Valerian tincture: benefits and harm. Application. How to prepare valerian tincture with alcohol or water

Release form, composition, properties of components

Valerian drops are in darkened glass bottles in volumes from 15 to 100 ml. The tincture contains crushed roots and rhizomes of valerian, 70% ethyl alcohol. Their ratio is 1:5, alcohol content is at least 65%. The liquid has a brown-red color, a bittersweet taste and a strong aroma.

Roots and rhizomes contain more than 100 substances. The most valuable are:

valerian essential oil;
borneol;
tannins;
valerian-borneol ester;
valerian;
polysaccharides;
organic acids (malic, formic, stearic, etc.);
saponins;
bicyclic monoterpenes.

Alkaloids have a calming effect, valepotriates are antispasmodics, resins and essential oils calm the nervous system. Organic acids have a choleretic effect, and glycosides and borneol expand the lumen of the coronary vessels.

The alcohol in valerian tincture dilates blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Price, where to buy

As a rule, the price of Valerian tincture does not differ much depending on the manufacturer, that is, as much as valerian drops cost from one manufacturer, it will cost the same from another. At this time, the price of 25 ml of tincture fluctuates around 10-20 rubles.

Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine

ZdravCity

Valerian tincture fl.
25ml No. 1Kirovskaya f.f. 82 RUR order
Valerian tincture 25ml JSC Moscow Pharmaceutical Factory
48 RUR order
Valerian tincture 25 mlAO Renewal of PFC
74 RUR order
Valerian tincture fl. 25ml No. 1 Tula Pharmaceutical Factory LLC
38 rub. order

Pharmacy Dialogue

Valerian tincture bottle 25ml Tverskaya FF
21 rub. order
Valerian tincture (flask 25ml) Hippocrates
30 rub. order
Valerian tincture (flask 25ml)Update PFC JSC
77 RUR order
Valerian tincture (25ml bottle) MFF
33 rub. order
Valerian tincture (flask 25ml)Flora of the Caucasus
24 RUR order

Product effectiveness

Only the general extract of valerian has a therapeutic effect; individually its components give a very weak effect or do not have any effect at all. All forms of the drug have low biological activity, that is, the medication does not act immediately. The therapeutic effect occurs with long-term use, when the required level of the drug accumulates in the body.

Effectiveness appears after 2-3 weeks of continuous use. According to statistics, 89% of people, after using Valerian for a month, had normal sleep, irritability and emotional tension decreased. The medication is not suitable for emergency cases when you need to calm down, since a one-time dose has no effect.

Pharmacology

Valerian drops ensure normal entry into natural sleep, relieve insomnia and waking up at night. However, it does not affect the awakening process, as when taking strong sleeping pills, after which it is sometimes difficult to wake up and get out of bed. A stable relaxing and sedative effect develops slowly, after 3-4 weeks. The product has a mild antispasmodic and choleretic effect due to the organic acids in the plant.

The drug improves the production of secretions in the gastrointestinal tract, reduces heart rate, and expands the lumen of the coronary vessels. Admission leads to stabilization of myocardial function due to the effect on the cardiac conduction system and neuroregulation mechanisms. The effectiveness of the drug can only be judged after systematic treatment.

For what diseases is Valerian drops used?

Most often, drops are prescribed for the complex treatment of diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Indications:

spasm in gastrointestinal pathologies;
disruption of enzyme production in the gastrointestinal tract;
violation of coronary circulation;
hypertonic disease;
sleep disturbance;
increased anxiety.

In most cases, the drug is prescribed precisely as a sedative, which helps to cope with the tendency to depression, hysteria, and increased excitability of the nervous system.

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The reference book on medications states that Valerian helps reduce appetite, as it reduces the activity of the appetite center in the hypothalamus, so the drug can be used in the complex treatment of obesity. The medication also has anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory properties, but they have not been scientifically proven.

Useful properties of tincture

The composition of valerian is so rich that it is not difficult to guess why this sedative has such a wide spectrum of action on the human body and what its benefits are.

Compound:

Essential oils;
Plant root;
Resins;
Starch;
Borneol;
Tannins;
Alcohol;
Acetic and formic acid;
Alkaloids.

One of the leading roles in the composition is played by borneol, a substance that has a sedative effect, but in addition to it, the alcoholic base of the tincture also has a similar effect. It is worth noting that the tinctures sold in the pharmacy chain contain ethyl alcohol with a strength of 70%.

Of course, the main purpose, and at the same time benefit, of valerian is its calming and relaxing effect. But the drug can also be prescribed in the following cases:

Normalization of the cardiovascular and nervous system.
Reduced excitability.
Improved sleep.
Relieving depression.
Fighting epilepsy.
Eliminate headaches.
Relieving spasms of various origins (migraines, intestinal pain, muscle and toothaches).
Digestive problems and their stabilization.
Increased appetite.
Antimicrobial action.
Relieving attacks of bronchial asthma.

And this is not the entire list of the good “deeds” that valerian tincture does. But despite the fact that the benefits of valerian have been proven by both clinical studies and the experience of many people, even it has negative properties of use.

Rules for use in adults

Before using the drug, you must check the expiration date. If it has expired or the medication is cloudy in color, it is better not to use it. Any expired medicine loses its healing properties.

The tincture is taken before meals, 20-30 drops, diluted with water (2-3 tablespoons), up to 4 times a day, washed down with a small amount of water. The maximum dosage of medication per day is no more than 100 drops.

The duration of treatment is up to 1 month. If prescribed by a doctor, it can be repeated after a break (1-2 weeks). The effect of the drug is weak and can be noticed only after 2-4 weeks. If you missed taking a medication during the day, you do not need to take an additional dose the next time; skipping 2-3 doses per course will not affect the final result.

Valerian tincture - instructions for use

Valerian tincture is sold in 25 ml bottles with a dropper. You can use this medicinal plant in another form, there is a form of tablets or powder. If valerian tincture is prescribed, the instructions for use are as follows:

Take orally after meals.
Dose for adults – 20-30 drops 3-4 times a day.
The dose for children over 12 years of age is calculated according to the following scheme: for 1 year of a child’s life, 1 drop.
The dosage depends on the patient’s well-being, so the doctor’s prescription may differ from the above standards.

Composition of valerian drops

Valerian tincture is available in the form of an alcohol essence, which is made from the root of valerian officinalis. The liquid itself has a pronounced aroma, taste, as well as a transparent, brownish color. Since valerian drops contain alcohol, the tincture should be stored in a place that is difficult for children to reach. The rhizomes of the plant contain from 0.5 to 2% essential oils, which have:

sedative;
analgesic;
sleeping pills;
antispasmodic properties.

Valerian tincture - indications for use

Like other herbal medications, this one is best used after consultation with a doctor. If valerian tincture is prescribed, the indications for use of the drug are as follows:

tendency to hysteria (affective states, excessive dramatization);
changes in women during menopause;
nervous excitability (apathy, depression, anxiety, excessive irritability);
problems sleeping (insomnia);
obsessive-compulsive neuroses (habits of biting nails, twirling hair, nervous tics);
increased feeling of anxiety, fear (fear of flying on an airplane, fear of the dark, crowds);
migraine;
diseases of the cardiovascular system.

How to take valerian tincture

It is recommended to take valerian tincture in courses of 2-3 weeks with the same breaks. Before starting use, it is better to consult a doctor for a diagnosis and proper dosage calculation, because it may depend on the patient’s well-being. How to drink valerian tincture drops:

A certain number of drops are diluted with water, and the drug should be taken 20-30 minutes before meals.
For prevention, you can drink valerian infusion once a week, before bed.
You should not independently indicate the terms of use of this product, because due to prolonged use the drug loses its properties.

Valerian tincture - overdose

Liquid valerian, an overdose of which can lead to the following disorders, should be consumed strictly according to the instructions. Signs of its violation:

general weakness, drowsiness;
allergic reactions;
vomiting, nausea;
severe headaches;
dizziness, low blood pressure;
exacerbation of chronic diseases;
the appearance of apathy towards the surrounding world;
There is a risk of causing significant harm to health by taking the drug tincturae valeriana in excess of the norm: a side effect is allergies.

Valerian tincture - contraindications

Valeriana officinalis is not for everyone. The drug should not be taken by young children due to the high alcohol content. If liquid valerian is prescribed, the contraindications are:

depression and diseases accompanied by central nervous system depression;
children under 12 years of age (unless this is a medical prescription);
women during pregnancy and lactation (in the first trimester of pregnancy, valerian can be prescribed to prevent the general psychological state);
enterocolitis;
risk of stroke or heart attack;
intolerance to components.

Find out how to take valerian correctly.

Use in children

According to the instructions, the drug should not be given to patients under 12 years of age. But sometimes doctors prescribe the remedy for children over 3 years old. The dosage is calculated according to age: for 1 year – 1 drop. That is, if the child is 4 years old - then 4 drops, if 5 years old - then 5 drops up to 3 times a day, and accordingly the maximum dose per day for a 4 year old child is 12 drops, for a 5 year old child - 15.

If children are hyperactive or have sleep disturbances, you can take baths with Valerian. Add 3 drops of the product to 3-4 liters of water and bathe the baby before bedtime. Considering the side effects the drug has, it is not recommended to give the medicine to a child without a pediatrician’s prescription, especially under 3 years of age (due to the presence of alcohol in the composition).

How is it recommended to take valerian tincture?

We provide instructions for treatment with tincture of valerian roots in alcohol.

To reduce tension, three times a day, 15-20 minutes before meals, dilute 25-30 drops of alcohol tincture in 100 ml of water. The treatment period is 15 - 20 days. You should not drink if your work requires increased attention, as well as when driving vehicles.

Every day before going to bed, take 20 drops for relaxation. They need to be dissolved in warm (38 degrees) water. If it doesn’t help, there is no need to increase the single dose; it is better to drink valerian tincture twice: before dinner, then, 4 hours later, before bed.

tsp Dilute tincture of alcoholic valerian in 50 ml of warm (38 degrees) water. Drink once if discomfort or pain occurs.

If the medicine is infused with alcohol, according to the instructions, under no circumstances should you use valerian tincture to treat a child under 12 years of age. In the subsequent period of life, it is allowed to use 1 drop according to the calculation of 1 year of life. You can make a soothing bath from an alcoholic tincture of valerian: 3 drops per 5 liters. water. The use of aqueous infusion of valerian is allowed for children over 3 years old, also a drop per year. For a child 3 years old, no more than 3 drops of aqueous infusion of valerian root can be diluted with water.

Alcohol tinctures are unacceptable for expectant mothers, as they have a bad effect on the liver and the development of the fetal nervous system. To relieve nervous tension, doctors recommend valerian extract tablets (no more than 2 pieces per day), or a water infusion, the dosage of which is individually prescribed by the doctor. Self-medication during pregnancy can cause great harm to both the baby and the mother.

Before drinking the medicine, do an allergy test: mix 1 drop of tincture and 1 water. Apply to an area with delicate skin (the area of the inner elbow), if after 10 minutes there is no redness, the medicine can be taken in moderate doses. However, a tendency to allergies is not the main obstacle to treatment; alcoholic tincture of valerian cannot be drunk in many other cases:

The drug is not recommended for grandparents because of the risk of stroke due to slow blood flow due to atherosclerosis plaques and blood viscosity.

Overdose of valerian tincture

Overdose

According to the instructions, the drug is not addictive, but to prevent an overdose, breaks are needed between courses of administration to allow the drug to be eliminated from the body. If this is not done, valerian continues to accumulate in the body, leading to poisoning. Overdose symptoms:

dizziness;
lightheadedness or loss of consciousness;
drowsiness;
depression;
decreased concentration;
increased fatigue, even in the absence of physical and emotional stress;
insomnia;
headache;
rise in blood pressure;
heart rhythm disturbance;
decreased hearing and vision;
nausea, heartburn, vomiting;
bowel dysfunction - constipation or diarrhea.

Both alcohol and valerian roots can cause signs of poisoning. Regardless of which component caused the poisoning, the symptoms appear the same. To eliminate signs of overdose, it is enough to stop taking the drug so that its components are eliminated from the body.

To speed up the elimination process, you need to drink a lot of fluid (more than 2.5 liters) and use enterosorbents (activated carbon, Polysorb).

The lethal dose of the drug has not been determined. If you accidentally drink a bottle of Valerian (more often this applies to children), you must call an ambulance.

Possible side effects

The drug is well accepted by the body and rarely causes side effects. They usually occur in cases of overdose, when the dose at one time is not observed or the number of doses per day is exceeded, as well as when used for more than 1 month without a break.

Side effects may occur in people allergic to the components of the drug. It manifests itself as itching and rashes on the skin. In this case, antihistamines (antiallergic) are necessary. The drops may cause heartburn because they stimulate digestion by increasing the secretion of gastric juice.

How to take the tincture

Whether the tincture can be given to children is a controversial poll due to the high alcohol content. Pediatricians advise replacing the drug with a milder analogue or a one-time dose and getting by with a small dose.

The alcoholic essence of valerian officinalis, despite all its advantages, can cause serious harm if taken uncontrollably. In case of individual intolerance, allergic reactions are observed - skin rashes, itching.

Now you know what valerian tincture helps with and how to take it, which means you can organize adequate treatment with this drug.

Contraindications Valerian drops

The tincture is contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding, since during pregnancy it reaches the fetus through the blood and has a detrimental effect on its development. During lactation, the components of the drug pass into breast milk. Valerian is prohibited for children under 3 years of age. From the age of 3, taking the drug is allowed, but only with a doctor’s prescription, since even a single dose can cause symptoms of intoxication in children.

Other contraindications:

low blood pressure;
diseases associated with inhibition of the function of the central nervous system;
pathologies associated with increased blood clotting ability;
enterocolitis;
inflammatory processes in the intestines, kidneys;
atherosclerosis;
taking sleeping pills, sedatives;
alcohol intoxication.

The tincture should not be taken when driving vehicles or working in production that requires concentration (due to the presence of alcohol in the composition).

Contraindications

Valerian preparations have contraindications, and in case of overdose, side effects. It should also be taken into account that they should not be used by vehicle drivers, as well as by persons working in industries with complex equipment.

Valerian tincture is contraindicated:

pregnant and lactating women;
children under 3 years old;
persons suffering from certain liver diseases;
with enterocolitis;
for hypertension;
with individual intolerance;
in old age, because the possibility of a stroke is high.

In case of an overdose, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and stomach pain may occur. Sleep disturbances and feelings of anxiety are also possible. If these signs appear, you should stop taking it.

Is it possible to prepare valerian with your own hands?

Valerian tincture can be prepared at home without much difficulty. To do this, you will need 25 g of dry crushed valerian roots and 100 ml of 70% alcohol. The components are mixed and infused in a dark place for 7 days. Afterwards, the mixture is filtered through cheesecloth and poured into a glass, preferably darkened container. The resulting medicine is not inferior in effectiveness to pharmaceutical valerian, so it is taken according to the rules in the instructions.

You can prepare valerian without alcohol. To do this, pour 10 g of crushed dry roots and rhizomes of valerian into 200 ml of boiling water. Next, the infusion is heated in a water bath for 15 minutes, then allowed to cool. The mixture is filtered and poured into a glass container. Take 1-2 tablespoons up to 4 times a day.

Benefit

What are the benefits of valerian? All parts of the plant are useful for making tinctures. However, the root contains the most healing substances.

Valerian tincture has a positive effect on the digestive system. It can increase bile secretion.

The tincture is also used as part of complex treatment for spasms of the esophagus, constipation, and liver diseases.

Valerian (herb) also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. It is prescribed for increased heart rate, angina pectoris and heart pain.
Substances contained in the root of the plant have a vasodilating effect. To treat hypertension in the initial stage, valerian tincture is taken regularly.

The main effect of the drug is to calm the central nervous system. The tincture also helps restore emotional balance, cope with headaches, reduce anxiety and improve performance. What parts of the plant are used for medicinal treatment? In most cases, the root is processed, but the entire above-ground part can also be used.

The product helps with the following disorders:

For example, if you bathe a capricious baby in a valerian bath, he will become calmer. However, before doing this, you should consult a specialist.

Important! For medicinal purposes, valerian is used to relieve symptoms of epilepsy, bronchial asthma, and pneumonia.

Recipes

Today, not every pharmacy can find a high-quality drug. Sometimes you may notice that valerian tincture does not help cope with nervous tension. Buyers cannot reliably know what percentage of beneficial substances is in a particular bottle. In addition, given the general economy, you may stumble upon a dummy.

For these reasons, it is better to use a natural remedy to maintain your own health. To do this, you will have to walk through the fields and find tall-growing umbrellas of a medicinal plant. The tincture will require roots, so they must be carefully dug up.

There are several types of products containing valerian root. They differ in their beneficial properties and effects on the body. Most often, valerian is used in the form of tinctures, infusions, and decoctions:

Infusion. It is often used during headaches. There is a proven recipe for making an infusion at home. For this use 1 tbsp. l. rhizomes and 200 ml of boiled water. The water is first cooled and then poured into the plant. After this, the solution is left for 12 hours. You can take the infusion up to 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. before eating.
Decoction. This remedy is often used to treat nervous overexcitation and insomnia. To prepare the medicine, you need to pour 250 ml of boiling water into 1 tbsp. l. rhizomes Wrap the container in a towel and wait 1 hour. Take 1 tbsp decoction. l. 4 times a day.
Alcohol tincture. This remedy is used for increased excitability, sleep disturbances, and increased blood pressure. To prepare the tincture, you need to pour the roots of the plant with 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1:5, respectively. The solution is infused for 7 days in a warm place. How to take the product? It is consumed 3 times a day before meals. You need to add 25 drops to a small amount of water.

There are also many other recipes using valerian tincture. For example, herbal tea brewed from lemon balm and peppermint helps with headaches. For 200 ml of tea you need to add tbsp. l. honey, then add 30 drops of valerian tincture. You can drink this tea 4 times a day.

Important! The product is not recommended for use by children under 12 years of age. The harm from valerian in this case is not comparable to the beneficial effect.

Infants and newborns are generally prohibited from giving drugs that depress the central nervous system. For this reason, you should refrain from using valerian when breastfeeding. You should also refrain from using medications that contain the plant:

If you need to use sedatives, you should consult your doctor. When taking it, you should follow the dosage. How is valerian harmful to humans? To find out, it’s worth getting acquainted with the possible negative effects.

Special instructions, shelf life and storage

The tincture contains alcohol, so it can reduce concentration and slow down the reaction rate. As a result, you should avoid driving while taking the drug. The drug has a sedative effect and affects the central nervous system; taking it in parallel with other sedative and hypnotic drugs enhances their effect.

Up to 12 years of age, the drug should only be prescribed by a doctor. Long-term use of drops affects the development and growth of children. Possible decrease in attention, concentration, ability to remember, lag in studies.

The drug is dispensed from pharmacies without a prescription form. Its shelf life is 2 years from the date of release. Store the product away from children, in a place protected from direct sunlight, at temperatures up to 25°C.

The cost of valerian drops is from 10 to 25 rubles.

Analogs

Drops can be replaced with products that also contain valerian, but without alcohol - Valerian Forte or valerian tablets. The principle of operation and indications are similar. The most popular analogs for action are:

Motherwort liquid (extract) is a herbal sedative indicated for neuroses, hypertension and increased nervous excitability. No contraindications have been identified. Price from 30 rubles.
Hawthorn tincture – contains alcohol and hawthorn fruits. Indicated for arterial hypertension, angioneurosis, ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, menopausal neurosis. The average price is 20 rubles.
Peony tincture is a herbal sedative containing rhizomes, roots, peony herb, and alcohol. Used for vegetative-vascular disorders, sleep disorders, nervous tension. The average price is 15 rubles.
Corvalol is a vasoconstrictor and sedative, the indications are similar to valerian drops. Contains peppermint oil, alpha-bromoisovaleric acid ethyl ester, sodium hydroxide, phenobarbital. Price from 25 rubles.
Valocordin - has a mild hypnotic, sedative and vasodilating effect. Indications: neuroses, irritability, sleep disturbances, functional disorders of the cardiovascular system. The average price is 120 rubles.
Persen is a sedative drug of plant nature. Indications: increased anxiety, nervous excitability, insomnia. Price from 200 rubles.
Novo-passit is a combined medicine containing plant extract (hawthorn, St. John's wort, lemon balm, hops, elderberry, valerian, passionflower) and guaifenesin. It has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles, reduces anxiety and emotional stress. Prohibited under 12 years of age. The average price is 190 rubles.

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Peony tincture

Motherwort tincture

A good analogue is Alora, a sedative that is indicated for sleep disturbances, emotional instability during menopause, stress, increased excitability and anxiety. Effective for vegetative symptoms of central nervous system diseases - neurocirculatory dystonia, hypertension, as well as increased sweating and palpitations. Price from 100 rubles.