Valerian tincture

Valerian is a perennial herbaceous plant, the name of which in Latin means "to be healthy", and it fully justifies it. In total, there are more than 200 varieties of valerian in the world. Although in other countries it is used in the food industry in the production of alcoholic beverages: liqueurs, tinctures; as a flavoring agent, as a spice, and the leaves - for making salads, the most widespread medicinal valerian is as a sedative. This recognition is due to the essential oils and alkaloids it contains. The plant is used in various forms: tablets, decoctions, powders, infusions, including tinctures.

Indications Valerian tinctures

Indications for the use of the tincture are symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, increased nervousness, anxiety, and restlessness. The tincture is used for disorders of the cardiovascular system, expressed in arrhythmia, tachycardia, rapid fatigue, headaches, decreased physical activity, shortness of breath with increased loads - all that is attributed to the manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia. High blood pressure is another reason to resort to valerian. When spasms of the gastrointestinal tract occur, when painful muscle contraction occurs, the tincture of the plant will help relax their smooth muscles and calm down.

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Release form

The medicine is produced in the form of a tincture prepared from the roots of the plant and ethyl alcohol. It is packaged in bottles and dropper bottles of different capacities.

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Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of valerian tincture, due to its biologically active substances, consists of inhibiting the mechanisms of excitation of the central nervous system and enhancing the effect of taking other sedatives, painkillers and antispasmodics. What are these substances? Let's consider the main ones:

• an essential oil that, due to its chemical structure, easily penetrates the cell wall, transporting oxygen and nutrition there. It is a kind of filter that cleanses the body of toxins, waste and other harmful substances, and also has a positive effect on the nervous system;
• alkaloids - act on receptors, blocking the transmission of signals from nerve endings to muscles;
• tannins - have anti-inflammatory, astringent and bactericidal effects.

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Pharmacokinetics

The drug, having provided assistance, is excreted from the body through the urinary system within half an hour.

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Dosing and administration

The method of application and dosage depend on age, so for children under 12 years old it is necessary to determine the required number of drops at the rate of one drop for each year of life. Give the child 2-3 times a day. Duration of treatment up to 2 months. The dose for adults is 20-30 drops. It can be dripped into water, taken 3-4 times a day. Adults drink until a stable effect occurs.

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Use Valerian tinctures during pregnancy

The valerian root itself is not contraindicated for pregnant women, but since the tincture is prepared with ethyl alcohol, it is not recommended for this category of people to use it.

Contraindications

Tincture of valerian is contraindicated for use by people with a tendency to depressive depressed states, with a sluggish and weak reaction to what is happening, drowsiness, reduced physical activity. The use of the drug will lead to even more obvious symptoms of CNS depression. The alcohol base of the tincture prohibits its use by children under 12 years of age and women during lactation. Particular sensitivity to the plant, which is quite possible, since it has a characteristic and pronounced smell, makes it impossible to use this remedy. Drivers of vehicles and people whose work is associated with the use of dangerous mechanisms are also not recommended to resort to tincture of valerian.

Side effects Valerian tinctures

Tincture of valerian can cause side effects in people with allergies to the plant. The reaction can manifest itself in reddening of the skin, itching and rashes. The effect of depression of mood, increased sleepiness, decreased emotional mood is possible.

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Overdose

Overdose is possible in case of long-term use. It can manifest itself as headaches, increased heart rate, general weakness, constant desire to sleep. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness were also observed. If you feel this way, you should stop taking the drug and resort to emergency measures to detoxify the body: gastric lavage, taking sorbents. Then direct treatment to specific symptoms.

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Interactions with other drugs

Tincture of valerian enhances the effect of cardiac, sedatives, drugs that reduce nervous and emotional tension, sleeping pills, and antispasmodics.

Storage conditions

The best place to store the drug is a cool place, away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children.

Shelf life

The shelf life of valerian tincture is 5 years, after which, in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, the bottle must be thrown away, especially since the cost of the drug is affordable to everyone.