Valerian during breastfeeding is considered a safe remedy that has a sedative effect on the body, gently calming it. Herbal medicine helps to cope with sleep disturbances and nervous conditions. Many women use this remedy to cope with insomnia, eliminate anxiety and improve their mood. But mothers are wondering how the medicine acts on the body, is it possible to use valerian during lactation and breastfeeding? Let's look at this issue in more detail.
Action of valerian
Many experts consider the medication safe and effective; it helps relieve nervous tension and also eliminates problems with falling asleep; it is often used during pregnancy. But is it possible to take valerian while breastfeeding? As experts say, a woman can use the remedy to normalize her condition, but it is worth remembering that valerian is a sedative and may have side effects when taken. It is recommended to use the medication with caution, since the main component penetrates into the blood and milk.
Regardless of the form of release of the medicine, you can notice the effect of taking it only after a certain period of time. The product has a cumulative effect, but the effect lasts longer than other products. Mommy may notice that the feeling of anxiety has gone away and her blood pressure has normalized. Valerian helps normalize heart function and dilates blood vessels.
Pharmacological properties
Valerian officinalis, on the basis of which the drug is made, is a perennial plant that grows in the Mediterranean and in the European part of Russia. Its healing properties are provided by essential oils contained in the roots and rhizomes. After collection, the raw materials are dried and used to make an extract or tincture. The finished medication has a powerful pharmacological effect because it contains isovaleric acid, as well as borneol and bornyl isovalerate esters.
Advice
Despite the apparent safety of the drug, it should be remembered that valerian is a medicine, the use of which should always be agreed with a doctor. Sometimes during lactation, valerian extract can have a negative effect on the body.
The product has a pronounced calming effect, but the effect does not occur immediately. For this reason, many people believe that valerian tablets do not help cope with stress. In fact, the drug gives a stable effect that occurs gradually. In addition, valerian has pronounced antispasmodic properties. The active component of the product acts on the muscles of all organs of the gastrointestinal tract, helps reduce high blood pressure and stimulates the flow of bile.
The drug can also provide a number of other positive effects:
- normalize heart rate;
- have a positive inhibitory effect on the central nervous system;
- reduce increased excitability;
- accelerate the onset of natural sleep and cope with insomnia;
- give a pronounced vasodilating effect;
- increase the secretion of gastrointestinal juices;
- stimulate the effect of sleeping pills and sedatives.
Valerian during breastfeeding
You should understand in more detail whether it is possible to take valerian while breastfeeding, as well as what effect it has. A woman breastfeeding a baby should be careful with tablets, as they are of plant origin. They contain substances such as:
- valeric acids;
- polysaccharides;
- essential oils;
- organic acids.
Each tablet contains a full complex of these substances, thanks to which the product has an effect on the body, relieving stress and anxiety. Valerian during breastfeeding calms the central nervous system and also helps to dilate blood vessels, thereby normalizing blood pressure. This action helps improve sleep and also relieve nervous tension. The effect of the tablets occurs 30-40 minutes after use; if we talk about drops, they have an effect after 20 minutes.
The medicine is of herbal origin, and although it is completely natural, it should not be used without observing the dosage. For this reason, we need to ask the question “Can I drink valerian during breastfeeding?” the attending physician must think. In addition, the doctor will select the appropriate dosage.
The effect of valerian on a woman
We have already talked a little about whether it is possible to drink valerian while breastfeeding babies, now it is worth describing the main effect of the drug on the female body. The calming effect will be noticeable after a certain period of time, but the product itself has a positive effect on the body:
- night sleep is normalized;
- symptoms of insomnia disappear;
- blood pressure drops to normal;
- coronary vessels dilate;
- feelings of anxiety and stress are reduced;
- attacks of spasms are eliminated.
In case of nutritional problems, a nursing mother should be treated by a doctor, strictly indicating the dosage of the drug, as well as selecting an appropriate menu. It is worth noting that stress and headaches can often cause malnutrition and dehydration. You should take better care of yourself and remember to eat on time. Doctors usually prescribe valerian in tablet form, but sometimes an infusion of this plant is used.
Effect of the drug on a child
We have already discussed whether it is possible to drink valerian while breastfeeding, and now we will tell you whether there can be negative consequences for the child if the mother starts taking this medicine. It is worth noting that the presence of possible side effects has not been canceled. Even if used correctly, the following problems may arise:
- an allergic reaction in a child in the form of a rash;
- lethargy and drowsiness;
- disturbances in the functioning of the stomach and intestines;
- constipation;
- intestinal colic;
- sleep disturbance;
- severe overexcitation of the body.
The medicine affects the child’s body even if the mother took the drug once. To avoid problems, milk and complementary foods should be given to the baby in larger quantities, and it is advisable to use formula temporarily. This is also a good time to give water to your baby so that substances from the medication do not concentrate in his body.
Allergies can occur even after one-time use of valerian. The health of babies should come first, so if a rash and redness appears on the skin, you should stop taking the product.
Basic Information about Valerian Extract
Valerian is a herbal drug. Its active ingredient is isovaleric acid: it calms the cells of the central nervous system, relaxing smooth muscles and relieving spasms.
Indications for use
You can drink valerian if you have the following disorders:
- depression;
- increased irritability, nervousness, emotional instability;
- insomnia and other sleep disorders;
- stress;
- migraines and headaches;
- chronic fatigue, loss of strength, decreased vitality;
- disturbance of heart rhythms - arrhythmia, tachycardia;
- intestinal dysfunction;
- spasms of the stomach, genitourinary tract.
Valerian extract is classified as a mild drug, but taking valerian during breastfeeding (BF) without consulting a therapist is extremely undesirable.
Release forms
For breastfeeding women, the form of the drug taken is of great importance. Valerian is available in several forms:
- in tablets;
- dragee;
- bags for brewing soothing tea;
- crushed roots for preparing decoctions and tinctures;
- alcohol tinctures;
- oil for aromatherapy, massage;
- as part of sedative preparations.
Not all forms of the drug sold in the pharmacy chain are indicated for use by a nursing mother.
Rules for taking valerian
Valerian will not harm a newborn baby while breastfeeding if the woman reads the instructions before using the medicine. It indicates when you can drink the product and what the course of treatment may be. The dosage of the medicine should be selected by the doctor, but you can use the minimum dose so as not to harm the baby. The woman should carefully monitor the child’s reaction; if side symptoms appear, stop taking the drug immediately.
Which form of the drug is preferable for hepatitis B
Many women are interested in whether mothers who are breastfeeding can take valerian, and also which dosage form is preferable to choose. In fact, the question is very relevant, since it is recommended to use the drug for hepatitis B only in tablets. There are other forms of release of the product:
- tea bags;
- alcohol tincture;
- rhizomes;
- dragee;
- tablets supplemented with components.
Doctors strongly recommend paying attention to the tablets, as they contain a certain dosage of the substance, which practically eliminates an overdose. It is also allowed to use rhizomes, but they must be used with caution and in accordance with all the rules.
Valerian dosage regimens
Usually the medication is taken according to the instructions indicated. In addition, valerian in tablets during breastfeeding can be prescribed by a doctor; the doctor will be able to select an effective, but at the same time safe, dose of the drug. According to the recommendations, the product is taken twice a day, one tablet.
Although, to avoid harm to the child, you should start with a minimum dose, so it is better to take no more than one tablet per day. You are allowed to take no more than 400 mg of the substance per day; this amount is contained in two tablets. The dose should be taken one hour after meals, with plenty of water.
During guarding, you should not use the medication for a long time; it contains not only sedative components, but also alkaloids. According to the instructions, valerian is taken for 1-2 months. During pregnancy, it is generally not recommended to use the medication.
The rhizomes can be used to take relaxing baths. They can also be useful for aromatherapy; just put a bag of dry roots under your pillow before going to bed.
Overdose
When using valerian extract, decoction or tincture while breastfeeding, it is important to follow the dosage, otherwise the medicine will cause side symptoms:
- attacks of heartburn;
- decreased blood pressure;
- constant nausea;
- headache;
- decreased concentration;
- heart rate decreases;
- hand tremors occur;
- there is dilation of the pupils;
- agitation or drowsiness;
- flatulence.
If signs of overdose appear, you should stop taking the medication or reduce its dosage.
How to drink valerian during lactation, dosage
Even such a harmless herbal remedy during lactation should be taken carefully and on the recommendation of a doctor. If a woman decides to take valerian, then the dosage should be minimal and for a short course, with mandatory monitoring of the child’s reaction. As a rule, the doctor prescribes 1-3 tablets per day for a nursing mother for 7-10 days, maximum 2 weeks.
According to clinical studies, a dosage of valerian officinalis root extract below 100 mg does not have any therapeutic effect, and if there is a positive trend, then this is just a placebo effect.
Wikipedia
https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_medicinal
Alternative Methods
There are other medications that help fight stress and nervousness. Medicines should be taken after consultation with a doctor. Persen has proven itself well, as well as Glycine and motherwort extract. It is worth noting that Persen has a fairly strong effect, so it can only be used as prescribed by a specialist. The use of other drugs when feeding a baby with breast milk is undesirable, as they can cause harm to the baby.
Although valerian is not a dangerous drug for mother and baby, you should not use the medication without consulting a doctor.
Contraindications and side effects
Valerian for hepatitis B is prescribed by a doctor as a separate remedy or as part of general therapy in the treatment of neurotic conditions. Although the lactation period involves compliance with safety requirements, valerian extract is often used as a natural sedative due to the fact that it rarely causes side effects. The drug should not be taken during the first three months of pregnancy, as well as in case of individual sensitivity to the active components of the drug.
Advice
Due to a number of potential side effects, breastfeeding mothers may need to avoid driving while receiving valerian extract. It is also necessary to take into account the possible development of allergic reactions.
Consumption of valerian can cause increased drowsiness, loss of mood and strength, as well as a noticeable decrease in performance. This effect develops with prolonged use of the drug and exceeding the indicated dosages. Negative phenomena can occur in both the mother and the child if the active component of the medicine enters the child’s body along with milk.
The most common side effects are:
- allergic reactions in the form of rash, itching and urticaria;
- disruption of intestinal function, constipation, feeling of nausea and vomiting in case of severe overdose;
- overexcitation, sleep disturbance, lethargy, decreased performance;
- potential negative impact on milk production.
How to reduce possible risks?
Despite the apparent absence of side effects, many women are afraid of the negative effects of valerian on the child’s body. To reduce the risks, you can take the drug immediately after feeding the baby, with pauses during which the components of the drug will be removed from the body. Valerenic acid is completely eliminated after 5-7 hours; during this period it is better to use expressed or donor milk, as well as special milk formulas. In general, valerian extract is considered one of the safest sedatives and very rarely produces side effects.
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Additional Tips
Sometimes nursing mothers need to find out the opinions of other women about the use of valerian during lactation. Coupled with information from reliable sources, other people's reviews can sometimes help you make a decision in your own situation.
Valerian during breastfeeding can really help a nursing mother find peace and sound sleep. When monitoring the baby’s well-being and following dosages, the likelihood of unpleasant consequences is minimal. But there is always an option to cope with the problem in another way - to carve out personal time for relaxation without the child, a walk or other relaxing activity. After all, it is better not to bring the situation to its peak and eliminate alarm bells before you need the help of medications.
The effect of valerian on the children's body
Pediatricians have not yet reached a consensus on whether taking valerian is harmful to infants. In most cases, the use of this medicine does not adversely affect the condition of a nursing woman and her child. Side effects rarely make themselves felt and represent the body’s individual reactions to the active components of the drug. If a child develops an allergy in the form of itching and redness, his mother should choose another sedative for constant use.
Advice
Before you start taking it while breastfeeding, you should definitely consult your doctor. He will recommend an acceptable dosage and tell you how to avoid side effects and possible complications.
Valerian does not contribute to the development of addiction, but this factor is also influenced by the form of the drug. During lactation, it is advisable to take the drug in the form of tablets or herbal tea and avoid taking alcohol tinctures. It is important not to exceed the dosage prescribed by your doctor, since in this case the risk of side effects increases greatly. Throughout the entire period of admission, it is necessary to carefully monitor the child’s condition and any changes in his behavior.
