Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Valerian tincture
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

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.
[ 1 ]
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.
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.
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
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.
[ 15 ]
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.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Valerian tincture" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.