Valerian is a medicinal plant well known for its excellent sedative and calming properties that act on both the nervous system and the brain, producing a relaxing effect on people who consume it. It is precisely because of this powerful relaxing effect that this plant is especially suitable for those who have sleep disorders, especially insomnia, who are very nervous or who have stress and / or anxiety problems. However, although this plant has these wonderful properties for this type of disorders, for others it can be harmful. That is why in this oneHOWTO article we explain the contraindications of valerian and its possible side effects.
When the use of valerian is NOT recommended
Although the benefits of valerian are diverse and it is widely used throughout the world, it is a plant that may contain some oils and active ingredients that are not recommended in the following cases:
- It is contraindicated, except when prescribed by a doctor, in pregnant or breastfeeding women since its active ingredient in valepotriates can be toxic in breast milk.
- In children under 3 years in internal use and in children under 12 years in external use due to the hypnotic effect of its essential oils.
- People with mental illnesses such as epilepsy or schizophrenia as it is incompatible with medications prescribed by the doctor.
- It is also incompatible with alcohol since both are depressants of the nervous system and could cause severe drowsiness.
- It is also not recommended if you are going to drive or use heavy machinery since it is a sedative that can cause drowsiness and, consequently, have an accident due to inattention.
- Those people with an allergy to any component of this plant or who have a respiratory allergy.
Contraindications of valerian with medications
This medicinal herb can be harmful if combined with certain medications since, on the one hand, it makes the liver break down drug compounds more slowly, and on the other hand, it could increase the possible side effects of these. Therefore, these are the possible contraindications of valerian if mixed with other medications:
- People who are taking medications that affect the nervous system should not take this herb.
- This herb is also contraindicated for people with stress, anxiety or depression problems and who take sleeping pills, antidepressants and antiepileptics.
- If this plant is taken in these cases, it can increase the sedative effect in a negative way and also the probability of suffering the side effects of this type of medication.
Possible side effects of valerian
It is not very common that valerian, compared to its properties and benefits, produces side effects for both external and internal use. But, although the probabilities that they occur are practically non-existent, valerian can produce some possible side effects if not used properly. Among them we find the following:
- It can make you very sleepy so valerian is not highly recommended to take during the day or if you want to do tasks where you need to be very focused.
- Valerian can cause insomnia if taken just before going to sleep. In order not to have this rebound effect, you have to take it at least an hour before going to bed.
Valerian should be taken within a period of 8 to 10 days and then a rest period of 14 to 20 days. If this plant is used for a longer period it can produce the following Adverse effects:
- Nervousness and restlessness
- Feeling of irritation or being very agitated.
- Confusion and lack of concentration and mental alertness.
- Headache.
- Incrise of cardiac frecuency.
- It can produce addiction and an effect very similar to a hangover if its use is prolonged longer than explained.
Anyway, if taking this plant is not a risk for you and your doctor recommends it, you can consult in this other oneHOWTO article all the details on How to take valerian.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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