Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Motherwort is a herbaceous perennial plant, classified by botany into the Lamiaceae or Lamiaceae family. The generic scientific name of this plant translated from Latin sounds like “lion’s tail”, due to the distant similarity of the apical leaves with the tassel of a lion’s tail. Other common names are dog nettle (grass), heart grass , dead nettle, heart grass . From these names themselves, it becomes clear what motherwort helps with and for what diseases its medicinal properties will be useful.
Photo of the Motherwort plant
Motherwort herb, medicinal properties and contraindications
According to Wikipedia, in medical practice and folk recipes for the preparation of motherwort tincture, the benefits and harms of which will be discussed below, two types of this medicinal herb are used, namely: Motherwort Five-lobed (shaggy) and Motherwort Heart (ordinary), since the effects of other types of plants have been studied not good enough. The infusion is prepared from the dried upper parts of the plant, including flowers and leaves, for which the extractant can be ethanol ( ethyl alcohol ), more suitable for adult patients, or water (boiling water), which is the preferred solution base for children.
The medicinal properties and contraindications for motherwort tincture are dictated by the properties of the plant components included in the prepared raw materials. Dry motherwort herb includes alkaloids (stahydrine, leonuridine, choline , leonurine), beta-carotene , flavonoids ( quercetin , rutin , quinqueloside, cosmosin, quercimeritrin, hyperoside, etc.), leonuride, saponins , mineral salts (sulfur, potassium, sodium, calcium), approximately 5% tannins , vitamins (A, C, E), up to 0.05% essential oil, sugary and bitter ingredients, organic acids (citric, vanillic, malic, ursolic, tartaric), due to which similar effects occur valerian is sedative in nature .
Photo of motherwort grass
Motherwort is characterized by its positive effect on the functionality of the central nervous system, calming effects, potentiation of sleep (without a hypnotic effect), reduction of high nervous excitability , antagonism towards analeptics and their convulsive effects. The effectiveness of this remedy is observed in neurasthenia , psychoasthenia and neuroses occurring against the background of insomnia , a feeling of overexertion and increased reactivity. The drug is capable of correcting disorders of the nervous system of a functional nature that occur during premenopause and menopause .
Motherwort is also an effective remedy for blood pressure ( lowers blood pressure or increases blood circulation, heart rate and slows down the heart rate), is used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular pathologies ( angina pectoris , myocarditis, cardiosclerosis , palpitations, etc.), and is used for VSD ( vegetative-vascular dystonia ) to regulate heart rate.
The use of motherwort herb is useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers , painful menstruation, epilepsy , dyspeptic symptoms, thrombosis , bronchial asthma , Graves' disease , shortness of breath , uterine bleeding, paralysis , neuralgia , cough and other painful conditions in which its positive medicinal properties are manifested. The drug has a general strengthening, diuretic, antispastic and anti-inflammatory effect. In homeopathy it is used in case of patient complaints of flatulence , cardiac dysfunction and hyperthyroidism .
However, when using this herbal preparation, it is necessary to take into account not only the beneficial properties, but also the contraindications of motherwort, because often the benefits and harms of motherwort herb depend on the dosage of the remedy, the appropriateness of its use and the correctness of use. For example, motherwort in any form is contraindicated for pregnant women due to the increased threat of miscarriage , provoked by stimulation of uterine contractile function, for hypotensive patients due to the drug lowering blood pressure , for women with heavy, prolonged menstruation , due to the possibility of their intensification. Alcohol tincture should not be taken by people suffering from alcoholism , and an aqueous solution and other motherwort preparations should not be taken by people with allergies .
Mixtures of tinctures with motherwort
For a stronger effect on the human body, special mixtures of tinctures were developed that were much more effective in combating human problems.
Each of them is slightly different in composition, while having a beneficial effect on the human body. Below are some examples.
Calming Blend
Tincture mixture:
- valerian;
- motherwort;
- hawthorn;
- peony;
- mint.
This is not one medicine, but a collection of many combined in one container.
It needs to be taken:
- with increased aggressiveness;
- increased excitability;
- sleep problems
The tincture has the following medicinal properties:
- improves sleep;
- relieves nervous excitability;
- calms, normalizes raging nerves;
- regulates blood pressure and tone of the cardiovascular system.
The medicine should be taken morning and evening with a dosage of 30 drops per 100 ml. clean water. Do not use other liquids under any circumstances, as the alcohol base, together with various medicinal decoctions, can negatively affect your health and well-being.
Good Sleep Blend
Tincture mixture:
- valerian;
- motherwort;
- hawthorn;
- Corvalol;
- peony
This medicine is perfect for people suffering from insomnia. A mixture of beneficial herbs improves the functioning of the nervous system and normalizes the functioning of blood vessels.
Today, every pharmacy has a wide range of such tinctures, but there is also one folk remedy. It has been proven over the years that if we add Corvalol to a medicinal tincture, we get an unusually effective remedy.
Blend for stabilizing nervous condition
Tincture mixture:
- valerian;
- motherwort;
- hawthorn.
The alcohol mixture of these drugs is intended to prevent diseases of the nervous system, combat excessive nervousness, sleep problems, and attacks of uncontrolled aggression.
At the same time, it acts as a basis with which it is possible to create completely new folk medicines that help with other manifestations of nervous disorders and diseases.
Anti-aggression mixture
Tincture mixture:
- valerian;
- motherwort;
- hawthorn;
- Corvalol.
The use of this drug is due to problems with sleep, the cardiovascular system, and nervousness.
To prepare the medicine you will need:
- glass container;
- tinctures of medicinal herbs;
- Corvalol.
Once you mix all these ingredients, you get an excellent remedy for the above problems. For heart patients, the dose is 10-25 drops twice a day, for people suffering from insomnia - up to 30 drops twice a day.
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Blend for normalizing women's problems
Tincture mixture:
- valerian;
- motherwort;
- hawthorn;
- peony
An alcoholic mixture of tinctures of these herbs:
- has a positive effect on the nervous system;
- dilates blood vessels;
- has a beneficial effect on the menstrual cycle.
The advantages are its low cost , and in return you get an excellent healing agent. Yes, modern medical drugs are slowly pushing out a remedy that has been proven for centuries, but final victory will never happen.
It is worth noting that modern people increasingly give preference to drugs from the pharmaceutical industry, completely forgetting about such close and accessible folk remedies.
Modern doctors have long recognized the advantage of this method, advising patients to take alcohol tinctures. Whatever one may say, nature helps and takes care of us, even after we cruelly destroy it.
Indications for use
Indications for use of Motherwort tincture include:
- arterial hypertension in the initial stage;
- neurotic and asthenoneurotic painful conditions occurring with sleep disturbances ;
- neurocirculatory dystonia;
- feeling of irritability;
- neurasthenia;
- manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia ;
- tachycardia and increased excitability observed with hyperthyroidism ;
- neuroses of cardiovascular origin;
- vegetative neuroses during premenopause, accompanied by cardialgia , tachycardia and elevated blood pressure;
- mild sleep disturbances
- emotional excitement.
Contraindications
Contraindications to taking Motherwort tincture are:
- personal hypersensitivity ;
- pregnancy / lactation ;
- alcoholism (for alcohol tincture);
- ulcerative pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract during exacerbation;
- heavy/prolonged menstrual bleeding ;
- severe phase of arterial hypotension ;
- age up to 12 years.
You should take this medication with caution when:
- liver diseases;
- traumatic brain injuries;
- brain pathologies;
- in childhood (after 12 years).
How many drops of motherwort should an adult take?
Most often, motherwort is taken in the form of a tincture. Most often, the question of how many drops of motherwort an adult should take to calm down is asked by people who complain of irritability, fatigue, rapid heartbeat and frequent headaches.
Also interested in motherwort tincture dosage for adults for insomnia and nervous sleep. Only a doctor can tell you exactly how many drops of motherwort an adult should take to fall asleep or calm the nervous system. He will assess your age, the nature and duration of symptoms, the individual characteristics of the body and prescribe the maximum safe dosage of motherwort in drops for adults.
The approximate dosage is 30-50 drops of tincture.
Conditions for taking motherwort tincture - how to take it for adults:
- Dilute the tincture in 50 ml of boiled water (¼ cup).
- Take 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals 3 times a day.
- To fall asleep, take the medicine 30-40 minutes before going to bed.
With regular use of motherwort tincture, the nervous system calms down and the heart rate normalizes . At the same time, you maintain mental clarity and concentration. This effect occurs after 1.5–2 weeks of using the medicine. The course of treatment lasts from 2 to 4 weeks, after which you need to take a break.
Side effects
When taking Motherwort medicinal tincture, the following side effects may be observed:
- local allergic manifestations , most often expressed by redness , swelling of the skin and/or skin rash / itching (in case of personal hypersensitivity);
- feeling dizzy ;
- phenomena of dyspepsia ;
- fast fatiguability;
- daytime decrease in physical/mental performance;
- drowsiness.
Motherwort tincture, instructions for use
It should be remembered that you should not self-prescribe any sedative medications , which include motherwort herb. Before taking Motherwort tincture, you need to consult with your doctor, who, after conducting all the necessary research and the advisability of using this tincture, will recommend how to take it in drops and how many drops an adult patient or child should take. Also, if a patient is diagnosed with painful conditions associated with emotional arousal , the doctor can advise how to drink it to calm down.
Motherwort tincture drops are indicated for oral administration only, which is best taken approximately 30 minutes before meals. Patients of the adult age category (after 18 years) are recommended to take 30-50 drops of infusion 3-4 times every 24 hours. For children over 12 years of age, the dosage is calculated based on the ratio of 1 drop of alcohol solution per 1 year of life. The tincture can be taken either in pure form or diluted with water (¼ cup).
Results
Before you start taking motherwort tincture, it is important to consider its most important features:
The instructions for motherwort tincture indicate that it is especially useful for the female body. It has a lot of useful properties, so it is widely used for various pathologies. When taking this infusion, the instructions for its use must be strictly observed.
Analogs
Analogs of Motherwort tincture include medicinal preparations similar to it in their sedative and cardiotonic effects:
- Valerian (tincture, raw materials, tablets);
- Alora;
- Peony tincture;
- Bioson;
- Melissa (tincture, raw material);
- Antistress;
- Belisa;
- Hawthorn (tincture, raw material);
- Corvalol;
- Valemidin;
- Sonafit;
- Valdispert;
- Corvaldin;
- Dormiplant;
- Barboval;
- Sungmil;
- Valocormid;
- Tricardin;
- Karvelis;
- Menovalen;
- Korvaltab;
- Sedasen;
- Novo-Passit;
- Quiet;
- Persen;
- Sedavit;
- Phytosed;
- Donormil;
- Florised , etc.
Which is better – motherwort or valerian?
There is no clear answer to the question of which is better - motherwort or valerian . These medicinal plants are very similar in their main action and, by and large, differ only in some contraindications and the degree of their effectiveness. When choosing one of these therapeutic agents, the doctor, first of all, must be guided by the characteristics of the disease diagnosed in the patient and his individual response to the treatment, according to which a personal therapeutic regimen is selected.
In turn, both of these drugs are often mixed and recommended to be used together in different combinations of sedative medications, both factory-made and home-made. The most common folk recipe that receives positive reviews is the VKPBP , which includes five tinctures: peony
,
valerian , motherwort , corvalol , hawthorn .
Tincture of peony, hawthorn, motherwort, valerian, corvalol
Before taking motherwort , valerian , hawthorn , peony , Corvalol , you need to purchase these tinctures at the pharmacy and mix them in a dark glass vessel in equal proportions, for example, 25 ml each (in this case, you can limit yourself to 15 ml Corvalol ), after which take 10-15 drops orally every day (allowed with ¼ glass of water). In case of insufficient positive effect and in the absence of allergic manifestations, you can increase the daily dosage to 25 drops.
Reviews of a mixture of tinctures of valerian , motherwort , hawthorn , peony , Corvalol indicate a significantly greater sedative and cardiotonic effectiveness of this mixture, but also warn patients against its uncontrolled and excessive use, since such soothing drops not only multiply the positive properties of plants, but also potentiate their side effects.
How to take motherwort tablets for adults
The rules for taking motherwort in tablets - how to take it, before or after meals, how much - differ little from the conditions for taking an alcoholic tincture of the plant.
How to take motherwort forte in tablets:
- Start treatment only after consulting your doctor.
- Take 1 tablet with plenty of water.
- Dosage regimen: 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.
- Take the medicine at regular intervals.
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dose of 4 tablets.
- The course of treatment takes 2-4 weeks.
Motherwort tincture during pregnancy (and lactation)
The question of whether pregnant women can take motherwort, and whether this drug can be taken while breastfeeding , certainly worries many women, since the state of their nervous system during these periods is not in the best condition and often requires external support. The answer to the question of whether it is possible to drink motherwort tincture during pregnancy and during breastfeeding (breastfeeding) can be found in the official instructions, in which these stages in a woman’s life are listed as contraindications to the use of the drug due to the inclusion of ethyl alcohol . However, as practice shows, not everything is so simple and for pregnant and lactating women there is a way out of this situation, which consists in taking an aqueous solution of motherwort or tablets based on it, reviews of which are positive even in these cases.
Tablets or water tincture of motherwort during pregnancy in the early stages, or in later periods, as well as during lactation , can be taken by women, and sometimes even recommended for use, in order to bring their nervous system into a proper positive state, contributing to the normal overcoming of this difficult time.
Recipes for healing infusions for adults and children
It is worth remembering that a complete and lasting cure occurs with strict adherence to the rules for preparing motherwort. There are various forms of medicines based on it, but more often a basic decoction of motherwort is used for medical purposes, the instructions for use of which contain a minimum of contraindications compared to an alcohol tincture. Its use is prescribed from the age of two, as a medicine for childhood hyperactivity and emotional stress.
Base
Ingredients
- motherwort grass - 1 tbsp. l.;
- boiling water - 1 cup.
Preparation
- Pour the plant into a saucepan and pour boiling water over it for 10 minutes.
- Bring the broth to a boil, remove from heat.
- Cover with a lid and wait until it cools completely.
- Drink the strained broth three times a day, 20-30 minutes before meals, 1/3 cup. For children over 2 years old, add a tablespoon of decoction to their drink and consume it three times a day.
A decoction of valerian, motherwort, peppermint, walnut and hawthorn is prescribed for diseases of the thyroid gland, balancing the emotional and hormonal levels at the same time.
Endocrine
Ingredients
- peppermint - 1 tbsp. l.;
- green walnut - 1 tbsp. l.;
- dried motherwort - 1 tbsp. l.;
- valerian - 1 tbsp. l.;
- hawthorn fruits - 2 tbsp. l.
Preparation
- Pour a tablespoon of mixed raw materials into 300 ml of boiling water.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Bring to a boil, cool.
- We drink half a glass twice a day, before eating. Treatment is carried out in a course lasting up to 30 days.
A mixture of motherwort with sedative herbs helps with advanced insomnia and is well tolerated by older people.
Soothing
Ingredients
- hawthorn berries - 2 tbsp. l.;
- St. John's wort - 3 tbsp. l.;
- motherwort grass - 4 tbsp. l.;
- valerian - 1 tbsp. l.;
- lemon balm - 2 tbsp. l.
Preparation
- Pour the raw materials into a jar and mix.
- Pour 1 tbsp of boiling water into a glass. l. herbs, cool.
- Divide the infusion into 2 doses per day, consume before meals.
- Taking a bath with motherwort decoction is an effective calming procedure for all age groups of the population. Pediatricians advise bathing young children in the broth if they have problems falling asleep.
Reviews of Motherwort tincture
sedative herbal preparations are quite often discussed on the Internet , which, naturally, includes motherwort tincture, reviews of which in the vast majority of cases are completely positive. People who use this tincture, or the mixtures in which it is included, to maintain their nervous system in adequate condition, as well as to treat various heart disorders, note the high effectiveness of this remedy and the almost complete absence of negative side effects. Among the negative qualities, the most often mentioned are the bitter taste ethanol content .
It is precisely because of the alcohol base of motherwort tincture that most women are afraid of using it during pregnancy and breastfeeding , however, there are those who practice taking small doses of this drug and do not see this as a significant problem.
Composition and beneficial properties
The healing power of the herb lies in the composition of valuable essential oils that have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
It also contains a complex of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, bioflavonoids, alkaloids and glycosides. Proper drying and application of knowledge on how to brew motherwort for drinking allows you to preserve the beneficial substances in the finished product. Medicines based on motherwort are similar in their effect to valerian or lily of the valley preparations, but have a wider range of applications. The remedy is especially effective in the fight against the following ailments:
- sleep problems;
- chronic stress;
- nervousness;
- depression;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- hypertension;
- heart rhythm disturbances;
- thyroid disease.
It’s not for nothing that motherwort received its name - cardiologists prescribe it as a preventative and treatment for heart and vascular ailments. Use at an early stage of the disease is especially effective due to protection from the negative effects of stress.
Due to its bactericidal and healing properties, the plant is used externally to treat burns and deep wounds. However, the main area of use is all kinds of nervous disorders. By consuming a decoction of motherwort, the recipe for which is accessible and simple, you can not only recover from existing diseases, but also prevent their occurrence.