Valerian - medicinal properties and contraindications

Ever since the days of ancient Greece, valerian was considered a plant with exceptional capabilities. It was used as a means of cleansing the mind, a relaxing preparation, flavoring. In our traditional medicine, it is also well known.

How to know the plant-doctor

Valerian is a herbaceous plant, but perennial. Therefore, its height can reach one and a half to two meters. Stem quite thick (about three to four centimeters in diameter). Valerian has an inflorescence in the shape of an umbrella, its flowers are small and fragrant. Leaves resemble the cut feathers.

When collecting plants should consider several important factors:

1. The stem and root of valerian should be as thick as possible (the plant has pronounced medicinal properties only in the second year of its life; therefore, the thicker the stem, the greater the likelihood of contact with a second-year physician).
2. Collecting valerian root, pay attention to the green neighbors: valerian root is often closely intertwined with other roots. It is difficult to distinguish them because of the similarity of color, and the smell of the medicinal plant itself is so strong that it is almost impossible to smell any admixture of another smell. In order not to bring home the killer plant, thoroughly wash the roots, select only those that hold the stem on themselves.

Find drug Valerian is not difficult, because it is spread throughout the European continent. Predominantly grows in wet areas (peatlands, swamps, on the banks of rivers).

Proper harvesting of raw materials

1. It is best to collect medicinal valerian in the fall, after full flowering, but with preservation of foliage.
2. Collected plants (mainly using the roots, because they have a high concentration of essential oils and other medicinal substances) are thoroughly washed, dried in special dryers at a temperature of up to 35 degrees, or in a well-ventilated place without direct sunlight.You can store valerian in paper or cloth bags, glass jars.
3. The plant retains healing properties (provided proper drying and storage) for 2 years!

What treats valerian?

1. Because of the possibility of a long-term therapeutic effect, valerian is recommended to be taken by hypertensive patients, women in the period of menopause. The plant will help relieve excessive tension in the muscle tissue of blood vessels, so the hypertensive will not reach the upper line of blood pressure, and a woman during menopause easier to bear the ebb and flow.
2. Taking Valerian is often recommended to combine with other sedatives. They enhance the action of each other and contribute to a more rapid recovery from neurosis, high nervous excitability.
3. Problems with the digestive tract of valerian helps to overcome due to choleretic action, as well as due to the impact on the smooth muscles of the intestine.
4. Using valerian for treating a child from flatulence, do not forget to consult a doctor: usually this type of drug is not prescribed to children under three years old. If there is a need to use valerian at an earlier age, then calculate the dosage, frequency and duration of administration with the pediatrician.An alternative may be intestinal herbs, where valerian is only one of the components.
5. For women of fashion trying to lose weight without damage to health, valerian is a real find. Drinking before a meal or instead of eating a glass of water with a few drops of infusion, a person blocks the feeling of hunger and relieves tension due to the need to keep yourself "in check." So you can lose weight and not get anorexia.
6. It is possible to use valerian not only inside. In folk medicine, the use of valerian as an antiseptic is widely practiced. Diluted infusion washed eyes with inflammatory processes. Also help get rid of throat problems gargling diluted extract of valerian root.
7. Rubbing the skin with a damp towel or sponge soaked in valerian extract will save you from a long acquaintance with the fungus.
8. Since the time of Ancient Rome, it was considered useful to take baths with the addition of valerian: such an integrated approach has a general calming effect, removes headaches and skin problems from the agenda.
9. The use of lotions, washes with valerian, helps to avoid reddening of the skin of the face, the occurrence of acne.Diluted valerian extract can be used instead of a chemical hair rinse: young people can use the medicine to help improve their hair color, structure, and get rid of dry skin and dandruff. For older users, the effect of reducing gray hair will be interesting.

The plant is used to relieve mental and muscle tension. Due to its healing properties, the root and stem of valerian helps to overcome:

• migraine;
• insomnia;
• prolonged constipation;
• colic in adults and children.

Important! The effect of taking valerian does not occur immediately. This should be taken into account when calculating the dose of the drug: if it is not better in half an hour, you should not take up the medicine again. Overdose can be dangerous! It is better to wait another hour. The action of valerian, though not instant, but long.

How to prepare the medicine for yourself?

Crushed stems and roots of valerian are prepared for use in several ways:

1. Pour boiling water and defend for 2-6 hours. The tincture will acquire a dark, brownish color. Used for skin diseases as lotions, for food or nervous disorders, strained infusion is consumed by 2-4 tablespoons per day.
2. Crushed plant, drenched with cold boiled water, infused day. Strained solution is used in 2-4 tablespoons per day for migraines.
3. Alcohol infusion of crushed valerian defend within 2-3 days. Accept filtered 5-10 drops per dose 2-4 times a day. Indications - all of the above diseases. Contraindications - children can take alcohol infusion only as a lotion, and not inside.
4. A decoction of valerian root. Valerian poured with boiling water languishes on low heat for about 30 minutes. It is cooled, filtered, taken dropwise (for adults - 5-10 drops no more than 2-4 times per day).

Contraindications

In the case of valerian, the same rules apply as with any other medicine: the frequency, duration of administration, and dosage are determined by the doctor, and not by the patient. Avoid long-term use of the drug. The maximum period is three weeks. If you continue to receive valerian in any form (tablets, extract, infusion), then adverse reactions will occur.

Among the possible negative effects of treatment with Valerian note:

1. Inhibition of human reactions: it is a question of motor functions (first of all, of fine motor skills), and of mental functions. In this regard, doctors do not recommend taking the drug on the eve of exciting events, before the upcoming physical or mental stress. It is best to give your body everything to survive on their own, and then after taking valerian. Such a move will allow the body to quickly return to normal, to avoid inhibition of reactions.
2. Allergic reactions. Since valerian contains many substances (acids, tannins, essential oils), one of them can cause an individual allergic reaction. In order not to cause an acute condition, perform allergy tests before taking the medication. At home, wiping a small area of ​​skin with a solution of valerian is appropriate: if redness has arisen - there is an allergy, it is better to find a drug equivalent. Such tests, first of all, concern children under three years of age.
3. Valerian relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels throughout the body. With long-term admission, the relaxation effect can lead to impaired peristalsis (constipation), impaired blood supply to the brain (dizziness, feeling of weakness in the whole body), problems with blood clotting (excessive thickening).

The use of valerian in the treatment of children should always be carried out under the supervision of a doctor! If the disease allows, then it is better to get along with regular baths with valerian, melissa and chamomile tinctures.

Video: useful properties and application of valerian root