Motherwort is a well-known herbal preparation that has a strong effect. People often hear other names for it, for example, heart grass or dog nettle. Motherwort grows everywhere in open areas; it is collected, dried, steamed, and also bought at pharmacies in the form of tablets and alcohol tinctures.
Often mothers think that herbal medicine is absolutely safe for the child’s body, but this is not always the case. Let's figure out at what age in what form and dosage it is indicated.
Is it possible to give motherwort to a child?
This drug is prescribed not only to adults, but also to children, even the smallest ones. There are two main indications for the use of this herbal remedy:
- Syndrome of increased neuro-reflex excitability is a fairly common phenomenon and occurs in almost half of babies born during a pregnancy of at least 38 weeks. Children under one year of age may exhibit the following symptoms: Moro reflex (startle reflex), increased muscle tone, trembling of the arms, legs and chin, restless sleep and periods of wakefulness. Children who are already 1 year old are not able to play quiet and calm games; they are excessively talkative and active (and movements can be involuntary).
- Hyperactivity syndrome is an equally common neurological-behavioral disorder. Hyperactive children are also characterized by excessively high energy and mobility, frequent tantrums, lack of concentration and intolerance to separation from their mother even for a short time.
Motherwort can help cope with all these ailments. However, before proceeding with treatment, it is necessary to consult with a specialist. In order to avoid the development of more serious nervous diseases, as well as to correctly choose the optimal form of medication and dosage
Instructions for using motherwort for children
Doctors do not recommend giving this herbal preparation orally to babies who are not yet one year old. After all, “heart herb” is a fairly strong sedative that suppresses the central nervous system. The softest and best option for infants are baths with motherwort.
Children from the first year of life can make a decoction of the herb and add it to their drink. Since this remedy has a strong sedative effect and a bitter taste, it is necessary to measure the correct concentration of the drug.
Motherwort infused with alcohol can be given to children from 3 years old and then observing the minimum dosage. Since even a small amount of alcohol is not safe for a child’s body, in particular for the nervous system. It is better to replace the tincture with dry plant materials.
Children aged 8 years and older can be given the medicine in tablet form. As a rule, the dose can be 1-3 tablets per day, but the correct dosage must be determined individually by a doctor.
Dry motherwort herb for baths
To prepare baths, you must use dry grass or filter bags. For a large bath, 3-4 tbsp is enough. spoons of dried and crushed motherwort or 7 filter bags. “Heart herb” should be brewed with 500 ml of boiling water and allowed to brew for 35-40 minutes, then strain and add to the bath before bathing. Through the pores and respiratory tract, the baby will receive the amount of necessary substances he needs.
Decoction
- Up to 2 years: brew one teaspoon of fresh or dry medicinal herb with a glass of boiling water, cover and let it brew for an hour. Give your child two teaspoons three times a day. It is important that this treatment be agreed upon with a doctor, since motherwort decoction is recommended only in severe cases.
- 2-12 years: freshly prepared decoction can be diluted with water or added to sweetened tea at the rate of 1-2 tablespoons of decoction per 100 ml of water. Can be given three times a day.
How to give alcohol tincture
- Alcohol tinctures for children under 3 years of age can only be used in the form of baths with the following dosage: 20 drops of infusion per liter of water.
- Children aged 3-12 years can take the tincture three times a day (no more than two drops) after diluting it in water or sweetened tea (100 ml).
Dosage in tablets
- For children under 8 years of age, taking the drug in tablet form is contraindicated.
- For children 8-12 years old, as a rule, the doctor prescribes 1 tablet of the drug three times a day. Self-medication is excluded.
In what cases is Motherwort prescribed to infants?
A fairly common phenomenon in infants is “restless child” syndrome. Young mothers are frightened by the manifestation of the Moro reflex in newborns, otherwise it is called the startle reflex. It is manifested by throwing up the hands with outstretched fingers. Usually by 3 months of the baby’s life the reflex disappears. This is normal. If it remains after 5 months, then it is better to consult a doctor.
Motherwort has quite a strong sedative property. It is prescribed to young children only in certain cases:
- frequent tantrums;
- the emergence of fear;
- restless behavior when teething;
- serious disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system.
Pediatricians do not recommend that newborns drink Motherwort orally in the form of decoctions. Herbal decoctions are added to children’s drinks after reaching one year, 1-2 teaspoons. The dosage is selected by the doctor. You can use the instructions indicated on the pharmacy packaging. For a one-year-old baby, the adult portion is reduced by 12 times.
The famous pediatrician Komarovsky recommends that children under one year of age take Motherwort as part of relaxing baths.
Contraindications to the use of motherwort
Any form of the drug comes with instructions that indicate contraindications - cases when giving motherwort to children is strictly prohibited. Compliance with these rules will allow you to avoid serious and irreparable consequences. Contraindications to the use of motherwort are:
- bradycardia (low heart rate);
- hypotension (low blood pressure);
- taking other sedative sleeping pills;
- gastritis;
- stomach ulcer;
- drug intolerance.
Children are always very noisy and active - this is their natural state. Sometimes it happens that the baby behaves restlessly due to disorders of the nervous system or after a strong impact on it. This condition requires correction with mild sedatives that do not have dangerous side effects.
When a child becomes anxious or restless, sleeps poorly, or is capricious, he will also need a sedative. The most famous, safe and often used even in the treatment of infants are valerian and motherwort.
Properties and mechanism of action of Motherwort
Motherwort is a herbal preparation based on extracts of motherwort pentaloba and cordis. Another name for the medicinal plant is heart grass or dog nettle. You can also collect plant materials yourself. In this case, you need to collect plants in an environmentally favorable area.
To purchase motherwort preparations, a prescription from a doctor is not required; they are sold freely at pharmacies. It is not considered a drug and is considered a dietary supplement. In addition, Motherwort Forte in tablets is used as an additional source of magnesium and vitamin B6. However, this does not mean that the drug is absolutely safe and can be taken uncontrolled at any age. This herb has quite a strong effect and can cause harm in some diseases or overdose.
Motherwort is available in the form of tablets, tincture, extract and dry herb. It has many useful properties:
- sedative, hypnotic, sedative;
- antispasmodic;
- pain reliever;
- healing, bactericidal;
- stabilizing blood pressure;
- cardiotonic;
- diuretic;
- expectorant;
- reducing temperature;
- correcting hormonal levels.
The most well-known indications for taking motherwort by a child are moodiness and poor sleep.
The plant stimulates myocardial function, the bitter glycosides in the composition effectively lower blood pressure. In terms of its effect, it can be compared with other medicinal herbs: valerian, lily of the valley, skullcap, peony, lemon balm and mint. However, it acts more powerfully and effectively.
The instructions say that taking motherwort by children under 12 years of age is prohibited. This is due to the fact that full clinical studies have not been conducted on this group. However, in pediatrics it is widely used in various forms as a fairly safe and mild remedy. A child can be given motherwort-based medications from 3 months, but only after the baby has been examined by a pediatrician.
Calming tablets for children: list of the most effective and best
Medications
TV, tablet, computer games, quarrels with peers, problems in school, etc. – all this can quickly affect the child’s behavior. As a result, for some children the prescription of such drugs is simply necessary.
Glycine is considered the most common and widely used. Available in tablet form. They contain an essential amino acid.
The drug has no significant contraindications, except for hypersensitivity to the active substance. The medication normalizes sleep, improves mood, reduces agitation, and also improves brain function.
Specialists often prescribe other medications:
In case of excessively strong excitement, a specialist has the right to prescribe a tranquilizer, for example, Phenazepam. Available in the form of tablets with different dosages.
The main active ingredient is Phenazepam. Before using them, you should consult with the following specialists: a neurologist and a psychiatrist.
This drug has a very impressive list of contraindications, so only a doctor can prescribe it. This drug is good at eliminating feelings of fear, as well as nervous excitement. The course of therapy can last from 2 weeks to 2 months.
We are talking about your child’s health, so you should not prescribe medications yourself. If you notice that your baby has begun to sleep poorly or be capricious, consult a pediatrician.
Homeopathic tablets
It is necessary to take into account the fact that such drugs are not analogues of medications of medicinal origin. Recently, the following homeopathic sedatives have found widespread use in pediatrics:
By the way, some of them are available in the form of syrup, which is very convenient for use in infants.
For depressive conditions in children, Epam 1000 is prescribed. It contains propolis and royal jelly, extracts of motherwort, valerian, eleutherococcus, Rhodiola rosea and other herbs.
Before using any herbal preparation, you should consult a specialist.
The approximate cost of all the above medications and homeopathic preparations ranges from 150 to 400 rubles.
Traditional medicine
Any sedative pills or drops in pediatric practice are a necessary measure. But before treatment, it is worth trying other ways to normalize the baby’s behavior. Sometimes you can resort to traditional medicine.
Soothing baths before bed. To prepare, you need to purchase sedative collection No. 2, motherwort and knotweed from the pharmacy chain. The price of these components is cheap, but the result will not take long to arrive. Mix them in equal proportions and take 3 tablespoons of the mixture, pour about 400 ml of hot water and leave for half an hour. Then, filter and pour the infusion into the bath. We bathe the baby for about 15 minutes. It is recommended to repeat this procedure every other day for 1 month.
While absolutely everyone can take a bath with sea salt, everyone else has their own contraindications. You should not carry out this procedure:
- If your child is allergic to herbs;
- The baby is sick;
- In case of severe disturbance of the nervous system.
Remember that the maximum water temperature should not exceed 38 degrees. In hotter water, beneficial or healing substances begin to disintegrate, and in cold water they may not reveal all their potential.
For daily bathing, you can use special products - bath foams with a calming effect, for example, Eared Nanny or Affectionate Mom. They also contain herbs.
Remember that adult bath products are not suitable for children. They contain not only natural ingredients that can harm the health of the baby.
It is important to know: you will not notice the results of such procedures immediately, but after several days, and maybe even weeks. It is very important to complete the full prescribed course.
You can take such baths together with games, but the main thing is that they are calm. For babies you can use various rubber toys - ducks, frogs, etc., for older children - wind-up floating ones.
If your child is overly excitable or has sleep disturbances, you should definitely contact your pediatrician. First, you should try traditional medicine, and if they do not help, then turn to drug treatment.
If necessary, the doctor will refer you to other specialists: a neurologist, psychologist, psychotherapist, and in especially severe cases, to a psychiatrist.
While watching the video you will learn about sedatives.
Comments
Re: Calming tablets for children: list of the most.
There are two schoolchildren in the family. Since the beginning of spring, fatigue appears, concentration decreases, children become more nervous. For my daughter, a course of glycine or lecithin is usually enough, but my son was prescribed children's tenoten. The drugs have an effect.
Re: Calming tablets for children: list of the most.
My thirteen-year-old daughter is also helped by Glycine, which the doctor prescribed for her due to rapid fatigue at school and fear of performing musical numbers in concerts.
Re: Calming tablets for children: list of the most.
Before using any medications, even those that seem absolutely safe, you should always consult your doctor. Children react absolutely differently to medications and even herbs than we adults do.
Indications for use for children
Motherwort is prescribed to children for:
- hyperactivity when the baby is very noisy (this is typical for children over 2 years old);
- hysterical behavior, demand for excessive attention;
- anxiety syndrome: trembling of arms and legs, chin, fussiness, nervousness (such conditions often occur in children under 1 year old).
Older children are allowed to give the drug in tablet form.
In older children, indications may include:
- loss of strength, decreased immunity;
- anxiety, depression;
- aggression, irritability;
- mood variability;
- sleep disorders;
- low stress resistance;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- epilepsy;
- headaches, migraines;
- arrhythmia;
- hypertension.
Komarovsky sedative for children
Published on: 06/05/2019 adminComment: 0
If the baby is healthy, then the best sedative for him will be his mother’s breast, a lullaby and a calm atmosphere in the house. But this is ideal.
And sometimes such options do not work, and you have to resort to choosing medications. First of all, you need to go to an appointment with a pediatrician, and maybe a neurologist.
Doctors may prescribe the following medications for your baby at night:
- Phenibut. This sedative is quite serious. But it can be prescribed for children under 12 months. The drug helps eliminate anxiety, fear and irritability in the baby. But at the same time, it also causes allergies. It is possible to become addicted to the medicine. Therefore, it is prescribed to babies in very small doses.
- Pantogam. It has proven itself to be an effective remedy for relieving increased muscle tone. There are two dosage forms: syrups and tablets.
- Tenoten for children under 12 months is prescribed by pediatricians for increased excitability, cerebral circulatory disorders, and intoxication. Although the instructions do not recommend giving it to children under three years of age.
- Notta is an effective anti-anxiety drug that significantly improves a child's sleep and makes him more restful during the day. The drug belongs to the homeopathic category. Release forms: sedative drops and tablets. The first is preferred due to ease of use.
- Glycine is a natural drug that is an amino acid. It is recommended for children and their mothers.
Universal drugs for sedation include Citral and Magne B6.
In exceptional cases, pediatric neurologists prescribe tranquilizers to infants. These are Tazepan, Elenium, Sibazon. According to the instructions, they can only be prescribed to children from the age of five, but as an exception, according to indications and under the supervision of a doctor, this is done in tiny doses.
Calcium supplements are also often recommended by pediatricians, because a deficiency of the substance leads to irritability and poor sleep for the baby.
Sedatives for children up to one year after stress
The best option to help your baby in this case is herbal remedies. They are safe and can be used by mothers without a prescription from a pediatrician. Today, pharmacies have a large selection of such drugs. These are teas or ready-made children's mixtures. For example, “Babyvita sweet dreams” can be given to infants from the first month.
From the age of six months, Hipp with natural herbs, Hipp apple tea with lemon balm, Hipp good night are recommended. Among the domestic teas, “Calming Children's” and “Evening Tale” are suitable. The instructions for such safe parental assistants contain detailed descriptions of how to use them.
You can give your child teas after stress and at night. If a mother is breastfeeding, then she herself can drink herbs with a sedative effect with a sedative effect, thus calming the child. You just need to know their features.
For example, motherwort infusion reduces blood pressure, and if a woman has low blood pressure, then it is better to give preference to lemon balm or lavender. For children up to one year old, you can make infusions of fennel, valerian, and hops.
The best option to avoid looking for a sedative after stress is to protect your child from being among a large crowd of strangers or a new turbulent environment. Sometimes even large toys given to a baby can lead to severe fright.
Types of sedatives for children
Psychotropic drugs relax the nervous system. Sedatives for children regulate the processes of excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex, reducing the reaction to external stimuli.
These medications control the child’s daily activity and make sleep deep and long.
Types of sedatives recommended in childhood:
- Medicinal sedatives. Suitable for non-pathological changes in the psycho-emotional background, they have several forms of release. For example, Glycine (tablets), sodium bromide (solution), Diphenhydramine (powder) are highly effective.
- Homeopathic medicines. They contain plant components and glucose, which improves metabolism and reduces nervous excitability. These medications are produced in the form of drops (Valerianahel), tablets (Dormikind), teas, and mixtures.
- Herbal remedies. Calming herbs gently relax the nervous system, relieve physical stress, and improve a child’s sleep. Pediatricians prescribe tea with lemon balm, a decoction with valerian and motherwort.
- Tranquilizers (anxiolytics) and antipsychotics. Potent sedatives for children, which are prescribed by neurologists for complicated nervous disorders and symptoms of depression.
Pediatric sedatives
Name of the medication | Components | Pharmacological properties | Treatment regimen |
Pantogam |
| Anticonvulsant, nootropic, sedative effect. The drug calms the nervous system and stimulates mental activity. |
The course of treatment is 1–3 months. |
Tenoten for children | Microcellulose, magnesium stearate, lactose, mixture of homeopathic dilutions C12, C30 and C50. | Relieves anxiety, stimulates intellectual activity, helps cope with emotional stress. | You need to dissolve 1 tablet under the tongue. 1–3 times/day. The course of treatment lasts several months (according to medical indications). |
Phenibut | Phenibut, potato starch, lactose, calcium stearate. | Suppresses unreasonable anxiety, helps in the fight against internal fears and worries. |
|
Nootropic | Glycine, ginkgo biloba and gotu kola extract, vitamins B3, K1, B5, B6, B12. | Increases performance, stimulates vascular tone, relieves emotional stress, and removes conflict. | You should take 1 capsule with meals 1 time/day. The course of treatment is 20 days. |
Glycine | microencapsulated glycine. | Reduces the degree of vegetative-vascular disorders, conflict, and child aggression. | The patient is prescribed 0.5–1 tablet. 2–3 times/day depending on the age of the child and the nature of the pathology. |
Calming herbs for children
Name of medicinal plant | Recipe Ingredients | Cooking method | Rules of application |
Motherwort |
|
| Take 100 ml of the decoction chilled, regardless of meals. The course of treatment is long. |
Chamomile, valerian |
|
| Take 100 ml of decoction orally in the morning and evening, regardless of meals. The course of treatment is 2–3 weeks. |
Melissa |
|
| Give your child lemon balm tea as his main drink. |
Homeopathic remedies
Product name | Compound | Mechanism of action | Treatment regimen |
Notta (drops, tablets) | Sowing oats, coffee tree, chamomile, phosphorus, zinc valerinate. | Removes nervous excitability of the child, improves sleep. |
The course of treatment is from 1 to 4 months. |
Valerianahel (drops) | Humulus lupulus, Ammonium bromatum, Crategus, Melissa officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Avena sativa, Acidum picrinicum, Camomilla recutita, Kalium and sodium bromatum, ethanol. | Helps with insomnia, neuroses, neurasthenia, increased excitability in childhood. |
The course of treatment is more than 1 month. |
Kindinorm (granules) | Chamomilla, cuprum, staphysagria, valerian, Calium phosphoricum, Calcium hypophosphorum. | Improves concentration and successfully combats nervous excitability of the child. |
|
Liovit (tablets) | Motherwort, valerian, hawthorn, coriander, lemon balm, nutmeg, sugar, starch, oats, calcium stearate, PVP. | General strengthening, sedative, sedative effect. | You need to take 1-3 tablets. three times a day during meals. |
Baby-sed (pellets) | Bryonia, Chamomilla, Staphysagria | Normalizes the sleep phase, improves the child’s mood, calms the nervous system. | Dissolve 5 granules under the tongue before meals, preferably in the morning. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. |
Sedative for children under one year old
Newborns are prohibited from giving sedatives with synthetic and homeopathic components. Such medications can harm children's health. For organic brain lesions and hydrocephalus, a mixture with citral is prescribed. The list of medications increases as the baby gets older:
- From the age of 1 month, infants are prescribed herbal tea “Chamomile”. The composition contains chamomile, lemon balm, linden, mint. The medicine soothes, relieves spasms, colic and flatulence. It is given to a child as an additive to food or drink.
- From 2 months, a decoction of valerian is recommended. The medicine has a pleasant taste, normalizes sleep, improves digestion, and makes the child calm.
- From 3–4 months, effective sedatives for the child’s nervous system are “Bebivita”, tea with lemon balm Hipp. Such drinks can be given as a drink, always before bedtime.
- From 5 months, the baby is prescribed combined drugs with a sedative effect, for example, teas with fennel, thyme and chamomile, and herbal tea “Babushkino Lukoshko”.
- From the age of six months, the herbal collection “Evening Tale” is suitable for children. It contains fennel, lavender, mint, and anise.
Source: https://detki.shukshin-net.ru/komarovskij-uspokoitelnoe-dlja-detej/
Contraindications and side effects
Like any drug, Motherwort has contraindications for use in treating a child:
- low blood pressure;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- diabetes;
- diseases of the stomach and duodenum;
- bradycardia, slow heart rate (see also:).
The drug has its contraindications and side effects, so its use is permissible only as prescribed by a doctor.
The use of Motherwort can lead to side effects:
- vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
- dizziness;
- lethargy, drowsiness, apathy, fatigue;
- allergic reaction, urticaria;
- tachycardia (we recommend reading:).
Most often, unpleasant side effects appear when the recommended dosage of the drug is exceeded. That is why before use it is better to consult with a specialist and strictly follow his instructions.
Instructions for use of Motherwort for children
Motherwort can be given to a child only with the permission of the pediatrician in order to exclude adverse reactions. In addition, some symptoms may signal a disease, and taking the drug will blur the clinical picture and make diagnosis difficult. The doctor will determine the need, duration of use and dosage depending on the indications and age.
If a child has a nervous breakdown or severe stress, you can give him a one-time drug based on Motherwort. If this condition occurs frequently in a child, the cause of mental stress should be eliminated and consult a doctor. It is possible that the child has some diseases that you do not know about.
Regardless of age, preference should be given to the decoction, even if the child is allowed to take Motherwort forte tablets due to age. The decoction has a milder effect and does not irritate the stomach.
Motherwort should not be taken in the morning; it is better to give it in the evening or at bedtime. Otherwise, the baby will be sleepy, inattentive and lethargic all day. If your doctor has prescribed you to take the drug several times a day, you need to agree on the time of taking it with him.
Dry herb for baths
It is not recommended for children under one year of age to take Motherwort internally, because it has a very strong sedative and hypnotic effect. It is better to prepare a healing bath for them. It will calm the baby and have a hypnotic effect through the respiratory tract and skin pores. These relaxing baths can be taken periodically before bed. Dry motherwort herb is used to prepare them. 15-20 drops of aqueous infusion of herbs are diluted in 5 liters of water.
From the age of 3, not dry raw materials are added to the bath, but an alcohol tincture. It is diluted in a ratio of 20 drops per 1 liter of water.
Motherwort decoction
Motherwort decoction for internal use is used in pediatrics from 1 year. The plant is brewed in the ratio: 1 filter bag or 1 tablespoon per glass of boiling water. The decoction should steep for 1 hour, after which it can be drunk. Children over 2 years old can be given 2 teaspoons.
Children from 3 to 12 years old should drink 1 tablespoon of the decoction 3 times a day. Before use, it can be diluted in milk, tea or simply washed down with water. If the child does not like the taste, it is allowed to sweeten the broth a little. It should be remembered that using honey for this purpose is allowed only if the baby does not have an allergic reaction.
If the child is not allergic, a decoction of motherwort is effectively used together with honey.
Alcohol tincture
Children should avoid using alcoholic tincture of Motherwort. In some cases, from 3 years of age and on the recommendation of a specialist, you can dilute 1-2 drops in half a glass of water. Only a doctor can determine how many drops to give your baby and assess the risks of taking an alcohol tincture. The alcohol contained in the tincture irritates the gastrointestinal tract, so it is better to give children the medicinal plant in a decoction. You can use the tincture to give your baby soothing baths.
Pills
Motherwort forte can be taken by children from 8 years of age. It is recommended to crush the tablet and mix it with water or milk. Usually 1-3 tablets per day are prescribed.
For some diseases, for example, stuttering, the doctor prescribes a double dose of Motherwort forte. In this case, you should adhere to the prescribed dosages.
How to use
- Age 3 years. Motherwort tincture can be given 1 drop, mixed into juice or tea, no more than three times a day, and the drug can also be used for external use, adding the tincture to a bath for bathing. Dosage - 20 drops of tincture per liter of water. Pour this solution into the bathtub.
- Age 4 years. Motherwort tincture can be given for sleep disturbances, severe stress, either as a course of treatment, the duration of which will be prescribed by the doctor, or as an “emergency aid”, for example, if a child is very frightened and cannot calm down. Dose - no more than 1-2 drops 2-3 times a day. For bathing a child, you can add the drug at the rate of 50 drops per 10 liters of water.
- Age 5-6 years. A single dose for such children is no more than three to four drops. The tincture can be given no more than three times a day. It is best to dilute it in 150 ml of clean water or fruit juice.
- Ages from 6 to 12 years. For a single dose for children, you can calculate the dosage by adding a drop for each year, starting from the age of three. That is, a 7-year-old child needs 4 drops, a 9-year-old child needs 6 drops. In adolescence, the drug helps children endure hormonal “battles” more easily, and for girls it helps in a more painless and gentle formation of the menstrual cycle.
Interaction with other tools
Motherwort enhances the effect of sedatives, analgesics, sedatives and anticonvulsants. It has a beneficial effect in the complex therapy of arterial hypertension.
Motherwort is a common herbal sedative. The plant is often found in the wild. Only its stems are used for medicinal purposes. When preparing the medicine yourself, motherwort is collected, then dried and brewed as needed.
Most parents believe that since the product is completely natural, it is completely harmless. This means you can safely give motherwort to children as a sedative. However, everything is far from so simple. Whether prepared independently or purchased at a pharmacy, this drug has its own specific characteristics. Therefore, before using it, you need to familiarize yourself with all the nuances, and better yet, consult a doctor.
The healing properties of motherwort have been known for quite some time. It has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. What are its healing qualities and what causes them:
- Due to the presence of alkaloids in the chemical composition of the plant, it has a strong antidepressant effect;
- The presence of tannins has resulted in a number of beneficial properties: anti-inflammatory, restorative, hemostatic;
- The antispasmodic effect is associated with the content of essential oils in the preparation;
- Due to the presence of carotene, motherwort preparations are good antioxidants;
- The presence of vitamin C has become an additional reason to use this drug in the treatment of diseases of the vascular system;
- Glycosides give the drug a pronounced sedative effect.
Is it possible to give it to a child?
Very few parents are aware that motherwort is prescribed to children not only as a sedative. Based on the wide list of healing properties, this drug is used to treat many diseases:
- Chronic fatigue;
- High excitability, emotional overstrain;
- Insomnia;
- Exposure ;
- Panic attack syndrome;
- Nervous tension, hysteria;
- Reduced level of immunity;
- Migraine;
- and other rhythm disturbances;
- Diseases of the vascular system;
- Atherosclerosis.
In addition to all of the above, there are two special cases when motherwort is prescribed to children:
- - the little one is very excitable and active, cannot stand separation from his parents, is often hysterical, and cannot concentrate on one thing for a long time.
- “Restless child” syndrome – characterized by increased muscle tone, tremors of the limbs, and general anxiety. In a later period, it is expressed in increased talkativeness and inability to engage in quiet activities.
In the presence of these conditions, motherwort is prescribed to children exclusively by attending physicians.
Instructions and dosage
The drug has a number of dosage forms: tablets, tincture, decoction. Therefore, the instructions for using motherwort are different for each form. Let's look at some of them.
Tincture
To prepare the bath, use no more than twenty drops of tincture diluted in ten liters of warm water.
Bathing is carried out immediately before bedtime. At the beginning of the treatment course, it should not exceed five minutes. Then the time gradually increases up to fifteen minutes by the end of the treatment period, which takes no more than a month. After the specified period, it is necessary to take a pause.
Motherwort in drops is prescribed to children aged five years and older.
It is usually used as an emergency treatment drug for stress, fear, shock, and panic attack. In this case, the dosage of motherwort for children does not exceed one to two drops per hundred milliliters of liquid. You can repeat the reception up to three times a day.
Pills
Motherwort in tablets is a relatively new phenomenon. Of course, the drops are much better absorbed by the body, but often it is simply not possible to prepare the necessary solution. Motherwort extract in tablets does not contain alcohol and is very easy to use.
- Be sure to read:
Motherwort in tablets is prescribed starting from the age of eight.
The daily norm is three doses of one tablet. It is recommended to take motherwort one hour before meals or two hours after meals with water.
Motherwort extract in tablets is taken for no more than one month. If it is necessary to repeat the therapeutic course, it is prescribed after a certain break. For children, motherwort in tablets can only be prescribed by the attending physician.
Dosage and method of administration
Motherwort and preparations based on it have a peculiarity: the dosage indicated for a particular age is, in fact, conditional, approximate and averaged. Depending on the baby’s diagnosis and the severity of his problem, the pediatrician may prescribe doses that are higher than the average and doses that will be significantly lower.
Motherwort forte
This drug can cause serious harm to a growing body, and therefore self-medication with this form of motherwort should be completely avoided . The average dosage for children over 7-8 years of age will be 1 tablet three times a day. However, in case of severe stress or complex treatment of stuttering, the doctor may recommend double doses. And for sleep disturbances or frequent headaches, it is often recommended to take just 1 tablet before bed.
Alcohol tincture
Like all drugs containing ethyl alcohol, this dosage form is not suitable for young children. Therefore, the drug has found its use in water procedures. For children aged 3 years and older, you can take baths with motherwort tincture. To do this, once a day, an hour before going to bed, add no more than 20 drops per 10 liters of water to the water prepared for bathing. You should not take such a bath for too long. Bathing time should start at 5 minutes (first procedures) and gradually increase to 15 minutes. The course of treatment is about a month. Then you should definitely take a break.
Children over 5 years old are sometimes allowed to take alcohol tincture orally. Typically, this need arises if the baby suffers from “restless child” syndrome, if he stutters severely, and also as an emergency aid in situations of severe stress, fear, or shock. The dosage in this case should not exceed one drop of tincture per half glass of warm sweet tea, compote or juice. This drink should be given 2-3 times a day.
Motherwort extract
This drug comes in both tablets and drops. The solid form, as we found out, can only be taken from the age of 8, but the drops are acceptable for children starting from 4-5 years old. The average dosage for nervous disorders in a child is 1 drop three times a day. The bottles have convenient dispensers.
Motherwort grass
A wonderful herbal remedy that you need to have in your home medicine cabinet from the very first days after the birth of your child. In pharmacies it is available in cardboard packs and sachets. Parents have the opportunity to choose which form is most convenient for them.
For newborns, you can make baths with a decoction or tincture of motherwort. To prepare a decoction, you will need 1 teaspoon of dry collection and 200 grams of water. Motherwort should be filled with boiled water, pre-cooled to 80 degrees. Place the container in a water bath and hold there for about a quarter of an hour. The resulting decoction is added to the baby's bathing water.
Contraindications
This medicine has a well-defined therapeutic effect. Therefore, it cannot be used to treat certain groups of children. Motherwort contraindications:
- Hypotension;
- or stomach ulcer;
- Individual intolerance to the drug;
- Taking sleeping pills and other sedatives.
If a child has at least one of the listed conditions, giving him motherwort is strictly prohibited. This can lead to very disastrous consequences.
Price
The price of the drug varies from 38 to 170 rubles per ampoule or package.
In the article you will find out whether motherwort can be given to children and in what dosage form. We will talk about the beneficial properties and possible harm of the plant, and consider in detail the rules of administration and dosage for each year of a child’s life. Following our advice, you will learn how to prepare infusions, decoctions and extracts, and learn how to brew motherwort for bathing newborns.
Why give motherwort to children?
Motherwort calms the child's nervous system, improves emotional state
Motherwort is used to treat childhood neuroses,
increased anxiety and sleep disorders
.
Systematic intake of plant-based products has a general strengthening effect. The need to prescribe motherwort forte for children may arise even at an early age. Motherwort has a calming effect on an infant; it normalizes sleep and reduces muscle tone. For older children, herbal preparations help them adapt more easily to kindergarten or school, eliminate increased excitability and increase concentration. In adolescence, motherwort is useful as a natural sedative, for example during exam periods. For girls during puberty, plant-based products help normalize the menstrual cycle.
You found out whether children can drink motherwort. Now we’ll tell you exactly how plant-based products affect a child’s health.
How does motherwort affect a child's health?
Motherwort has a wide spectrum of action. It has restorative, sedative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Motherwort eliminates headaches, increases resistance to stressful situations and normalizes sleep. Plant-based products effectively cope with chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents and hysterical conditions.
Motherwort normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system
. Herbal preparations reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Plant-based products are prescribed for the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia in adolescents.
Depending on the purpose of use, motherwort is combined with other medications. For example, motherwort with glycine in a child improves concentration and eliminates nervous excitement.
The effect of motherwort on a child’s body is individual. For some children, the herbal preparation helps them concentrate better, increases concentration and eliminates irritability. For others, it has a pronounced sedative effect (stronger than valerian), slows down the reaction rate and reduces motor activity. Therefore, to the question of which is better for children - motherwort or valerian, only a doctor can give a definite answer.
When is motherwort prescribed to children?
Most parents are interested in the question: at what age can motherwort be given to children? If necessary, the doctor can prescribe plant-based remedies even in infancy. This is usually associated with sleep disturbances and anxiety in the form of trembling of the arms, legs and chin.
Motherwort can be prescribed to a one-year-old child for increased nervous excitability and restlessness. Older children may develop symptoms of hyperactivity, which can also be treated with plant-based remedies. They effectively normalize the functioning of the central nervous system.
Rules for administration and dosage
Before using plant-based products, you should consult a neurologist for advice. He will select the appropriate dosage and prescribe a course of medication. The dosage of motherwort for children depends on the age and specific ailment to which the child is susceptible. Let's look at the instructions for using plant-based products for each year of life.
Age | Dosage | Instructions for use |
Motherwort for newborns | 500 ml of motherwort infusion in a baby bath. | To gently calm the nervous system of a newborn, use an infusion of motherwort for baths. Bathing a child with motherwort should be done an hour before bedtime. |
Motherwort for children from 1 year | 1 teaspoon of motherwort infusion 2-3 times a day. | Before use, dilute the infusion in half a glass of water. |
Motherwort for children 2 years old | 2 teaspoons of motherwort decoction 3 times a day. | Give your child a decoction of motherwort half an hour before meals. |
Motherwort for children 3 years old | 1 tablespoon of infusion 3 times a day. | Take the product half an hour before meals or an hour after, with water. |
Motherwort for children 4 years old | 1-2 drops of tincture in ½ glass of water up to 3 times a day. | Before taking, dilute the alcohol-containing tincture in water, tea or juice. |
Motherwort for children 5 years old dosage | 3-4 drops of liquid extract per dose up to 3 times a day. | Take the product one hour after meals with plenty of water. |
Motherwort child 6 years old | 15 ml of motherwort infusion before each meal. | Give your child an infusion diluted with water 2-3 times a day. |
Motherwort for children 7 years old | 2 tablespoons of decoction 2-3 times a day. | Take the product before meals. To improve the taste, you can dilute the decoction in sweet tea or compote. |
How many drops of motherwort should I give an 8 year old child? | 5 drops of liquid extract up to 3 times a day. | Dilute the extract in half a glass of warm water before use. |
Motherwort for children 9 years old dosage | 1 tablet 3 times a day. | Take the drug 20 minutes before meals. The course of treatment for increased anxiety is 2 weeks. |
Motherwort for children 10−11 years old dosage | 1 tablet before bedtime. | To normalize sleep, a single dose of motherwort is required before bedtime for 2-3 weeks. |
Motherwort for children 12 years old dosage | 1 tablet of motherwort extract tablets up to 3 times a day. | Give your child the drug half an hour before each meal. The course of treatment for chronic fatigue is 2 weeks. |
Motherwort for children 13 years and older | 20-25 drops of tincture 3 times a day. | Take the tincture before meals with a small amount of water. |
Dosage forms of motherwort for children
Based on motherwort, medicinal infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and teas are prepared. In pharmacies you can find the plant in tablet form, in the form of an alcohol tincture, as well as motherwort syrup for children. Let's consider the most common medicinal forms based on the plant.
Motherwort tincture
Motherwort tincture can be used only as directed by a doctor, diluted with water
Motherwort tincture can be purchased ready-made at any pharmacy or prepared independently at home from dry medicinal raw materials. An alcohol-containing medicine is prescribed for the treatment of children over 3 years of age, and the medicine must be diluted in water or tea. For young children, the medicine is used extremely rarely and strictly as prescribed by the doctor. Motherwort tincture can also be used externally to treat the epidermis and to prepare a solution for soothing baths.
Ingredients
:
- Motherwort - 20 gr.
- Vodka - 200 ml.
How to cook
: Pour vodka over the dry grass, close the lid tightly and put it in a cool, dark place. Infuse the drink for 7 days, then strain through gauze.
How to use
: Give 2-3 drops diluted in half a glass of water. To bathe your baby, add 20 drops of the product for every liter of water.
Result
: Motherwort tincture for children normalizes sleep, eliminates increased anxiety and nervous excitability.
Motherwort tablets
Motherwort in tablets is prescribed to children from the age of eight. For a pronounced sedative effect, 1 tablet up to 3 times a day before meals is enough. The course of treatment must be determined by a doctor. According to the instructions for use, motherwort in tablets is prescribed to children under severe stress, for the treatment of stuttering, migraines and sleep disorders.
Motherwort decoction
Motherwort decoction is prescribed for children to take orally even at a very early age. Since this product does not contain alcohol, it is safest for babies.
Ingredients
:
- Motherwort - 20 gr.
- Water - 350 ml.
How to cook
: Rinse the dry raw material, grind it and fill it with water. Place the pot with the herbs over low heat and bring to a boil. Brew the drink for 7-10 minutes, remove from heat and cool at room temperature.
How to use
: For children from 2 years old, give 2 teaspoons 3 times a day, from 12 years old - 2 tablespoons.
Result
: Motherwort decoction gently calms the child’s nervous system, normalizes sleep and improves concentration.
Motherwort extract
Liquid extract of motherwort is prescribed to children from 4 to 5 years of age. In tablet form, this remedy is indicated for children over 8 years of age. Children can make motherwort in drops on their own at home. When using, it is necessary to take into account that this concentrated product is more potent than an infusion or decoction.
Ingredients
:
- Motherwort - 40 gr.
- Water - 500 ml.
How to cook
: Grind the dry raw materials, fill it with water and place in a water bath. Simmer covered over medium heat until half the liquid has evaporated. Remove the product from the stove and cool without opening the lid.
How to use
: Take 5 drops of extract, after diluting them in water.
Result
: Plant extract normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, reduces blood pressure and eliminates irritability.
Bath with motherwort for babies
The drug is used in various dosage forms. This determines how to take motherwort to children. Motherwort can be used in the form of tincture, tablets, or decoction.
Motherwort for infants is used in the form of baths for bathing. Such baths will strengthen the nervous system and reduce pain due to colic. Some recommendations:
1. Before using such a procedure, it is necessary to exclude an allergic reaction. A small amount of decoction is applied to the inner surface of the elbow and observed for several hours. If no reaction occurs, the baby can safely be bathed in a bath with motherwort. If redness, itching, or rashes occur, you should not bathe.
2. To prepare the infusion, you need dry herb in a volume of 3-4 tablespoons. This amount of raw material is contained in 6-7 filter bags. The grass is poured with half a liter of boiling water. Exposure when infused is 40 minutes. Then the entire volume is poured into the bathtub. This will answer the question of how to brew motherwort for bathing a baby.
3. Motherwort can be brewed as part of a collection together with other herbs. An allergy test is also carried out beforehand. You can use bearberry, St. John's wort, nettle, and other herbs.
4. It is better to bathe your child before bedtime. The receptors are irritated by essential oils, which helps to relax and calm down.
5. The child should take a bath for no more than a third of an hour.
After taking a bath with motherwort for the baby, the child should receive a relaxing massage. Motherwort for children under one year of age can also be prescribed in the form of a bath for bathing, but using a tincture that is added to the water. Add no more than 20 drops per 10 liters of water. The pharmacy tincture of motherwort for infants has this scheme of use.