Motherwort for children: instructions for using tablets and tinctures at different ages

Motherwort is a well-known herbal preparation that has a strong calming 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 and in what form and dosage motherwort is indicated.

Indications for use of motherwort

Most people consider Motherwort to simply be a sedative. But its scope of application is quite wide.

It is prescribed in the following cases:

  • Increased neuro-reflex excitability. The baby is characterized by excessive mobility, he talks a lot, does not like to play in one place;
  • Hyperactivity syndrome. It manifests itself in children in the form of hysterics, excessive energy, and nervous excitability. Characteristic for children after two years;
  • Epilepsy, panic states;
  • Loss of energy, chronic insomnia;
  • Changes in heart rate, high blood pressure;
  • Diseases of the circulatory system.

It is important to know! At the age of 4, motherwort should not be given to a child without consulting a doctor. Only a specialist will recommend the correct dosage and preferred form of medication according to the baby’s age.

Otherwise, the opposite effect is possible - the appearance of more serious diseases of the nervous system. Motherwort has a very complex composition. It includes: tannins, alkaloids, carotene, essential oils, glycosides, ascorbic acid. It has a calming effect that is stronger than valerian.

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:

motherwort decoction for children

  • 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 babies are also characterized by excessively high energy and mobility, nervous excitability, frequent hysterics, 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

Indications for use

For treatment, both aqueous decoctions and motherwort tincture in alcohol are used to:

  • improvement of weakened cardiac activity;
  • fight against neuroses;
  • relief from severe shortness of breath;
  • normalization of the pulse when it is weak;
  • achieving remission in chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • relieving stomach spasms;
  • elimination of chronic catarrh of the large intestine;
  • relief of severe menopausal conditions;
  • combating insomnia;
  • reducing high blood pressure.

The healing properties of motherwort tincture are several times stronger than valerian. It acts faster and more effectively as a sedative on the nervous system. It has been scientifically proven that this plant gently relieves heat during fever, strengthens the immune system and promotes the disinfection and healing of wounds. Due to its wound-healing and bactericidal properties, motherwort tincture is recommended for use not only internally, but also externally.

The benefits of motherwort tincture are also known to cosmetologists. Due to the presence of tannins, the product has found its use in beauty salons: it is often used to eliminate the problem of oily hair and cleanse facial skin. Lotions made from diluted alcohol tincture help relieve inflammation, so they are recommended for acne.

When is the tincture prescribed to children?

According to established opinion, motherwort is a medicine for adults. This opinion is completely erroneous, since in a precisely adjusted dosage, treatment with motherwort tincture can effectively help children with the following conditions:

  1. Child hyperactivity.
  2. Increased nervous excitability before bedtime.
  3. Manifestation of panic states, frequent hysterics.
  4. Heart rhythm disturbances, tachycardia.
  5. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract, irritable bowel syndrome.
  6. Cramps.
  7. Decreased immunity after colds.
  8. Problems with the body's hematopoietic system.
  9. Hormonal mood swings in adolescence.

Contraindications

Contraindications for motherwort tincture are associated primarily with the pronounced sedative properties of the herb.

You should take the drug with caution if you have:

  • diseases of the stomach and duodenum;
  • during exacerbation of gastritis;
  • bradycardia;
  • low blood pressure;
  • individual intolerance to the component;
  • on menstrual days (may cause increased blood loss);
  • tendency to thrombosis and thrombophlebitis.

Opinions of doctors and parents

For sleep disturbances and increased nervous excitability in children, most doctors prescribe herbal remedies, primarily motherwort. This is explained by the natural composition of drugs based on it and the low degree of harm to the child’s body, of course, subject to strict adherence to dosages.

As recommended by Dr. Komarovsky, motherwort is best used for children under one year of age in the form of relaxing baths. Older children can be given plant-based drinks to normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

According to parents, motherwort gently and effectively calms the child. Bathing young children with herbal remedies helps them fall asleep easier, and tablets and alcohol-containing tinctures improve memory, eliminate increased irritability and cope with stressful situations, which are not uncommon in adolescence.

For more information on how to brew motherwort and other herbs for baths, watch the video:

Which option is the safest?

When choosing a dosage form for motherwort, safety for the child plays a major role. This criterion is met by pharmaceutical herbs or medicinal parts of the plant prepared independently during the flowering period, collected away from roads and industrial enterprises.

You cannot purchase medicinal plants on the market. Motherwort lives up to its name, growing in wastelands and desert areas. Unfortunately, spontaneous household dumps often appear in these secluded corners. It is these plants – from environmentally hazardous places – that unscrupulous sellers often try to sell.

How to take motherwort

This section of the article will tell you how to give motherwort to children; instructions for use will also be described. Experts do not recommend giving motherwort tincture to children under one year of age, as this remedy has a fairly strong sedative effect that suppresses the central nervous system. The best option for newborns is taking a bath with motherwort herb.

One-year-old children can brew the herb and add the decoction to tea. This product has a very strong sedative effect and a bitter taste, so it is important to maintain the proportions.

It is recommended to give alcohol tincture to children from three years of age at a minimum dosage. Since alcohol, even in small quantities, has a bad effect on the child’s nervous system and the entire body as a whole, it is better to give dry plant materials instead of tincture.

Children over eight years old can take motherwort in tablets. One to three tablets per day are usually prescribed.

In any case, you should consult your doctor before giving motherwort to children. The dosage must be calculated individually.

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.


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.

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.

Indications and contraindications

Most of us adults know motherwort tincture as a sedative. But only.

However, the drug can be useful for a fairly wide range of childhood problems:

  • Restless child syndrome, hyperactivity.
  • Hysteria, panic attacks, neuroses of various etiologies.
  • Stress, depression, depression.
  • Disturbances during teething.
  • Sleep disorders.
  • Heart rhythm disturbances.
  • Circulatory disorders.
  • Reduced immunity.
  • Headache.

It is naive to believe that herbal remedies are so harmless that they have no contraindications or side effects. Side effects of motherwort tincture can occur in case of overdose.

It manifests itself in disruption of the digestive system (diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, thirst), in nervous disorders (apathy, lethargy, drowsiness, dizziness, inability to concentrate, in case of severe overdose - confusion), in allergic reactions (rash , itching, swelling, urticaria).

The list of contraindications is relatively small: a tendency to allergies, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase, as well as peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, disorders of the heart and thyroid gland.

How to use motherwort tincture

The dosage of motherwort tincture is directly related to the patient’s age. For an adult, the dosage ranges from 30 to 50 drops per dose. It should not be exceeded.

In case of overdose the following are noted:

  • lethargy;
  • drowsiness;
  • inhibited reaction;
  • slow speech;
  • in severe cases, the heart rate decreases;
  • fainting with breathing problems.

It should be remembered that motherwort tincture enhances the effect of analgesics, causing an additional sedative effect.

Rules for taking the drug in adults

Doctors recommend how to take motherwort tincture for positive dynamics and to achieve a lasting effect: drink daily 30 minutes before or 20 minutes after meals, 3 times a day, 30-50 drops for several months. Before taking, the drops are diluted in a small amount of water. To make the medicine work faster, you can take warm water.

Motherwort tincture is used in 20-minute warm baths to relieve severe forms of neuroses. To do this, you need to dilute 50-70 drops in 10 liters of water and add to the bath.

For children

  • Children from one to two years are given only a water decoction of motherwort to drink, half a teaspoon three times a day.
  • Children from 2 to 3 years old are given a full teaspoon of decoction in the morning, at lunch and 30 minutes before bedtime.
  • How to drink motherwort tincture in alcohol infusion after 3 years can only be recommended by a pediatrician. According to general recommendations, three drops dissolved in water are given at 3 years old, four drops at 4 years old, five drops at 5 years old, and so on. That is, the medicine is taken incrementally, one drop for each year of the child’s life.

It must be remembered that any medicine, including motherwort tincture, can cause individual allergic reactions. Observing positive dynamics in the treatment of a child, it is strictly forbidden to increase the dose or frequency of taking the medication prescribed by the doctor.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, you should be especially careful when using medications. The use of motherwort tincture can only be recommended by a doctor if pregnancy occurs with the following complications:

  • increased nervous excitability;
  • interruptions in heart rhythm;
  • unreasonable feelings of anxiety;
  • insomnia;
  • indigestion;
  • toxicosis.

All of the above conditions can be gently corrected with small doses of motherwort tincture.

In gynecological practice, motherwort tincture during pregnancy helps reduce increased uterine tone.

The medicine has a sedative effect, so if you have low blood pressure, taking it can cause fainting in pregnant women.

Instructions for using motherwort tincture include pregnancy as a contraindication. However, gynecologists, based on the fact that the drug is a herbal remedy and is environmentally friendly in production, consider it a safer medicine than synthetically produced tablets. Therefore, the tincture is prescribed to pregnant women in a gentle dosage with full control of the woman’s condition.

From pressure

The main component of the described medicine includes reserpine. Its content in the herb helps in the fight against high blood pressure. Thanks to reserpine, the condition of angina pectoris and vascular neurosis improves.

Motherwort tincture for blood pressure should be taken taking into account the fact that this herb, when applied, can enhance the effect of medications for hypertension. Therefore, if complex therapy is used, it is necessary to strictly monitor the dosage.

This decoction helps with high blood pressure:

  1. Motherwort is mixed in equal parts with marsh cudweed grass and hawthorn flowers.
  2. Take 40 g of the mixture and pour 1 liter of boiling water.
  3. After half an hour, you can drink 1 glass of water infusion 3 times a day.

If you have low blood pressure, the tincture should also be taken with great caution.

For insomnia

The positive effect of motherwort tincture is observed in the fight against insomnia. A lasting effect occurs within a few days after the start of administration. Start with 20 drops and then increase to 30-40 drops of tincture, which should be diluted in half a glass of warm water. Drink the medicine half an hour before going to bed.

Motherwort tincture for sleep is recommended not only to quickly fall into the arms of Morpheus, but also to prevent nightmares.

Be healthy!

Motherwort for children: can it be given, instructions

Motherwort is a perennial plant that grows in our country in areas where summers are not as cold as in Yakutia.
The medicine for treatment is made mainly from the upper parts of the plant, during its flowering. In addition to Russia, motherwort is widespread in the countries of Central Asia and Europe. The chemical composition of motherwort includes iriodides, alkonoids and flavonoids. It also contains essential oil.

Can it be given to children?

Motherwort is given to children strictly as prescribed by a doctor. It is impossible to treat a child without medical education. Because not only is it a sedative, as many people think, but it is also used to treat other diseases. Therefore, only an experienced doctor has the right to prescribe motherwort to treat your child’s illness.

Indications for use

All the indications presented below apply to both children and adults, but in some cases, motherwort is necessary in the prevention of diseases such as hyperactivity and constant restlessness in a child. Motherwort is mainly used for the prevention of:

  • Insomnia.
  • Stress.
  • Depressed mood.
  • Sudden panic.
  • Hysteria.

It is also used for the prevention and treatment of:

  • Epilepsy.
  • With weakened immunity.
  • Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
  • Migraine.
  • Tachycardia
  • Hypertension.
  • Diseases associated with heart rhythm disturbances.
  • For menstrual irregularities in teenage girls.

Diseases associated with improper functioning of the body's circulatory system: motherwort restores it, making the blood vessels strong and elastic. Motherwort is used for angina pectoris and atherosclerosis - it is a prophylactic agent. Contraindications for children.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=gH9OY33ZlPk

Motherwort is contraindicated in children with diseases:

  1. Arterial hypotension.
  2. Bradycardia.
  3. Stomach ulcer.
  4. Erosive gastritis.

Release form of the drug

Medicines from motherwort are produced in liquid form in glass bottles: these are motherwort extract and motherwort tincture. There is no need to confuse extract and tincture. An extract is a medicinal liquid of a plant, squeezed from leaves, roots, and flowers. A tincture is when the roots, leaves and other parts of a plant are infused for some time in alcohol or vodka or an alcohol-containing liquid.

Motherwort is also available in tablets and bags. The number of tablets in the package or the volume of contents in the bottle depends on the manufacturers.

Collecting and drying motherwort at home

Collecting motherwort shoots should begin at the end of June and until the very end of August. We collect it only during flowering, choosing only young plants no more than five millimeters thick.

To dry, we take only the top part of the plant, so we cut off only 40 cm from the beginning of the top of the plant stem with pruning shears.

Next, we choose a dry place, lay out sheets of newspapers on the floor and wait for our motherwort preparations to dry.

Instructions for using motherwort depending on the age of the children

If your child is between 0 and 1 year old, then the use of motherwort-based medications is prohibited even by a doctor. Information about the use of motherwort for any purpose to treat a child of this age is not available either on the Internet or in books.

If the doctor prescribed motherwort to your child so that he becomes calm and does not cry at night, then I want to warn all parents that they should not rush to give it to your baby, even if it is prescribed by an experienced doctor.

An excessive dose of any drug introduced into a child’s body at this age is dangerous to his health.

At the age of 1 to 3 years, your child can be bathed in clean water with the addition of motherwort tincture. Dosage: 4 drops of motherwort tincture per 1 liter of water.

Motherwort tablets are strictly prohibited for children under 8 years of age. From 8 to 12 years of age, it is allowed to give 1 tablet 3 times a day, strictly only as prescribed by a doctor. There is no need to self-medicate!

Analogues of motherwort

Since motherwort is used mainly as a sedative, we will consider analogues of other herbs that have the same sedative effect on the human body.

The herb that has the same powerful effect as motherwort is valerian. Valerian is even better at relieving stress in humans than motherwort. This herb was given to World War II soldiers before battle.

Other herbs also have soothing properties: mint, lavender, hops, chamomile.

Contraindications

Motherwort should not be taken if you have an individual intolerance, low blood pressure,

ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, bradycardia, gastritis with erosion.

An overdose of motherwort is not allowed; it can cause allergies, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In addition, an overdose may cause bloody diarrhea, aching joints, and severe thirst, so you should take motherwort preparations under the supervision of a doctor.

It is allowed to combine treatment with motherwort with other drugs, but also under the supervision of doctors. According to scientists, motherwort enhances the effects of sleeping pills and analgesics - these features must be taken into account.

Motherwort has a mild hypnotic effect, inhibits psychomotor reactions, and dulls concentration, so it should not be taken by persons whose work is associated with risk and danger - drivers, pilots, machinists, and operators of complex equipment.

As for the duration of taking motherwort medicines, according to traditional healers, treatment should consist of several cycles - 20 days of taking the medicine, 10 days off. You need to conduct three such courses, after which you take a break for 1 month

Throughout treatment, you need to listen to your body, pay attention to how it will react to the medicine, and immediately refuse it if you do not like the reaction

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.

Features of application

How is the drug used in adults and children? What motherwort-based preparations can be purchased at the pharmacy today?

Read more about Motherwort Forte

“Motherwort forte” in tablets (capsules) differs from other drugs in that it contains magnesium and vitamin B6. They enhance the effect of motherwort. The drug is a food additive, valued for its high content of glycosides. These substances have sedative, diuretic, bactericidal properties, hormonal activity, and have a beneficial effect on cardiac activity. "Motherwort forte (Evalar)" is prescribed as a sedative and hypnotic for functional disorders of the nervous system. The drug also has cardiotonic, diuretic, and anticonvulsant properties. The instructions for use of Motherwort forte in tablets indicate the average dosage for adults: 1-2 tablets 2 times a day (with meals!). The course of treatment and dosage are prescribed by the doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the body and the clinical picture.

Use in men, women, children

How motherwort is useful for men. Tablets are prescribed for all of the above diagnoses and symptoms, regardless of gender. The medicine helps with prostate diseases and inflammation of the genitourinary area. Tablets are taken over a long period of time under the supervision of a doctor.

It is important to remember the effect of motherwort on psychomotor reactions and not to take pills when driving a car, a professional activity that requires concentration.

How motherwort is useful for women. The herb is especially useful for severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), during the premenopausal period

The drug restores hormonal levels, normalizes metabolism and thyroid function, calms the nervous system, relieves attacks of fear, anxiety, irritability, and panic attacks. The drug can also be prescribed as a hemostatic agent for uterine bleeding, but more often water and alcohol infusions of motherwort are used for this symptom. The decision to use motherwort tablets during pregnancy and lactation is made by the doctor. Read more about the various dosage forms of motherwort during pregnancy in our other article.

Benefits for children. Self-administration of the drug in children of any age is prohibited. Only a doctor, after diagnosis and an in-person examination, can assess the child’s condition, calculate the correct dosage and course of treatment. How to drink motherwort in tablets for children? This dosage form is strictly contraindicated in children under 3 years of age. The child should be able to swallow tablets safely and take them with water. But even at 3 years old, not all children are able to do this. Therefore, up to this age, water infusions and teas based on motherwort are prescribed. Tablets are most often prescribed to children of primary school age and adolescents. Main indications for use: restless sleep, nervous system excitement, outbursts of aggression, irritability, signs of hyperactivity.

The drug is equally useful for men, women and children. The herb increases resistance to stress, relaxes muscles and the nervous system, and relieves emotional stress.

It is only important to correctly calculate the age dosage. After all, motherwort, like all sedatives, produces significant side effects in case of overdose.

But with a small dose, its therapeutic effect will be quite low.

Motherwort in tablets is indicated for neuroses, insomnia, physical and mental fatigue, heart and vascular diseases, and at the initial stage of hypertension. In complex therapy, the drug is prescribed for digestive disorders, urinary disorders, and metabolic problems. This is the first sedative for women with PMS and during the premenopausal period.

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.

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).

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.

Should I give motherwort to my child or not?

Pediatricians and neurologists answer this question unanimously: give if there is evidence for it. You should not use the medication yourself. If you are unsure whether your baby needs a herbal extract, ask your doctor for advice.

Indications for use of the drug in children are the following situations:

  • excessive anxiety (poor sleep in infants, frequent crying for no reason, irritability);
  • hyperactivity syndrome (diagnosed after 2 years);
  • chronic loss of strength and fatigue (at school age);
  • emotional stress, insomnia;
  • headaches, stress (often occur during exams);
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia (in adolescents);
  • panic attacks, neuroses and hysteria;
  • crisis 1, 3 or more years;
  • hypertension, arrhythmia, vascular diseases.

As you can see, motherwort is prescribed to a child not only for the purpose of achieving a sedative effect. The medication helps improve the condition of many diseases. Despite this, the medicine is not used on its own. After all, you still need to find out in what form and dose to give the medicine to the children.

Contraindications

The main contraindications are associated not with natural raw materials, but with the auxiliary components that make up the substance.
Thus, a direct contraindication for use is individual intolerance to one of the ingredients of the natural medicine. In addition, manufacturers advise stopping taking pills during pregnancy. A woman will expose her child to unreasonable danger if she decides to use the drug for a long time during this delicate period.

It is also not recommended to use the product for gastritis during exacerbation, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and bradycardia. You should avoid the substance or carry out treatment under the strict supervision of a doctor if a person has a tendency to allergic reactions.

How to prepare a bath with motherwort for a child

Before brewing motherwort for bathing your baby, it is necessary to rule out an allergic reaction. To do this, the herbal remedy is applied to the inner bend of the arm. If after 2-3 hours redness appears at the application site and the child begins to behave restlessly, then you should refrain from the procedure.

A bath with motherwort for newborns is made based on an infusion or decoction of the plant, the recipes for which we gave above. In a filled baby bath, dilute 500 ml of the finished strained product.

A bath with motherwort for babies effectively calms an overexcited nervous system, reduces muscle tone and normalizes sleep. It is best to carry out the procedure in the evening to make it easier for the baby to fall asleep.

What it is

Motherwort is a medicinal plant that is not rare in Russia. It is found in wastelands and along roads in almost all central regions of the country, as well as in the Caucasus and Siberia.

The roots and flowers of the plant are not used for medicinal purposes; only the leaves and stems are harvested. The raw materials are collected and dried in the summer, when the motherwort blooms; it is during this period that the maximum concentration of useful substances accumulates in its greenery. The plant contains:

  • Alkaloids. The plant contains several of them (stahydrine, leonurin). Their presence makes motherwort a rather powerful antidepressant.
  • Tannins. The presence of tannin, in particular, gives motherwort anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and restorative properties.
  • Essential oil. This component of the plant affects the blood vessels of the brain and heart, gently and quickly relieving spasms.
  • Carotene. Provides antioxidant effect.
  • Ascorbic acid. Vitamin C gives motherwort additional benefits for use against vascular diseases.
  • Steroid and flavonoid glycosides. Thanks to them, motherwort has a pronounced sedative or anti-inflammatory effect.

Chemical composition

The healing properties of motherwort are explained by the valuable elements that make up the plant. Motherwort includes the following substances:

  • alkaloids are compounds that help relieve spasms. They have a sedative effect,
  • flavonoids - special substances that strengthen blood vessels and relieve swelling,
  • tannins - elements that eliminate inflammation, have astringent properties,
  • carotene is a substance that acts as an antioxidant,
  • saponins – elements with bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties;
  • rutin is vitamin P, which strengthens the immune system. It slows down the heart rate and reduces blood pressure. Good diuretic;
  • glycosides - compounds that help fight arrhythmia and activate the tone of the heart muscle;
  • essential oils.

Thanks to these elements, motherwort has an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and soothing effect.

One of the ancient medicinal plants

Motherwort has been known to man for a long time; it is included in the list of the oldest medicines. It was called “dog” or “deaf” nettle, “lion’s tail”, “core”, as well as motherwort: hairy or hairy, common, hairy or heart. It was widely used in folk medicine. Medieval healers used this herb to relieve their patients from various ailments: pulmonary diseases, heaviness in the stomach, nervous disorders, heart problems, high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. In those days, motherwort was used in the form of tea and water infusions, freshly squeezed juice and alcohol tincture. Official medicine recognized the therapeutic effect of motherwort in the first half of the last century, when science studied its therapeutic properties and proved its positive effect in the treatment of cardiovascular and nervous diseases. Nowadays, this medicinal herb is listed in the Russian State Pharmacopoeia as a sedative and hypnotic. In addition to tablets with this calming herb, the pharmaceutical industry produces an alcoholic tincture of motherwort. In reviews, doctors and patients call it one of the best anti-stress medications that have a gentle and beneficial effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Beneficial properties of a tincture based on a medicinal plant

Pharmacists prepare alcoholic or water-containing solutions, tinctures and extracts based on medicinal herbs. It is simply dried and added to tea.

The medicinal plant is used to treat neurosis, epilepsy, intestinal disorders, hypertension, heart ailments and thyroid pathologies.

The useful plant has a rich biochemical composition, including:

coumarins;

  • organic acids;
  • bitterness;
  • essential oils;
  • bioflavonoids;
  • vitamin E and C;
  • glycosides;
  • tannins;
  • carotene.

The plant is also rich in microelements, which effectively influence the functioning of all organs and tissues. The main thing is to use the herbal product correctly and adhere to the dosages recommended by the specialist.

Medicines with a healing extract are often prescribed for cardiosclerosis, prolonged depression, insomnia, and endocrine system disorders. Dry motherwort is added to tea to normalize the functioning of the central nervous system and eliminate insomnia.

Motherwort tincture is used to treat inflammation, burns and wounds, as the plant has a powerful regenerative and antimicrobial effect.

Water tincture for babies

For a teaspoon or 2 bags of plant material you need to take about 200 ml of boiled water, which has previously been cooled to 80-90 degrees. Brew for about half an hour, and then keep in a water bath for about five minutes.

The herbal tincture must necessarily go through a filtration stage; if you brewed bags, there is no need to filter the finished decoction. The dosage of this product for children from 2 to 3 years old is 2 tablespoons three times a day, for children from 1 to 2 years old - 1-2 teaspoons three times a day.

The dosage can be doubled for very nervous children, but only a doctor can make such a decision.

All about sedatives is in the program of Dr. Komarovsky.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0LO5e5e%2520

Tips for parents

  1. If a child does not like the smell of a certain herb, it can be replaced with another with similar properties.
  2. A baby may cry because the water in the bathroom is too hot or cold. Try to select a comfortable temperature. Focus on 37 gr. If the bathroom is cool, prepare it by pre-warming it.
  3. Bathe your baby in a small bathtub or basin. An adult bath can frighten a child.
  4. Be careful not to get water into your nose or ears. This may frighten the baby.
  5. Do not squeeze the child with great force.
  6. You should not bathe immediately after feeding. It is recommended to wait 1.5 or 2 hours. It is also unwise to bathe hungry, because the baby will cry and be capricious during the bath.
  7. Monitor the child's condition. If the baby is tired or wants to sleep, it is better to reduce the bathing procedure or eliminate it altogether.
  8. Bathing time for newborns is 10-20 minutes. By 6 months the procedure is increased to 30 minutes.
  9. After the bath, I leave the baby to lie without a towel for 5 minutes. This is how hardening occurs. The temperature in the room should be 23-25 ​​degrees.
  10. Until the umbilical wound has healed, it is recommended to boil the water for the bath.

Bathing should be comfortable for the baby:

Bathing with hysterics and force leads to severe stress. If hysterics happen over and over again after a bath, you need to wait a few days. Then the procedure is performed, reducing the time. It is optimal to start with 3 minutes. Before morning bathing, wait a while until the baby wakes up. For comfortable bathing, you should purchase a special back support device (lounger) and a soft towel. Talk to your baby in a calm, gentle voice. This way he will be less nervous. Interestingly, after three months, bathing ceases to be a problem. Usually kids enjoy bathing and love water treatments. Bath the baby starting from the head, gradually moving to the legs

Particular attention is paid to folds. They are washed with gentle movements. At the end of bathing, the child is rinsed with slightly cool water.

Temperature per 1 degree lower than in the bath.

Description of the plant

Only the leaves and stems of the herb differ in their medicinal properties. The plant should be collected in the summer, during flowering. Motherwort contains numerous beneficial components. Taken together, they have a beneficial effect on the human body during nervous overstrain, depressed mood, and overexcitability.

Children sometimes tend to experience a state of stress and excitability, to a greater extent than adults, as a result of learning about the world around them. In such a situation, motherwort helps normalize the baby’s sleep and reduce stress.

Some pediatricians claim that motherwort helps babies adapt more easily to environmental conditions. When entering kindergarten, adaptation to new conditions is easier, without disturbing the child’s nervous state, and improving sleep.

A three-year-old child can take Motherwort only as directed by a doctor. Self-administration is contraindicated. It leads to adverse reactions in the form of nervous system disorders, allergic rashes, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Medicine can be prescribed for a baby if:

  • difficulty falling asleep, insomnia;
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • low resistance to stress;
  • frequent headaches in the baby;
  • high blood pressure;
  • tendency to panic attacks, nervous overexcitability;
  • weak immunity;
  • enuresis;
  • tachycardia.

Motherwort grass has many beneficial properties, including:

  • anti-inflammatory,
  • antispasmodic,
  • painkiller,
  • decongestant,
  • restorative,
  • vasoconstrictor,
  • calming.

Useful and medicinal properties of motherwort

Many people know about the calming properties of motherwort. This plant and medicines based on it are widely used by people prone to hysterics and panic attacks, and are recommended for people with reduced resistance to stress. The range of medicinal properties of motherwort is actually much wider. He helps:

  • strengthen the immune system;
  • get rid of headaches or migraines;
  • cope with teenage vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • stabilize heart rate;
  • relieve symptoms of tachycardia;
  • get rid of sleep disorders;
  • eliminate chronic fatigue;
  • normalize blood pressure;
  • during attacks of epilepsy.

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.


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.

Dosage of motherwort according to the age of children

Before giving motherwort to children, read the instructions. It clearly indicates the dosage of the product for each specific age.

Motherwort tablets should not be given to children under 8 years of age. At the age of 8-12 years, the doctor will prescribe no more than 1 tablet three times a day.

Motherwort tincture for children under 3 years of age can only be used as a night bath. For every liter of water, 20 drops of medicine are needed. It is given to babies who have restless sleep, and on the eve of sleep are in a bad mood and moodiness. The tincture will help relieve excessive anxiety, excitability, and normalize heart rhythms. While taking a bath, the baby will inhale the smell of the medicine, and his condition will improve.

For children over 3 years old, a couple of drops of tincture can be added to tea or water and given 3 times a day.

Motherwort infusion for children, as well as its decoction, is given even to babies. If they are not yet 2 years old, you can brew 1 teaspoon of herb in 250 ml of boiling water. Leave for an hour. After cooling, you can give your child 2 teaspoons three times a day.

Attention: do not give the infusion without consulting a doctor

Children over 2 years old are already given 2 tablespoons, three times a day with tea or water.

How to give motherwort to children is now clear, but these are general recommendations. The characteristics of each individual child must also be taken into account.

  1. There are different situations in a child's life. He may experience extreme stress, as a result of which he will be too excitable, irritable, and hysterical. In this case, you can give him motherwort. Don't forget about the correct dosage!
  2. If such a condition drags on and progresses, only the doctor decides whether to give motherwort to the child or not. Otherwise, self-medication can make the situation worse. It may very well be that such a condition will need to be treated with antipsychotics, and giving the child motherwort to drink will be not only useless, but also dangerous.
  3. To all forms in which this medicine is produced, it is better to prefer a decoction of herbs collected independently. It can be used both fresh and dried. It is collected in the second half of summer, away from highways, plants and factories. The pharmaceutical tincture is prepared with alcohol, so children can use it only after 8 years of age after consulting a doctor.
  4. To prevent the baby from being scared away by the bitter taste of the grass, it is better to give it with sweet tea or water.
  5. It is not recommended to give motherwort to a child in the first half of the day, as it has sedative properties and the baby will be sleepy and lethargic. A student may generally fall asleep in class. The optimal time for motherwort treatment is 30 minutes before bedtime.
  6. If motherwort is prescribed to a child several times during the day, the doctor should give recommendations on what specific time it is best to give it.

The answer to the question whether motherwort can be given to children has been given in full and in detail. The main thing is to follow the recommendations, not to exceed the dosage and not to violate the medication regimen.

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.

Magnificent trio

If a combination of medicinal herbs makes it possible to enhance their effectiveness, then why not go further? Take tincture of valerian, motherwort, hawthorn. How to drink this combination remedy? You should start with a minimum amount, that is, 3 drops of each type. And it’s even easier to immediately mix them in one bottle. For 4 weeks, this remedy can be taken, gradually increasing the dosage, up to a teaspoon of the composition.

This medicinal collection has the following effects:

  • Improves heart function.
  • Reduces nervous excitability and anxiety.
  • Improves sleep, especially when falling asleep.
  • Relieves headaches and migraines.
  • Provides excellent relaxation when experiencing psychological fatigue.

Reviews

Zelenkova Olesya:

The doctor prescribed motherwort decoction for us when we were 2 years old. The herb helped to calm down, although the taste was very bitter; I had to try my best to persuade the child to drink this medicine.

Vasilyeva Daria:

Previously, everyone was treated with our remedies, because there were no imported sweet medicines and nothing, they grew up healthy. Of course, it is better not to give motherwort to a one-year-old child, but I think it is also possible for older children if prescribed by a doctor.

Krasnova Sofia:

I have twins and both are hyperactive. The pediatrician prescribed motherwort tincture for up to a year. We added 3-4 drops to the bath before bathing the children, it helped, the kids began to sleep more peacefully at night. After a year, the decoction was added to the drink.

Almost every mother knows how rare calm children are. Therefore, very often parents begin to seriously think about buying sedatives for overly frisky and active kids. One of the most common sedatives is motherwort. However, before “calming” their child with it, parents should know for sure whether motherwort tincture can be given to children. The dosage and instructions for taking this drug should also be carefully studied.

pharmachologic effect

The herbal drug has several effects:

  • sedative;
  • cardiotonic;
  • hypotensive;
  • negative chronotropic effect.

These effects are associated with the rich chemical composition of the plant, represented by biologically active substances (bioflavonoids, essential oil, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals and others).

  • During treatment with motherwort, psychomotor excitability decreases, the process of falling asleep improves, and the sleep itself becomes calm, deep and long.
  • A positive stabilizing effect is also exerted on the autonomic nervous system, which innervates the functioning of blood vessels and internal organs: symptoms of cardioneurosis, such as prolonged pain in the heart area, are eliminated, as well as a typical sign of VSD - surges in blood pressure.
  • The cardiotonic effect is expressed in an increase in the strength of heart contractions and a decrease in their frequency.

Motherwort tincture has a stronger (2-3 times) inhibitory effect on a number of central nervous system functions than valerian-based tincture, i.e. has a strong sedative effect.

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.

In what cases is it contraindicated to take motherwort?

The instructions for any medicinal product must indicate contraindications in which cases motherwort should not be used by children. It is extremely important to follow these rules so that serious and irreparable consequences do not occur later. The use of motherwort is contraindicated in the following cases:

  • with bradycardia (low heart rate);
  • with hypotension (low blood pressure);
  • when taking other sleeping pills with sedative effects;
  • with gastritis;
  • for gastric ulcers;
  • with individual drug intolerance.

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.

AgeDosageInstructions for use
Motherwort for newborns500 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 year1 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 old2 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 old1 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 old1-2 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 dosage3-4 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 old15 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 old2 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 dosage1 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 dosage1 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 dosage1 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 older20-25 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

:

  1. Motherwort - 20 gr.
  2. 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

:

  1. Motherwort - 20 gr.
  2. 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

:

  1. Motherwort - 40 gr.
  2. 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.

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