Valerian drops is on the list of the most popular medicines. Preparations based on this plant can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription. There is not only tincture of valerian, but also pills. However, before applying, you should get the recommendations of specialists. When is valerian tincture prescribed? The benefits and harms of this drug have been identified for a long time. So is it worth it to take?
The composition of the drug
This herbal remedy is very popular among the people. Valerian tincture, the benefits and harms of which have already been proven, has a sedative effect. The drug is produced mainly in the form of an alcoholic essence. It is made on the basis of the roots of the plant - Valerian officinalis. The finished drug has a characteristic aroma and taste. The drug itself is transparent, however, has a brown tint.
The medicine is bottled by manufacturers in glass containers, the volume of which is 50 and 30 milliliters. It should be noted that the tincture contains 70% alcohol. For this reason, the drug should be protected from children.
The roots and rhizomes of plants contain approximately 0.5 - 2% of essential oil. This substance consists mainly of boronyl valerianate and boron acetate. In addition, the drug contains non-glycoside binuclear iridoid monoterpene epoxyesters. They are also called valepotriates. These substances are unstable. Often they are destroyed during the processing of raw materials, as well as during storage of the drug.
Properties of valerian tincture
Valerian drops has several basic healing properties. First of all, the drug produces a sedative effect. The active components of the drug are valepotriates. They have a calming effect. Also included is valerianic acid, which promotes the activation of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. These substances are involved in the regulation of sleep.
Studies have shown that taking this medicine allows patients to get rid of insomnia. This improves the quality of sleep, and also reduces the time to fall asleep. For many patients with insomnia, tincture of valerian is preferable, since it is safer than synthetic formulations.
Clinical studies have shown that a drug based on Valerian officinalis can get rid of headaches and migraines, depression and nervous tension.
In addition to the sedative effect, the drug also has an antispasmodic effect. The drug based on this plant is recommended for those who suffer from spasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
Drug dosage
So how to drink valerian? This medicine should be taken only on an empty stomach. At the same time, it is not recommended to drink the tincture of the plant in its pure form. It is best to dilute it in a small amount of water.
An adult is usually prescribed 20 to 25 drops of valerian tincture at a time. There should be 3-4 doses per day.
Is it possible to drink valerian for children? In this case, everything is more complicated. The dosage is very different from the dosage of an adult. Experts do not recommend giving the drug to children. Their body does not perceive alcohol, which is part of the tincture. Therefore, it is wiser to consult a pediatrician before giving the child the drug. In such a situation, it is also required to breed tincture of valerian with water.
The benefits of the drug
Tincture of valerian, the benefits and harms of which will be described below, has a sedative effect. As a result of its reception, a person may feel drowsy. Despite this, the drug carries positive properties, for example, a calming effect. Valerian tincture has a long and stable effect. The drug is acting gradually. It can be taken in conditions such as:
- Insomnia and bad sleep.
- Nervous and hysterical conditions.
- Excessive excitability.
- Gastrointestinal spasms.
- Migraines and headaches.
Contraindications
Valerian, the price of which is from 12 to 20 rubles, can also harm a person if used improperly. Do not forget that this is a drug that has side effects and contraindications. When taking the drug, you should follow all the doctor's recommendations and instructions. Tincture of valerian has a negative effect in case of an overdose.
Who should not take the drug? This list includes:
- Pregnant and lactating women.
- Those with marked individual intolerance to one of the components of the tincture.
- Suffering from chronic enterocolitis.
- Contraindications should be considered before taking the drug.
Drug damage and overdose
Valerian, the price of which is indicated above, with prolonged use can cause a number of violations in the operation of certain systems and organs of the human body. First of all, the gastrointestinal tract suffers. When these dosages are exceeded, constant drowsiness is noted, as well as pronounced weakness.
In some cases, tincture of valerian can cause an allergic reaction, redness of the skin, rash. Such phenomena are often accompanied by itching.
It is important to know how much valerian can drink at one time. This indicator, as already mentioned, depends on age (up to 25 drops for an adult). If an overdose has occurred, then the gastric lavage should be done immediately to the victim. To do this, use ordinary boiled water. Potassium permanganate in this case is not required. Everything needs to be done quickly and accurately.
After an overdose of tincture of valerian, you should consult a specialist for examination.
How is tincture of valerian stored?
The benefits and harms of the drug are comparable. Therefore, it is used by many. A drug based on valerian roots is stored in a dark place and only in the cold. In direct sunlight, the drug loses its basic properties. Shelf life is no more than 2 years. The date of manufacture must be indicated on containers with tincture.
It is not recommended to use the drug after the expiration of the periods indicated on the package. Otherwise, you can cause severe harm to your health.
Analogs of tincture of valerian
Now you know how to drink valerian. If this drug is not in the pharmacy, then you can purchase its analogue. There are many drugs with the same effect. Here are the most popular ones:
- Valerian Forte;
- Valdispert;
- pills and liquid plant extract.
Is it possible to prepare the product at home?
Valerian tincture is easy to prepare. You can do this even at home. Harvesting of raw materials is carried out in early September. Digging up the plant along with the roots. After all, it is they who are suitable for preparing tinctures. Roots should be thoroughly washed and cleaned from the shoots. After this, the raw materials must be dried. This should be done in a well-ventilated area and only in the shade.
Finished valerian roots should be crushed, and then pour 70% alcohol. In this case, you must observe the proportions. For 1 part of the raw material, 5 parts of alcohol are required. It is better to use a glass container. After filling it should be tightly closed. The drug is infused for 2 weeks. It should be noted that the drug acts gradually. For the treatment of certain diseases, tincture is required for a week.