Valerian extract in tablets: benefits and harms, how to take

The high influence of stress factors in the life of a modern person makes people resort to taking sedatives, among which valerian is the most accessible. In most cases, the benefits and harms of valerian tablets are not considered. They just drink it to calm the nerves or fall asleep faster. However, the drug has much more useful properties than is commonly believed.

Description of the plant

Valerian is a perennial herb. On the floor upright, it grows up to 50 - 100 cm in height, the stem is located small flowers of white or pink color collected in semi-umbrellas. The fruits are achenes. Valerian leaves are oblong, serrated at the edges. The roots are thick and short. Their core can be soft or hollow. Roots grow up to 5 cm in length, while their thickness reaches 3 cm. In a wild plant, the length of the roots reaches 3 cm. Valerian blooms in May-June, and ripening of fruits - in July-August.

Chemical composition of valerian tablets

The benefits of the valerian extract extracted from the root of the plant directly depend on the substances contained in it. The root is rich in acids, sugars, tannins, and esters necessary to maintain normal health. It contains iron, selenium, alkaloids, alcohols, saponins, which are actively involved in the full functioning of the body. The main component that is part of the tablets of the drug is a thick extract of valerian. They also contain:

• sucrose;
• talc;
• sunflower oil;
• titanium dioxide;
• povidone;
• beeswax;
• quinoline dye;
• silica;
• milk sugar;
• potato starch;
• paraffin.

All of these elements have undeniable benefits for human health.

Why is Valerian tablets useful?

Valerian is a powerful sedative that improves the functioning of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. In addition, valerian has a number of other medicinal properties:

• relieves spasms;
• eliminates pain in the gastrointestinal tract;
• calms the nervous system;
• helps to cope with stress, depression, anxiety;
• relieves headaches,
• normalizes sleep;
• reduces pressure;
• prevents heart failure;
• has a beneficial effect on metabolism;
• helps with menopause;

In addition, due to the general strengthening properties of the body, valerian is useful for maintaining the immune system.

Indications for the use of valerian

Valerian in tablets with a lot of useful properties is recommended for use in case of nervous tension, insomnia, in stressful situations.It can be drunk for headaches and migraines, vegetative dystonia. Taking valerian will help with malfunctions in the functioning of the cardiovascular system and with stomach or intestinal cramps. But despite the benefits of the herb, it is best to consult a doctor before taking valerian tablets to avoid any health risks that an overdose of the medication can cause.

Valerian increases or decreases blood pressure

At the correct dosage, valerian tends to dilate blood vessels. Therefore, its use helps to reduce blood pressure in hypertension. An increased dose, on the contrary, contributes to the narrowing of the walls of blood vessels, but you should not try to increase the pressure with the help of the drug. After all, the effect of the beneficial properties of the tablets will end quickly, and the pressure will drop even lower than it was before they were used.

Does valerian help with tachycardia and VSD

Vegetovascular dystonia (VVD) is the result of disturbances in the work of the heart. It leads to the emergence of unjustified fears, panic attacks, loss of control over the situation. Although the benefits of valerian for humans are high - it will help relax the heart muscle, cope with anxiety, - it will not cure the disease.

VSD can lead to tachycardia, which disrupts the work of the cardiovascular system and affects its organs. The onset of the disease can be indicated by sudden attacks of panic and anger. Valerian will not help with tachycardia. In this case, you should consult a neurologist and treat the central nervous system.

Rules for taking and dosage of valerian tablets

The shelf life of valerian tablets is 3 years, after which it loses its medicinal properties. Therefore, after the expiration date, the drug should be thrown away, even if it looks unchanged. Take the medicine according to the instructions. General recommendations for valerian dosage:

• children under the age of twelve are allowed to drink 1 tablet three times a day;
• adults - 1 tablet 5 times a day.

The duration of taking the drug varies from 2 to 4 weeks. Then you need to consult a doctor who will decide whether to extend the treatment or finish. Taking valerian in tablets, you should abandon the use of sedatives and antihistamines, so that instead of the expected benefits, you do not get the unwanted harm.

Is it possible to take valerian tablets for children

Despite the fact that adults perceive valerian in tablets as a mild remedy, it is not recommended to give it to children. After 3-4 years, the baby can be given medicine, but only after consulting a pediatrician - without deviating from the instructions.

Valerian during pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy, due to changes in the body, expectant mothers often succumb to tearfulness, mood swings, and irascibility. And although the benefits of valerian for women in stressful situations and with nervous excitement are irreplaceable, it is undesirable to take it when carrying a baby. You can take a pill only in case of strong need, but with caution. It is worth excluding the use of the drug during lactation, so as not to harm the health of the baby, because the drug can reduce the flow of milk, cause excessive drowsiness, nausea and even vomiting.

Contraindications to taking valerian tablets

Despite the beneficial properties of the extract, valerian is contraindicated in some cases. You should refuse to use it:

• with personal intolerance to the components of the drug, especially fructose;
• with a lack in the body of substances such as sucrose, lactose, isomaltose;
• with low intestinal absorption of glucose;
• in the first three months of pregnancy;
• when breastfeeding;
• children under 3 years old.

The harm of valerian tablets and side effects

The benefits of valerian tablets are enhanced by the fact that the product is made from perfectly balanced natural ingredients; only improper use of the drug can cause harm. Contraindications to the use of the product can give side effects:

• pain in the abdomen;
• allergies;
• bouts of nausea that develop into vomiting;
• feeling of fear or panic;
• frequent panic attacks;
• apathy;
• nervous excitement;
• sleep disorders;
• stool problems;
• increase in pressure.

In most cases, such symptoms appear with excessive use of medication, and severe allergic reactions can lead to suffocation.

Valerian overdose in pills

Overdose is a consequence of drug abuse. In a mild form, side effects are most common, but stronger than usual. In the case of a severe form, when the recommended dose is exceeded by more than 20 times, arrhythmia or bradycardia may develop. If symptoms appear, discontinue use and consult a doctor to avoid further harm. The components of the drug are removed from the body by washing the intestines and stomach.

Frequently asked questions about valerian

Nowadays, more and more people take care of their health. Therefore, the number of questions about the benefits and harms of valerian for the body is growing every day.

Can i be allergic to valerian?

An allergic reaction can be to the components that make up the drug. To check if you are allergic to valerian, you need to drink the medicine 40 minutes before meals, and do not eat or drink anything at all before taking. When the pill dissolves, you may experience itching, rashes, or redness on the skin. If any of these symptoms appear, you should stop taking the pills.

Can i drink valerian after alcohol?

The benefits of valerian are almost the same for both men and women. But no one is advised to take it for a hangover. The medicine does not help with the headache. The use of valerian intensifies cramps, promotes stool disturbance, and alcohol residues adversely affect the beneficial properties of the drug and minimize their positive effects on the body.

Is it possible to drink valerian while driving

Valerian tends to calm the nervous system, which can lead to drowsiness. Taking pills also dulls reaction and attention. Therefore, during long trips, it is better to refuse to use it in order to avoid undesirable situations on the road. Valerian can only be taken in a small dose after arriving at the desired location.

How much valerian works

The beneficial properties of valerian last from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the purpose of the medication. The effect of the drug on the heart begins in 25 - 30 minutes, on the brain - 15 - 20. The valerian relieves painful sensations after 20 minutes. The beneficial effect on the central nervous system comes after 20 - 40 minutes. For sleep disorders, the benefits of valerian begin within an hour.

Is valerian addictive

Taking the drug for more than two months reduces the benefits of valerian for both women, as well as for men and children, due to the body's development of immunity to the drug, and a standard dose to calm the nervous system is no longer enough. In addition, the constant intake of pills contributes to a strong drop in blood pressure and malfunctions of the heart: this is the main harm of using valerian for longer than the required period.

When is it better to take valerian: before or after meals

The benefits and harms of valerian depend on the correct use. Taking the drug at night on an empty stomach contributes to its better absorption, for example, with insomnia, when you need to fall asleep faster or calm the nervous system.In a stressful situation, with nervous excitement, bouts of anger, the beneficial properties of valerian will appear at any time. If the tablets are taken in the morning, it is better to do so after meals. This will make the drug last longer and stronger.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of valerian tablets should be considered while taking the drug. When used excessively and improperly, the extract's beneficial soothing properties can backfire. You should not self-medicate; before starting the appointment, you need to consult a doctor.

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