Valerian, a familiar remedy, is used by some cultures in the production of liqueurs, tinctures, and essences. It’s even added to Havana cigars and Turkish tobacco. In Europe, it is widely used as a spice. However, we are more familiar with valerian extract as a sedative. This is due to the plant’s content of substances with therapeutic effects.
Valerian is included in some medicinal preparations. The plant’s roots contain essential oils, acids, sugars, tannins, and alkaloids. Valerian, or as we commonly call it, “valerian,” is used for:
- Nervous excitability
- Insomnia
- Cardiovascular neurosis
- Tachycardia
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Migraine
- Gastrointestinal spasms
Forms of Valerian and Dosage
It’s well-known that the action of valerian in the traditional tincture form is more effective than in other forms. This tincture is also a favorite of cats, as most have witnessed the magical effect it has on them at least once. The tincture is made from the roots, which are soaked in 70% alcohol. It has a dark brown color and a distinctive (not just for cats) smell.
When prescribed, valerian tincture is used to reduce excitability in the nervous system. According to the instructions, the tincture is also used for gastrointestinal disorders. To achieve an improvement in condition, 20-30 drops are taken 3-4 times a day. Each valerian tincture comes with usage instructions, where the dosage can be clarified. Depending on the nature of the disease, the doctor may prescribe an individual regimen.
Valerian extract is also available in tablet form, used in almost the same cases as the tincture. It’s important to carefully read the instructions for valerian tablets for children, as use should be avoided under the age of 4. Older children can take one tablet a day, and adults 1-2 tablets three times a day. Valerian in tablet form is very convenient to carry around. This “quick relief” can provide a calming effect. A tablet can relieve a migraine attack. As a sedative, the effect is slow but very effective.
Valerian Prescription
Parents often complain that their child is hyperactive, has difficulty falling asleep, and is often overly excited. This is not necessarily an indicator of a nervous system pathology. Often, parents prefer plant-based preparations. Valerian tincture is prescribed for both infants and school-aged children with sleep disturbances and excessive excitability.
Valerian tincture is also prescribed to dilate blood vessels and activate digestion, as it stimulates bile flow. For colic of various locations, a doctor may prescribe valerian extract, or you can resort to this aid yourself. The alcohol tincture can quickly provide a calming effect, which is not as easily achieved with valerian in tablet form.
Contraindications
Overdose can negatively affect the body, potentially causing nervous system disorders or constipation, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. It is not recommended to use the drug when driving or operating machinery, as valerian slows down reaction time. The use of valerian tincture during pregnancy and lactation is questionable. Valerian tincture should not be taken by people experiencing depression or conditions accompanied by nervous system suppression. If there is intolerance to alcohol or other active substances in the tincture, it should also be avoided.
Some patients have experienced itching or even swelling after taking valerian. The effects are very individual, so when starting a new medication, always be very careful, especially at the beginning. Despite its positive effects, it is not recommended to take this herbal medicine for an extended period due to the contraindications associated with valerian root. Therefore, even if there are no immediate side effects, it’s still wise not to overuse it.
How Do People Perceive Valerian?
Besides its calming effect, many people are unaware of the wide range of valerian’s actions. Listening to feedback about the use of tincture or tablets can lead to diverse conclusions:
- “I drank valerian infusion when I was quitting smoking. It really calmed my emotional instability during withdrawal. But my friend did the same and overdid the dosage. He had trouble sleeping.”
- “I was in such a serious situation, extremely nervous. I took 8 tablets at once. It didn’t help at all. It’s all nonsense. I hope nothing bad happens to me after this.”
- “I firmly believe in the power of those yellow tablets that have helped me many times. The first time I took a tablet was when I was pregnant, given by a friend who saw my nervous agitation. I’m pregnant again now, and I always have valerian with me. I don’t overuse it, but keep it for extreme cases, especially since it contains nothing but plant extract. My reaction time is slightly slowed while driving, so I try to be more careful, but I blame that more on my condition than the valerian.”
