time, it is advisable to seek help from a doctor - it may be necessary to select a different dosage or change the drug.

During pregnancy and lactation

Many women during the period of bearing a child experience significant stress on the nervous system, suffer from sleep disturbances and increased excitability. Therefore, taking valerian preparations during pregnancy is prescribed as a mild and safe sedative, allowing to relieve the emotional instability of the expectant mother.

The instructions for using valerian contain information that using the drug in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus is forming, is dangerous.

But in general, it is a fairly mild and relatively harmless drug for pregnant women. Taking a sedative is allowed according to a doctor’s indication no earlier than the second trimester of pregnancy, adhering to the dosage, since exceeding it may affect the development of the unborn child.

After the baby is born in the process breastfeeding taking valerian preparations is also indicated strictly according to the doctor’s indications and without exceeding the prescribed dosage, since breast milk the substance gets into the baby. To avoid allergic reactions and sleep disturbances in a child, the recommended dosage must be strictly observed.

Can it be given to children?

Alcohol tincture of valerian can be used as a sedative and antispasmodic from the first days of a child’s life. But under the age of one year, taking it without first visiting a pediatrician is strictly not recommended.

Wherein daily norm tinctures (1 drop for each year of life) must be diluted with plenty of water. The diluted drug is given to the child in several doses throughout the day.

Valerian is contraindicated without preliminary consultation children under one year old

Valerian in tablets containing a high concentration of substances can be used to treat children, taking into account their age, and the instructions for use do not recommend using the tablet form of the drug under 12 years of age. In some cases, it can be prescribed by a specialist, taking into account all indications and contraindications for use.

Children over 12 years of age can take valerian tablets, 1 tablet no more than 2 times a day., and no more than 2 weeks in a row, to prevent unnecessary suppression of the central nervous system of a growing organism. It is also best to discuss the individual dosage and frequency of use with your pediatrician.

How to make tincture at home

Valerian drops (alcohol tincture) are easy to prepare at home.

The general cooking rules are:

There are several options for preparing alcohol medicinal tincture, using which you can obtain drugs of the required concentration:

the alcohol strength for preparing an alcohol extract can be 70, 40, 20%;
the higher the alcohol strength, the shorter the infusion period and, vice versa;
in the absence of ethyl alcohol, it can be replaced with high-quality vodka;
Usually the following ratio of medicinal raw materials and alcohol is used - 1:10, 2:10, 3:10; 1:5;
Using a 1:1 ratio allows you to obtain a highly concentrated tincture.

A concentrated tincture prepared in a special way - from fresh root and valerian rhizomes, infused for 10 days in 75% ethyl alcohol, are used for inhalation: 30 drops of tincture are poured into the bottom of the container and its vapor is inhaled for 3-4 minutes shortly before going to bed.

In this case, you need to inhale only through your nose. This method of application is used in folk medicine. It is believed that it helps improve sleep, relieve nervous tension and is effective way cataract treatment.

Prepare decoction water-based can be done as follows:

2 – 3 tbsp. l. the dried rhizome should be placed in a glass container;
pour in hot water(200 g - 1 glass) and leave in a water bath for 15 minutes under the lid;
After cooking, cool, then strain and squeeze out the remaining raw materials;
add boiled water in an amount sufficient to bring the resulting volume of medicine to the original volume.

The infusion should be taken 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals, after stirring it until smooth, in the following dosage:

for adults and adolescents from 14 years old - 1 tbsp. l.;
children from 10 to 14 years old - 1 tenth. l.;
children from 1 to 10 years old – 1 tsp.

The preparation of an infusion differs from the preparation of a decoction by a more gentle heat treatment of the raw materials, or its complete absence. This method allows, on the one hand, to save more useful substances in the prepared medicine, on the other hand, obtain a less concentrated solution. For the treatment of children, infusion is the most suitable form of the drug.

An infusion of rhizome, crushed in a coffee grinder, can be prepared in a thermos: 1 tbsp. powder 200 ml. boiling water. Cooking will take about 6 hours. Drink the resulting infusion 3 times during the day, 1-2 tbsp. l.
For better preservation of essential oils that volatilize when heated, cold boiled water is often used in the same ratio - 1 tbsp. l. for 1 tbsp. water. The cooking process will take 24 hours. The entire resulting infusion is consumed within one day, divided into several doses.

It must be remembered that if the prepared infusion does not contain alcohol, it cannot be stored for long. Usually aqueous extract It is recommended to store no more than 2 days in the refrigerator, but it is more advisable to prepare a new portion every day, since the concentration of nutrients decreases over time.

In some cases, to quickly obtain the effect, up to 1/3 cup of infusion is prescribed. Wherein the most important condition taking the medication regularly; it is not advisable to skip hours of taking the drug.

Liquid dosage forms Valerian is used for lotions and compresses (externally) for skin diseases nervous etiology, migraine and neuralgia. A piece of cloth soaked in the infusion is applied to sore spot until completely dry, but not less than 15-20 minutes.

If necessary, apply the lotion several times a day. It must be remembered that it is recommended to apply a cool compress to the forehead, and in case of neuralgia, the affected part of the body must be provided with warmth so that hypothermia does not aggravate the problem.

Infusions and decoctions of valerian root are also widely used to prepare therapeutic soothing baths.

Distributed following recipes preparations:

Grind 100 g of valerian root, add 1 liter of water, leave for at least 10 hours, strain.
Bring 100 g of root to a boil in 2 liters. water, leave for at least 10 minutes, strain.
The water for bathing should be quite cool, in the range of 34 - 37 C, respectively, 15 - 20 minutes will be enough for the procedure. This bath cures insomnia, epilepsy, and has a calming effect. Valerian bath should be taken every other day. The bathing procedure is also effective for excessively restless behavior of children.

In folk medicine, valerian finds many more uses in the form of tinctures and decoctions than the common industrial form in tablets. Of course, the instructions for use cannot cover all types of its use, however, the recommended dosage when taking the product orally homemade it is still necessary to adhere to it.

Video on the topic: The benefits and harms of valerian

How to relieve stress with valerian:

Properties, uses and recipes with valerian:

Valerian drops are an alcoholic tincture of valerian. Its main properties, indicated in the instructions for use, are sedative and hypnotic. However, in complex therapy Valerian is used in the treatment of significantly more wide range diseases. It is used for headaches, hypertension, menopausal syndrome, diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and others. chronic diseases.

Valerian drops have a recognizable brown color.

The biological activity of the active ingredients of valerian is quite low, so the effect of using drops is observed after 2-4 weeks of treatment. This also applies to sleep problems and nervous tension. After a single dose of the drug there will be no effect. To feel improvement, you need to take valerian for at least 10 days. Its properties appear after the accumulation of a certain amount of active substances in the body.

Despite the fact that valerian drops are produced on the basis of a plant component, they, like any medicine, have contraindications and side effects. Misuse of valerian or overdose can cause drowsiness, depression, headaches, blurred vision or hearing, nervous overexcitation, trembling hands and increased blood pressure.

The use of valerian must be approached responsibly. For chronic diseases it is used in complex therapy as additional remedy. Valerian does not help in case of emergency, but provides a stable effect when long-term therapy and maintaining the correct dosages.

What is included in valerian drops?

Valerian drops are sold in bottles of 25-30 ml. It contains crushed rhizomes and roots of valerian, as well as ethyl alcohol. The ratio of these components is 1 unit of valerian rhizomes to 5 units of alcohol. The minimum alcohol content in drops is 65%. Others additional components when making tinctures they are not used.

The alcohol in the tincture may cause more severe side effects than valerian root

Valerian drops have a natural reddish-brown tint and, during long-term storage, can form sediment at the bottom of the bottle. The photo below shows a bottle of this tincture:

More than 100 different components are isolated in the roots and rhizomes of valerian. The most valuable component is considered to be valerian essential oil (0.5-2% in dried raw materials), which contains valerian-borneol ether, borneol, tannins, isovaleric acid, bicyclic monoterpenes, valerian, saponins, polysaccharides and organic acids.

Valerian has been used for many centuries, but studying it chemical composition continues to this day. Recent studies have found that the active ingredients of valerian are:

Valepotriates providing antispasmodic action;
Glycosides and borneol, which contribute to the expansion of coronary vessels;
Alkaloids that have a sedative effect;
Essential oils and resins that have a calming effect on the central nervous system;
Organic acids - they provide a choleretic effect.

It is noteworthy that healing effect provides only a general extract from the plant, while individually its ingredients do not have a corresponding effect, or the effect of their use is extremely weak.

An additional substance in the drops is ethyl alcohol. In small doses, it also has vasodilating and hypotensive effects. He is also capable of causing increased drowsiness and inattention.

Product effectiveness

The World Health Organization (WHO) Monograph states that the main pharmacological properties Valerian has mild sedative and hypnotic effects. In the UK and Germany, valerian drops are officially recognized as a sleep aid, and in the USA, according to statistics, they are used by 45% of residents with sleep disorders.

At the same time, as a sleeping pill, valerian is very weak and does not help fight severe insomnia.

It is worth noting that the effectiveness of valerian is not observed immediately, but with the accumulation of active substances in the body. Valerian drops have low biological activity, but with long-term therapy they provide a stable effect. Scientific studies have shown that within 14-28 days, 89% of subjects had a reduction in their time to fall asleep, and 40% of people suffering from insomnia regained their normal sleep patterns, irritability and emotional tension went away.

Another study was conducted under the leadership of M. Cropley in 2002. It proved the effect of valerian on blood pressure. The subjects took the medicine for a month, after which they underwent a special test. He had to demonstrate how much the pressure would increase and heartbeat during times of stress. In subjects who took valerian, the indicators increased slightly and remained within normal limits.

The effectiveness of valerian after several weeks of use is also noted for diseases of the heart, blood vessels, nervous system, and organs. digestive tract and other pathologies. For example, for hypertension, drops are used in courses of 3-4 weeks with a week break, which allows you to gradually stabilize blood pressure.

When taking it, you need to strictly control the amount of the product and avoid overdose.

In emergency cases, you should not rely on valerian drops. After one dose, they will not provide an effect either in case of stress, or insomnia, or high blood pressure. The hypnotic effect of valerian after a single dose is observed very rarely, and is the exception rather than the rule.

The maximum single dose for an adult is 30 drops or 2 tablets. You should not drink more if you want to fall asleep or calm down as quickly as possible, as the opposite effect may occur - nervous excitement or poisoning.

For what diseases is valerian drops used?

Pharmacopoeias indicate that valerian drops are used in complex therapy:

As a lightweight analogue of synthetic sedatives or an additional agent in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system and sleep disorders;
As a digestive stimulant;
In the treatment of antispasmodic pain in the gastrointestinal tract;
In therapy spastic conditions smooth muscles, for example, with spastic colitis;
For diseases of the liver and biliary tract;
For hypertension;
For coronary circulatory disorders.

These actions of valerian have been confirmed scientific research. However, the drops were used only in complex therapy over long courses.

In folk medicine, valerian has found wider use. It is used to treat:

Headaches and migraines;
Neuralgic pain;
Convulsions;
Epileptic seizures;
Menopausal syndrome;
Menstrual pain;
Vascular diseases;
Eye diseases;
Skin diseases;
Diseases of the genitourinary system;
Asthma and pneumonia;
Constipation and increased flatulence;
Thyrotoxicosis;
Obesity.

However, it has no proven effectiveness in these diseases.

Valerian has a complex effect on the body. It reduces the excitability of the central nervous system and reduces spasms of smooth muscle organs, has an inhibitory effect on the midbrain and medulla oblongata systems and increases the functional mobility of cortical processes. Valerian gradually improves the connection between the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures, improving the regulatory functions of the brain.

Due to its effect on the central nervous system, valerian drops have a calming, hypnotic and analgesic effect. Also affecting the central nervous system, valerian indirectly affects the heart and coronary vessels, ensuring their expansion and lowering blood pressure. The same mechanism of action explains the relief of symptoms in other functional diseases.

Valerian also enhances the secretion of the glandular apparatus of the gastrointestinal tract and increases bile secretion, due to which it is used for diseases of the liver, gall bladder and bile ducts.

In the directory medicinal plants It is said that valerian reduces appetite by suppressing the activity of the hypothalamic appetite centers. Therefore, it is also used in the treatment of obesity.

There are also reviews about the use of valerian drops in anthelmintic therapy, for the treatment of infectious and bacterial diseases. However, these properties have not been proven.

Valerian drops are also given to animals as a sedative; they have the most pronounced effect on dogs and cats. On the latter, however, valerian has a very stimulating effect at first; cats behave almost inappropriately, but then calm down.

Rules for using the drug

Valerian tincture is recommended for adults to take 20-30 drops 3-4 times a day after meals. The maximum dose per day should not exceed 100 drops. Since valerian drops have a pronounced taste and smell, before use they can be dripped into a cup and diluted with a small amount clean water, and then wash it down with something.

Most often, valerian is used not as an independent medicine, but as part of complex therapy. The dosage, route of administration and duration of treatment should be determined by the attending physician. The result of treatment depends on these three factors. Valerian has a mild effect and its effectiveness appears after 2-4 weeks. At the same time, it is also not worth delaying the course of treatment. After a month you need to take a week break and then continue taking it. Valerian, according to the instructions, is not addictive, but breaks between courses are needed to prevent an overdose.

The components of valerian accumulate in the body, which provides a slow but stable effect. If you accidentally missed one dose during use, you do not need to drink an extra portion later. A single omission will not affect the results of treatment in any way.

It is not recommended to give the tincture to children under 12 years of age. However, doctors sometimes prescribe 1 drop of valerian for children over 3 years of age for 1 year of life, 2-3 times a day. To calm hyperactive children or for sleep problems, it is sometimes recommended to take baths with valerian. Add 3-4 drops of medicine to 2-4 liters of water. Although valerian seems completely harmless, you should not give the medicine to a child, especially an infant, on your own, as there is a risk of side effects.

Before using the tincture, you need to check the expiration date. It is better to throw out expired valerian; such medicine will not be useful. Over time, the active ingredients lose their properties. If the drops look cloudy or have an inappropriate color, they should not be used either. You cannot die from valerian, but the risk of side effects in such cases is very high. It is also not recommended to use valerian as the main medicine for the treatment of any disease due to its low effectiveness; it will not help you recover completely.

Overdose: in what doses drops can be dangerous

An adult can drink up to 100 drops of valerian during the day. This is the maximum dose. For a child, it is equal to the sum of three single doses, corresponding to 1 drop per 1 year of life. That is, if the child is 10 years old, the one-time norm is 10 drops, and the maximum is 30 drops per day. Valerian should not be given to children under 3 years of age.

Due to the alcohol content, valerian tincture begins to act faster than tablets. Overdose can occur even after a single use. However, most often it occurs when long-term treatment when the patient takes the medicine for more than a month and does not take breaks. They are needed so that the accumulated active ingredients of valerian are removed from the body. If this does not happen, they continue to accumulate, which leads to poisoning and the development of serious complications.

Symptoms of an overdose of valerian drops are:

Drowsiness, apathy, increased fatigue, inattention, depression;
Dizziness, loss of consciousness;
Nervous overexcitation, trembling hands, dilated pupils;
Sleep disorders, insomnia;
Increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, bradycardia;
Headache;
Deterioration of hearing or vision;
Deterioration of the digestive process, constipation;
Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Side effects from taking valerian can be the same as the symptoms that the drug is trying to eliminate.

In case of an overdose of valerian, it is usually enough to stop taking the drug so that the symptoms go away and the condition stabilizes. If signs of poisoning are observed, the body must be detoxified. To do this, you can drink a lot of pure or mineral water without gas (more than 2 liters per day), you can also drink enterosorbents.

On a note

Poisoning can be caused by both valerian itself and the alcohol included in the product. Regardless of the cause of intoxication, its symptoms will be approximately the same.

Although lethal dose Valerian has not been determined; it is not worth taking more than the norm. The effectiveness of the drug depends on the duration of the course of treatment, and not on the amount of the drug taken at a time.

If an adult or child has drunk half or a whole bottle of valerian tincture, you should immediately consult a doctor. The hospital will perform gastric lavage, which will reduce the risk of complications.

Possible side effects of valerian

Valerian is well tolerated and rarely causes side effects. Usually, they appear only when there is an overdose of the drug or an allergy to its components. In these cases, drowsiness, muscle lethargy, lethargy and inattention may occur. Also, valerian can sometimes cause the opposite effect and, instead of reducing blood pressure, on the contrary, increase it or have a stimulating effect instead of a sedative effect.

Self-medication can be harmful to your health.
You should consult your doctor and read the instructions before use.

Valerian tincture: instructions for use

Compound

Alcohol extract of valerian rhizomes with roots 1:5.

Description

A transparent liquid of reddish-brown color with a characteristic aromatic odor and bittersweet, spicy taste. During storage, sediment may appear.

pharmachologic effect

Valerian root preparations have a sedative effect, facilitate sleep onset and improve sleep quality. These effects cannot be attributed to any one component of valerian. Some mechanisms of action that produce these clinical effects have been identified for various components of valerian root (sesquiterpenoids, lignans, flavonoids) and include effects on the GABA system, A1 adenosine receptors, and 5-HT1A receptors. The sedative effect when using valerian appears slowly, but quite steadily and fully develops only with systematic course treatment.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics valerian has not been studied enough due to the impossibility of accurate identification effective start drug.

Indications for use

Used as a sedative for functional disorders nervous system (neurasthenia and sleep disorders); as part of complex therapy to reduce spasms of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, childhood up to 12 years, pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding is suspended during the treatment period).

Carefully: depression and other disorders accompanied by depression of the central nervous system, chronic enterocolitis, liver disease, alcoholism, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and other brain diseases with a decrease in the convulsive threshold.

Pregnancy and lactation

Use is contraindicated.

Directions for use and doses

Inside, 30 minutes before meals. Single dose for adults, 20-30 drops of tincture, diluted in ¼ glass of water, 3 times a day. For children over 12 years of age, the number of drops per dose is equal to the age of the child.

For increased nervous excitability, it is recommended to take it up to 3 times a day. For sleep disorders, it is recommended to take it half an hour - 1 hour before bedtime, and also, if necessary, additional dose the drug in advance in the evening. The duration of treatment is individual for each patient, taking into account the disease and tolerance medicine and the achieved therapeutic effect. It is not recommended to use the tincture for a long time due to the ethanol content. The duration of use in children should be minimal. During treatment, it is necessary to avoid taking other ethanol-containing drugs.

Side effect

Allergic reactions may develop ( skin rash, itching, hyperemia, swelling of the skin).

Possible headaches general weakness, decreased performance, drowsiness, irritability, anxiety, gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, abdominal pain). Large doses can lead to bradycardia and arrhythmia, as well as decreased intestinal motility (constipation).

In case of adverse reactions, including those not specified in the instructions for use, you must consult a doctor.

Overdose

Symptoms Chronic overdose causes a feeling of depression, headache, drowsiness, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, decreased performance, cardiac dysfunction (bradycardia). An acute overdose of valerian root in a dose of about 20 g can cause the development of spastic abdominal pain, chest tightness, dizziness, hand tremors and dilated pupils.

Treatment. If symptoms of overdose occur, stop taking the drug and consult a doctor. In case of acute overdose, it is necessary to induce vomiting and gastric lavage. Symptomatic therapy.

Interaction with other drugs

Combination of valerian root preparations with synthetic sedatives requires medical supervision.

Interactions associated with the presence of ethyl alcohol in the composition: it is necessary to avoid co-administration of medications that cause a disulfiram-like reaction (feeling of heat, redness skin, vomiting, tachycardia) when taken together with alcohol (disulfiram, cefamandole, cefoperazone, latamoxef, chloramphenicol, chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, tolbutamide, griseofulvin, nitro-5-imidazole derivatives (metronidazole, ornidazole, tinidazole), ketoconazole, procarbazine). The simultaneous use of other medications containing ethyl alcohol should be avoided.

Precautionary measures

Because of gradual development effect, valerian preparations are not recommended for use in cases of urgent need to reduce symptoms of mental agitation and sleep disturbances. The recommended duration of treatment is 2-4 weeks. If symptoms of the disease persist or worsen within 2 weeks of continuous use of the drug, you should consult a doctor.

Valerian officinalis

Valerian officinalis is a herbaceous perennial of the Valerian family. WITH Latin name translates as “to be healthy.” A decoction of the roots and tincture of valerian (infusion of valerian root) are used.

Due to the special love of felines for this plant, it was nicknamed cat root. It also has many other names: pink yarrow, marian, mountain grass, goat grass, earthen incense, odolyan, sore grass, aromatic grass, shake grass, or magpie grass.

About the ability of valerian to heal various diseases already known in the Middle Ages. IN Ancient Rome and Greece it was used in medicinal purposes, as cosmetic product, added to wine. In Russia, the plant was used under Peter the Great. Official medicine recognized it at the end of the 18th century. Now you can buy tablets and alcohol tincture (infusion of valerian root) at the pharmacy.

Valerian officinalis biological description

The height of the stem is from half a meter to two meters. The rhizome is thickened and shortened, hollow inside, and has many roots. It is characterized by a specific aroma, familiar to everyone.

Small pale purple, pinkish or white flowers (they can be seen throughout the summer) form an inflorescence corymb and emit a characteristic aroma.

Medicinal valerian grows wild on forest edges and the banks of reservoirs, near swamps and on mountain slopes, preferring damp areas. Usually grows in small groups without forming thickets.

Valerian raw material collection

For medicinal purposes, two-year-old rhizomes are used, which are harvested in the last days of summer or the first days of autumn, when the seeds fly around and the leaves are preserved so that Marian can be easily recognized. Often other similar plants grow nearby. Their roots are intertwined and acquire a valerian scent. Therefore, special care must be taken when collecting raw materials.

Rhizomes are dried in special dryers or in the shade, away from others. medicinal herbs out of the reach of cats. Raw materials are stored for up to three years.

Composition and properties of valerian

Odolyan contains essential oils, giving a specific aroma, valenotriates, vitamins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, sesquiterpenes, borneol, mertinol, macro- and microelements, organic acids.

The aromatic is best known as a sedative and cardiac remedy. It calms the nerves, has a hypnotic effect, dilates blood vessels, relaxes muscles and eliminates muscle spasms, relieves seizures, lowers blood pressure, stimulates cardiac activity, increases appetite, activates the secretory activity of organs digestive systems s.

They drink at pain in the chest increased heart rate, tachycardia, digestive disorders, flatulence, liver pathologies, menopause. You can chew the root or take the powder obtained from the crushed rhizome.

Alcohol tincture of valerian (infusion of valerian root) will help with migraines, insomnia, mental disorders, vegetative-vascular dystonia, epilepsy, esophageal spasms, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, malfunctions thyroid gland, uterine spasms, menopausal problems.

How to use valerian

To prepare decoction of valerian roots (valerian decoction) for internal use, crushed dry (5 grams) or fresh (25 grams) rhizomes are brewed with water (250 milliliters) and boiled for a minute. They insist for half an hour. Drink 20 milliliters 3-4 times a day for insomnia, strong heartbeat, neuroses, vomiting.

A decoction of valerian for baths is prepared a little differently: crushed roots (15-25 grams) are poured with water (2 liters) and boiled for a minute. Leave to infuse for an hour. Pour into a bathtub one-third full warm water. Take baths for a quarter of an hour before bedtime. They have a sedative effect. Therefore, they are especially recommended for nervous disorders and insomnia.

For the infusion, mix the rhizomes of the sore plant, hop cones, leaves of the three-leaf watch and peppermint in the ratio 1:1:2:2. The resulting mixture (10 grams) is brewed with boiling water (half a liter) and left for half an hour. Drink 120 milliliters twice a day to calm the nerves.

If necessary alcohol tincture valerian (infusion of valerian root), the rhizomes are filled with alcohol in a fivefold volume. Take 20-30 drops, diluted with water, three times a day before meals.

Valerian for children

For children with severe fright, epileptic seizures and mental disorders will help alcohol tincture of valerian(children are given a number of drops equal to the number of full years, diluted with water) and baths from a decoction of valerian rhizomes. After the bath, the baby is put to bed without drying and wrapped well. For vomiting, colic, convulsions, give a tincture, after having done enemas from chamomile infusion: first cleansing, and after a quarter of an hour the main one.

For pain in the tummy and flatulence, the child is given 5 milliliters of water infusion every two hours. To prepare the infusion, the roots (3 grams) are crushed and steamed with boiling water (250 milliliters). Leave for 2 hours. You can use another recipe: combine odolyan rhizomes, chamomile flowers and dill seeds in equal proportions. Pour boiling water over the mixture and infuse.

For dysentery and helminthic infestation use decoction of valerian roots (valerian decoction) for internal use (5 milliliters each) and for enemas.

Valerian contraindications

Preparations from earthen incense are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, enterocolitis (possible exacerbation of the disease), hypertension. Due to the plant's ability to increase blood clotting, it is best not taken by older people, especially if there is a risk of stroke or heart attack.

With prolonged use (more than two months) or overdose, drowsiness, feelings of lethargy, apathy, decreased ability to work, muscle weakness, disruptions in the digestive system, and constipation may occur. If the above symptoms are found, you need to temporarily stop treatment or reduce the dose.

Valerian is available in every home, and we use it often - some people provide themselves with this way, others relieve unnecessary stress and anxiety. And few people think that even simple valerian is a medicine, and this means only one thing - you shouldn’t use it uncontrollably, thoughtlessly, you need to know possible contraindications and symptoms of overdose.

Table of contents:

Valerian - instructions for use

The pharmacological industry offers consumers valerian in tablets and tincture - both the indications and contraindications will be identical, the differences are only in the pattern of drug use and daily dosage. The main component in the products under consideration is a thick extract of valerian; there are also auxiliary substances - they do not affect clinical picture, so you shouldn’t take them into account.

How does valerian work?

What is known about the drug in question? It calms and helps fight inexplicable anxiety and cope with strong anxiety, improves the process of falling asleep and guarantees deep dream. Here's what the instructions say:

Valerian acts directly on the nervous system - the drug simply depresses it.
When taking valerian tablets or tincture, the heart rate slows down and blood vessels dilate.
The muscle tissue of the urinary and digestive systems relaxes.

And if valerian is taken by a person long time, then in addition to the above actions, there will be an increase in bile production ( choleretic effect) and lower blood pressure.

Indications for taking valerian

“Take a pill and calm down” - this is exactly how many people perceive valerian. But there are certain indications for the use of this drug - this is indicated in official instructions to the drug, but who reads it? Remember in what cases it is advisable to start taking the drug in question:

Note:Valerian tablets/tincture are often prescribed by specialists for the treatment of certain diseases of cardio-vascular system and pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (in particular, to relieve spasms). But valerian is not a panacea in such cases - it is only one of the drugs that make up a complex of therapy.

Contraindications to taking valerian

Do not underestimate the effect of valerian on the body - you need to exclude all possible contraindications and only then stabilize your nervous system with valerian tablets/tincture. The official instructions indicate the following contraindications:

fructose intolerance;
existing deficiency of lactase and sucrase;
malabsorption of glucose-galactose nature;
pregnancy - applies only to the first three months (first trimester) of this condition;
children under 3 years of age.

We must not forget the possibility of individual intolerance or hypersensitivity specifically to valerian - some people can even react to the specific smell of the product with classic manifestations allergic reaction(skin rash, itching, watery eyes, coughing and sneezing attacks).

Note:Children, even from 4 years of age, are strictly prohibited from independently prescribing and giving the drug in question! Valerian is used in complex treatment some nervous/mental disorders and other pathologies, but only as prescribed by a doctor.

How are people used to using valerian? Three or four tablets, 30-40 drops of tincture and all this 3-4 times a day - you must agree, everyone knows this dosage. But experts say that to treat such a variable amount of the substance in question medicinal product– this is fraught with overdose.

Note:It has been officially established that the daily dose of valerian should not exceed 200 mg! Some manufacturers offer consumers to take valerian in capsules, one of which contains 200-350 mg of valerian - this is an outrageous amount! To get a good therapeutic effect, you need not increase daily dosage, and take the medicine correctly - according to the regimen developed by the doctor. Considering that one tablet of valerian extract usually contains 20 mg of main active substance, we can say with confidence that critical quantity tablets per day - 10. In general, the dosage per dose, the number of doses per day are set individually - you should not experiment on your own.

if valerian is used to stabilize the condition and is taken in a course, then it is enough to take 2 tablets of 20 mg three times a day or 35 drops of tincture 3 times a day;
in the case of using valerian for emergency sedation (for example, before an exam or interview), it will be enough to take 5 tablets of 20 mg of valerian or 40 drops of tincture;
if valerian is given to children aged 7 years and older, then ½ tablet of 20 mg will be enough, and the tincture is completely prohibited;
if you are going to give the drug in question to a child aged 4 to 7 years, then you will need ¼ of a 20 mg tablet.

The duration of use of valerian is also determined individually. Experts say that optimal time taking tablets or tincture of valerian is 10 days, and the maximum is 30 days. It may be necessary to extend the course of taking the drug in question, but in this case you cannot do without the help of a specialist - only a doctor can determine the advisability of further taking valerian.

Possible side effects

Even if valerian is used as prescribed by a doctor and strictly according to the recommended regimen, the possibility of side effects very high. Please note the following conditions:

decreased performance;
constant desire to sleep;
weakening of muscle tissue (“you can’t hold a spoon in your hand”);
lethargy (the reaction weakens, the person begins to think about decisions more slowly, speech becomes somewhat drawn out);
bowel dysfunction – with prolonged use of valerian, constipation is possible.

If at least one of the listed syndromes occurs, then you must immediately stop taking valerian tablets/tincture and consult a doctor. Do not forget that anyone can develop an allergy when taking valerian, even if this phenomenon has not previously been noted.

Valerian overdose

It turns out that an overdose of valerian is quite real! And even the symptoms of this condition are clearly expressed - it is simply impossible to make a mistake. Signs of an overdose of the drug in question include:

Problems in the functioning of the digestive system - constipation or, conversely, unmotivated diarrhea may appear; patients often complain of mild nausea.
Suffering nervous system– this can happen in two directions:
- the person becomes lethargic, apathetic, he constantly wants to sleep, there are complaints of dizziness, and possibly depression of consciousness;
- excessive excitement appears, the person’s pupils are dilated, the face becomes covered with red spots.
Blood pressure becomes unstable - please note that if valerian is taken according to a strict medical regimen, then you can achieve a decrease in blood pressure, but an overdose leads to a significant increase in it.

Separately, it is worth considering cases of overdose of valerian in tincture - the signs will be slightly different. For example:

Note:When using valerian tincture, an overdose can occur from the first dose. Therefore, before you start using the drug in question, you should definitely consult a doctor. What to do if signs of overdose appear:

Stop taking valerian at any time pharmacological form release.
Summon - this can be done by drinking a large number of water or by mechanically acting on a small tongue in the pharynx.
Call an ambulance - they will professionally rinse the stomach and administer specific medications to reduce the symptoms of poisoning. But please note - this help will be appropriate if after last appointment no more than 2 hours have passed of the medicine.
If the condition does not improve, then you should definitely seek help from doctors - in some especially severe cases Hospitalization may be required.

The effect of the drug in question has been studied for a very long time - interesting experiments are being carried out, the consequences of long-term use of valerian for the body are being studied. Relatively recently, another interesting experiment was conducted by Norwegian scientists.

The purpose of the experiment was to find out how intensely valerian has a hypnotic effect. For this purpose... television viewers were involved in the process - they simply responded to an advertisement for the recruitment of volunteers. All people were divided into two groups - one was given valerian tablets with a dosage of 200 mg (in one tablet), and the other was given a harmless supplement, a placebo. It was prescribed to take 2 tablets in the evening before bed and keep a diary of monitoring the quality of your night's sleep. The volunteers were not told which tablets were given or what the purpose of the experiment was.

The results were amazing! Only 5% improved sleep in people in the group taking valerian tablets. And this indicator only indicated the speed of falling asleep, but the general qualitative characteristics between the two groups of volunteers did not differ at all - the number of night awakenings, the duration of sleep, and the state of health during the subsequent working day were the same.

Thus, we can conclude that valerian does not have pronounced action on the quality of night sleep and take it as sleeping pills not worth it. BUT! This experiment was not carried out by official medicine; there is no confirmation from scientists about the results obtained. It may be worth trying to take a placebo instead of valerian - the main thing is to believe in the power of the drug, but if the drug is prescribed by a doctor and is part of a complex therapy, then you should not experiment.