Is it possible to drink valerian during pregnancy

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Valerian is a medicinal herb that is used for insomnia, anxiety and anxiety. Women may experience similar problems during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Find out if you can drink valerian during pregnancy, and how to use products based on this plant.

Why apply and is it possible

The plant is native to many parts of the world such as Europe, Asia and America and has been used since ancient times as a natural remedy for insomnia, nervousness and anxiety. The use of drugs based on valerian is accepted in folk medicine and even during pregnancy was recommended for insomnia and anxiety. Overall, it can be said that valerian is a safe plant if not overused.

It is used as a mild sedative and relaxing agent. The plant can help in cases when we cannot sleep or sleep too restlessly at night.

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It is necessary to avoid its interaction with barbiturates and sedatives, antihistamines, because they increase the sedative effect of valerian.

Today there are many herbal medicine products and natural supplements that should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. They are not suitable for children under 6 years of age. But such a ban is often a precautionary measure taken mainly due to the lack of data on possible negative effects.

If you decide to take a natural valerian remedy, it's best to talk to your gynecologist for advice. The constituents of valerian pass through the placenta to the fetus or pass through breast milk to the baby.

Still, the action of valerian is much safer than the use of anxiolytic and sedative drugs during pregnancy. These synthetic pharmaceutical products have more side effects.

When to use valerian during pregnancy

Is it possible to drink valerian during pregnancy for absolutely everyone, or are there certain categories of women to whom it is allowed? The use of valerian is advisable in the case of sleep disorders and anxiety. Many pregnant women can have sleep problems and episodes of extreme fatigue throughout the day. They can also exhibit various forms of nervousness and anxiety.

Valerian really helps with all these problems. The composition of its active ingredients is well balanced and does not provoke side effects such as daytime sleepiness.

It has an antispasmodic effect that is useful in cases of abdominal cramps and intestinal discomfort. These symptoms can also occur during pregnancy, and as such, using valerian-based products can alleviate the situation.

How it is used - dosage

The rhizomes (underground stems) of valerian are used to make natural remedies. The active ingredients responsible for health effects are usually derived from them.

In case of anxiety and anxiety, it is better to take the tablets 2 times a day, in the morning and in the afternoon, so that the effect spreads throughout the day. If you plan to take medication to cope with insomnia, you should drink valerian 30 minutes before bedtime. A more accurate dosage should be prescribed by your doctor.

Valerian can also be drunk in the form of an herbal tea. The only drawback is the valerian taste.

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For most people, it is unpleasant and too bitter. In this case, it is good to have a mixture of relaxing herbs prepared at an herbal store or regular pharmacy. It can include various parts of valerian, passion flower and lemon balm. To make herbal tea at home, boil 200 ml of water, then add a tablespoon of the relaxing herbal mixture to it for 10 minutes.

It is better to cover the infusion with something so as not to disperse the volatile active ingredients in the air and thus preserve all the properties of the plant. When the infusion is ready, it can be filtered and sweetened to taste. One small cup a day is sufficient.

But keep in mind that this is the recommended dosage for those who are completely healthy, and in case the pregnancy is proceeding without complications. However, it is better not to take anything without first consulting a gynecologist.

Outcomes

1. The expectant mother may have problems falling asleep, as well as manifestations of anxiety. Valerian can effectively and naturally eliminate these problems.
2. Despite the relative safety, valerian has contraindications and is not always prescribed during the period of bearing a child, since there is no reliable evidence of whether it harms the baby or not. Accordingly, it is better to limit its consumption or refuse to take it completely, if possible.
3. You can also opt for relaxing herbal baths instead of taking pills for anxiety and insomnia during pregnancy.