Sometimes there are situations (poor sleep, tantrums, moods, overexcitation), when the 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 medicine is based on the herb Valerian, with a sedative and antispasmodic effect. 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 is a sedative needed?
The child needs sedatives, if he does not sleep well, is hyperactive, and has temper tantrums. However, self-treatment is unacceptable. Be sure to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist. First of all, the reason for such behavior and the condition of the baby will be identified, after which the specialist will prescribe the most effective medication, which may also contain valerian.
Age restrictions
The instructions for the drug indicate that valerian tablets in children under three years of age is contraindicated. If this is tincture of valerian, then the drug can be taken to babies from a year. Valerian for children up to a year is contraindicated in any form of release. This is especially true of the drug in the form of tincture. Since the composition of the product includes alcohol, which can cause serious harm to the baby’s liver.
Possible side effects
Very often, valerian can have the opposite effect of the expected. Phenomena such as crying, screaming, even more intense anxiety and irritability may appear. Such a reaction, as a rule, occurs in young children, it usually goes away with age. Increased irritability is not the only side effect that can cause valerian. For children this drug must be given with great care. Since the product can cause a very strong allergic reaction (redness, swelling, rash, irritation), which can be 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 such a remedy as valerian is given to children for a long time, this leads to a delay in development. 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 may 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.
Positive effect
It can not be argued that the drug mentioned does only harm the child. Of course, this is not so. In certain situations, it acts soothingly on the nervous system, stabilizes sleep, eliminates hysteria. Therefore, to the question: “Can children do valerian?” The answer is yes. A sound, healthy sleep is one of the main indicators of the overall health 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 the baby, as, indeed, 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 norm. Sometimes parents believe that their child is not sleeping enough, but such an opinion is often erroneous. A baby can completely rest 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 moods and tantrums must be sought elsewhere.
How much can valerian be given to a child?
If the release form of the drug is tablets, then take one tablet before meals twice a day. How to give valerian to children, if tincture is present in a home medicine cabinet? In this case, the required dose of the drug depends on the age of the child. How old the baby is, how many drops can be given to him. Since the product has a pronounced alcoholic 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 administration is not the only way to use the drug. For example, you can put cotton wool soaked in valerian near the baby's bed. Also, to inhale the vapors of the drug, you can use the grass in a dry form, placing it first in a tissue bag. For the same purpose, a container of hot water and a sprig of valerian are placed in a 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 taking the medicine is bathing the child in the bath with the addition of a valerian decoction. To prepare a decoction, you need to pour a teaspoon of grass with a glass of boiling water. As in the case of inhalations, for the preparation of a decoction, you can use not only valerian, but also a mixture of soothing herbs. It is important to know that any 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
The administration of 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 baby. With any negative changes in behavior (increased irritability, excessive anxiety) or on the part of health (complaints of abdominal pain), the use of valerian should be discontinued. Also, an allergic reaction can cause baths with a decoction of herbs. Moreover, absolutely any grass 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 such phenomena as drowsiness, headaches, and tearfulness may appear. If the baby's condition worsens, an ambulance should be called immediately.
Calm without medication
Often, changing the usual daily routine, you can change the behavior of the child. Try to do a little relaxing massage every night for the baby , bathe him in warm water before going to bed, and sing a calm, quiet song at night. Organize the child the correct regimen of the day and nutrition, going to bed should be a pleasant ritual. And remember that the main cure for all ills is unlimited, unconditional maternal love and tenderness. Try to follow these recommendations and then the question: “Can I give valerian to children?” will cease to be relevant to you.