Valerian for children: instructions and dosage. Is it possible to give valerian to children?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Sometimes there are situations (bad sleep, tantrums, whims, overexcitation) when a child needs a sedative. Therefore, parents are thinking about which drug to choose so that it eliminates the problem and at the same time does not harm the baby. In this article, we will try to find out whether it is possible to give valerian to children to stabilize the condition.

General characteristics of the drug

This is a valerian herb-based medicine with sedative and antispasmodic effects. The drug "Valerian Extract" not only soothes, but also relieves pain. But, as you know, even medicinal herbs have side effects and contraindications, so they should not be used without special need.

When do you need a sedative?

A child needs sedatives if he sleeps poorly, is hyperactive, throws tantrums. However, self-treatment is unacceptable. Be sure to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist. Primarilythe reason for this behavior and the condition of the baby will be identified, after which the specialist will prescribe the most effective drug, which may also contain valerian.

Age restrictions

The instructions for the drug indicate that valerian tablets are contraindicated for children under three years of age. If this is a tincture of valerian, then the drug can be taken by babies from a year old. Valerian for children under one year is contraindicated in any form of release. This is especially true of the drug in the form of a tincture. Since the product contains alcohol, which can cause serious damage to the baby's liver.

Possible side effects

Very often, valerian can have the opposite effect of what is expected. There may be such phenomena as crying, screaming, even more intense anxiety and excitability. This reaction, as a rule, occurs in young children, with age it usually disappears. Increased excitability is not the only side effect that valerian can provoke. This drug should be given to children with great caution. Since the product can cause a very strong allergic reaction (redness, swelling, rash, irritation), which can pose a serious threat. You should know that uncontrolled intake of valerian can cause nausea, headaches, constipation, colitis, disruption of the entire digestive system. Some doctors believe that if a remedy such as valerian is given to children for a long time, then this leads to a delay indevelopment. They motivate this by the fact that against the background of the drug, brain activity decreases, which stimulates the development of the child. However, any sedative can have such an effect. This theory has not been fully studied and proven, but it is not without foundation. It has long been noticed that very active children are developed much better than passive peers.

Best effect

It cannot be argued that the mentioned drug brings only harm to the child. Of course it isn't. In certain situations, it has a calming effect on the nervous system, stabilizes sleep, eliminates tantrums. Therefore, to the question: “Can children have valerian?” the answer is affirmative. Sound, he althy sleep is one of the main indicators of the overall he alth of the baby, and regular lack of sleep and frequent stress can interfere with the normal physical and emotional development of the child. With the right method of application and dosage, it is likely that valerian will be very useful for children. Naturally, before giving this drug to a baby, as well as any other, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician. It is also worth knowing that all children are different, and everyone has their own sleep rate. Sometimes parents believe that their child is not sleeping enough, but this opinion is often erroneous. The baby can completely relax and gain strength in a shorter period of time than, for example, his peers. And this is not a deviation, it is an individual feature of the baby. In this case, the cause of children's whims and tantrums must be sought elsewhere.

How muchcan I give valerian to a child?

If the form of the drug is tablets, then take one tablet before meals twice a day. How to give valerian to children if there is tincture in the medicine cabinet? In this case, the required dose of the drug depends on the age of the child. How old is the baby, so many drops can be given to him. Since the product has a pronounced alcohol taste, the required dose should be dissolved in a small amount of water. Valerian tincture is taken half an hour before meals three to four times a day.

Herbal inhalations

Oral intake is not the only way to use the drug. For example, you can put a cotton swab dipped in valerian near the baby's bed. Also, to inhale the vapors of the drug, you can use the herb in dry form, placing it first in a cloth bag. For the same purpose, a container with hot water and a sprig of valerian is placed in the children's room. However, in this case, be extremely careful and careful. For such aromatherapy, you can take one valerian or combine it with other herbs that have a sedative effect (motherwort, chamomile, thyme).

Valerian baths

An effective alternative to the use of medicine is bathing a child in a bath with the addition of a decoction of valerian. To prepare a decoction, you need to pour a teaspoon of grass with a glass of boiling water. Just as in the case of inhalations, not only valerian, but also a mixture of sedative herbs can be used to prepare a decoction. It's important to know thatany herbs have a drying effect, therefore, after water procedures, the baby's skin must be lubricated with baby oil or cream.

We exclude allergic reactions

Taking sedatives should always begin with a tolerance test. The drug should be given to the baby in the morning to be able to observe the child. With any negative changes in behavior (irritability, excessive anxiety) or on the part of he alth (complaints of abdominal pain), valerian should be discontinued. Also, baths with a decoction of herbs can cause an allergic reaction. Moreover, absolutely any herb can provoke an allergy. Therefore, if the child is prone to allergic reactions, it is recommended to start with single-component decoctions in small doses.

Drug overdose

If a child accidentally ate more than one tablet of valerian, then phenomena such as drowsiness, headaches, tearfulness may appear. If the baby's condition worsens, an ambulance should be called immediately.

Peace without drugs

Often, by changing the usual daily routine, you can change the behavior of the child. Try every evening to give the baby a light relaxing massage, bathe him in warm water before going to bed, and sing a calm, quiet song at night. Organize your child the right regimen of the day and nutrition, going to bed should be a pleasant ritual. And remember that the main cure for all ills is boundless,unconditional motherly love and tenderness. Try to follow these recommendations and then the question: "Is it possible to give valerian to children?" will cease to be relevant to you.