Is it possible to give motherwort to a baby? How to properly prepare a bath for bathing a baby with motherwort, methods of brewing medicinal herbs. Indications, contraindications

many parents at a certain stage of their educational activity, they have to deal with the abnormal behavior of the child. This problem sometimes occurs repeatedly, but at different stages of the development of the baby. Especially often in children there are various behavioral reactions, insomnia, irritability and nervousness at 2-3 years of age. This can be considered a kind of "crisis of growing up", which, of course, will pass. However, such situations sometimes require correction of the child's behavior. Folk remedies help to cope with his nervousness, one of which is motherwort.

Despite its natural origin motherwort has a very complex composition in which experts understand to this day. It is worth noting that infusions and tinctures based on motherwort have a calming effect twice as much as, for example, valerian. Therefore, motherwort preparations should be used carefully and wisely, especially for children. Ideally, of course, before use, you should consult with a pediatrician, therapist or neurologist about dosages and the course of treatment.

Motherwort reduces arterial pressure , regulates the work of the heart (strength and frequency of contractions), eliminates, relieves spasms, normalizes the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, lowers blood sugar levels and, of course, has a sedative effect. The sedative effect is manifested mainly due to the normalization of the natural processes of inhibition. Motherwort has such properties due to the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, essential oils and tannins. It should be noted that the ability to influence blood pressure and cardiac contractility makes motherwort wary, especially if it has to be given to a child. The main thing is to scrupulously observe the dosage, then adverse consequences can be avoided. If, while taking motherwort, the child began to feel unwell, complain of nausea, weakness, drowsiness or headache, go to the hospital immediately - these may well be signs of an overdose or normal intolerance.

Today at pharmacies a wide range of different dosage forms of preparations based on motherwort is offered. It is believed that a child can use motherwort even from three months, but children should not receive it in the form alcohol tincture, and water infusion or decoction. Children of the youngest age should consult a doctor to determine the optimal dosage. If the child is 3 years old, he can be given a tincture, but the dose will be very small - it is enough to add only 1-2 drops of motherwort tincture to a glass of water.

If there is need to remove nervous excitability in a child under two years old, it is worth using baths with the addition of motherwort. Children's skin is very thin and delicate, therefore it easily absorbs many substances, it is thanks to this that motherwort decoction will have a slight sedative effect. The aroma of motherwort on a child, oddly enough, will also have a calming effect, both in the process of bathing and some time later, because it lingers on the baby's thin skin. Also, through Airways some amount active ingredients motherwort will enter the body. Using such "indirect" ways of using motherwort, you will protect your baby from an overdose.

To prepare such a sedative baths usually not only motherwort is taken. In equal proportions, you need to take, knotweed and sedative collection No. 2. Herbs are mixed, and 3 tablespoons of this mixture should be poured with a glass of boiling water. Infuse herbs for about 40 minutes, strain and dilute in 10 liters of warm water. In such a bath, the baby is bathed for 10-15 minutes. You need to repeat the bath every other day, the optimal number of procedures is 12-15.

Sometimes it happens that child there was a real tantrum for some reason. The situation is one-time, but if it is not possible to calm the child by the usual methods, motherwort again comes to the rescue. 1 teaspoon of dry chopped grass should be brewed in a glass of boiling water, insist and strain. You can give this infusion to your child 2 teaspoons up to three times a day. If the child is 3 or more years old, you can add a drop or two of alcohol tincture of motherwort to half a glass of water and let the child drink slowly. However, remember that these methods are a measure of emergency.

Some parents tend exaggerate a child's nervousness, assuming that the destination medicines he needs. But before you start giving your baby motherwort or other remedies, try to normalize his behavior in the usual ways. Children under one year old behave restlessly due to colic, erupting teeth. It is not uncommon for a young child to develop an attention deficit symptom for a variety of reasons (parents' divorce, the birth of a second child, and others). It makes sense to eliminate the cause of nervousness directly, to create comfortable conditions for the baby, then he will behave more calmly. As for increased activity, it is typical for children, especially those who have nothing to do. In this case, the child needs more correction of education. Try to direct the child's energy in the right direction by offering interesting outdoor games and other activities.

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Motherwort is a well-known herbal preparation that has a strong sedative effect. Often among the people you can hear its other names, 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 motherwort is indicated.

This drug is prescribed not only for adults, but also for children, even the smallest. There are two main indications for the use of this herbal remedy:

The syndrome of increased neuro-reflex excitability is a fairly common phenomenon and occurs in almost half of babies born at a gestational age of at least 38 weeks. Children under one year of age may show the following symptoms: Moro reflex (startle reflex), increased muscle tone, trembling of the hands, feet and chin, restless sleep and wakefulness. Children who are already 1 year old are not able to play quiet and calm games, they are overly talkative and mobile (moreover, 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 tantrums, lack of concentration and intolerance of separation from their mother even for a short time.

Motherwort can help to cope with all these ailments. However, before proceeding to treatment, it is necessary to consult with a specialist. In order to avoid the development of more serious nervous diseases, as well as in order to correctly choose the optimal form of medication and dosage

Instructions for the use of motherwort for children

Doctors do not recommend giving this herbal preparation orally to babies who are not yet a year old. After all, "heart grass" is a fairly strong sedative that suppresses the central nervous system. The softest and best option for babies are motherwort baths.

Children from the first year of life can make a decoction of grass and add it to the 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 the child's body, in particular for the nervous system. It is better to replace the tincture with dry herbal raw materials.

Children aged 8 years and older can be given medicine in tablets. As a rule, the dose can be 1-3 tablets per day, however, it is up to the doctor to determine the correct dosage on an individual basis.

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. tablespoons of dried and chopped motherwort or 7 filter bags. "Heart grass" should be brewed with 500 ml of boiling water and let it 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 that he needs.

Decoction

Up to 2 years: brew one teaspoon fresh or dry medicinal herb a glass of boiling water, close and let it brew for an hour. Give your child two teaspoons three times a day. It is important that this treatment be agreed with the doctor, since motherwort decoction is recommended only in severe cases.
2-12 years old: 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. May be given three times a day.

How to give alcohol tincture

Alcohol tinctures for babies under 3 years old 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

Children under 8 years of age taking the drug in the form of tablets is contraindicated.
For children 8-12 years old, as a rule, the doctor prescribes a daily three-time dose of the drug, 1 tablet. Self-medication is excluded.

Contraindications to the use of motherwort

To any shape medicinal product there is an instruction where contraindications are indicated - cases when it is strictly forbidden to give motherwort to children. Compliance with these rules will avoid serious and irreparable consequences. Contraindications to the use of motherwort are:

bradycardia (low heart rate);
hypotension (low blood pressure);
taking other sleeping pills with a sedative effect;
gastritis;
stomach ulcer;
drug intolerance.

Reviews

Zelenkova Olesya: The doctor prescribed us a decoction of motherwort at the age of 2. The grass helped to calm down, although the taste is very bitter, I had to persuade the child in every possible way to drink this medicine.

Vasilyeva Daria: Previously, everyone was treated with our means, because there were no imported sweet medicines and nothing, they grew up healthy. Certainly, one year old baby it is better not to give motherwort, but older children can also be prescribed by a doctor, I think.

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

Motherwort is a well-known herbal preparation that has a strong effect. Often among the people you can hear its other names, 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 from what age in what form and dosage it is shown.

Is it possible to give motherwort to a child?

This drug is prescribed not only for adults, but also for children, even the smallest. There are two main indications for the use of this herbal remedy:

The syndrome of increased neuro-reflex excitability is a fairly common phenomenon and occurs in almost half of babies born at a gestational age of at least 38 weeks. Children under one year of age may show the following symptoms: Moro reflex (startle reflex), increased muscle tone, trembling of the hands, feet and chin, restless sleep and wakefulness. Children who are already 1 year old are not able to play quiet and calm games, they are overly talkative and mobile (moreover, movements can be involuntary).
Hyperactivity syndrome is an equally common neurological-behavioral disorder. Hyperactive babies are also characterized by excessively high energy and mobility, frequent tantrums, lack of concentration and intolerance of separation from their mother even for a short time.

Instructions for the use of motherwort for children

Dry motherwort herb for baths

Decoction

Up to 2 years: brew one teaspoon of fresh or dry medicinal herbs with a glass of boiling water, close and let it brew for an hour. Give your child two teaspoons three times a day. It is important that this treatment be agreed with the doctor, since motherwort decoction is recommended only in severe cases.
2-12 years old: 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. May be given three times a day.

How to give alcohol tincture

Alcohol tinctures for babies under 3 years old 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

Children under 8 years of age taking the drug in the form of tablets is contraindicated.
For children 8-12 years old, as a rule, the doctor prescribes a daily three-time dose of the drug, 1 tablet. Self-medication is excluded.

Contraindications to the use of motherwort

For any form of the drug there is an instruction where contraindications are indicated - cases when it is strictly forbidden to give motherwort to children. Compliance with these rules will avoid serious and irreparable consequences. Contraindications to the use of motherwort are:

bradycardia (low heart rate);
hypotension (low blood pressure);
taking other sleeping pills with a sedative effect;
gastritis;
stomach ulcer;
drug intolerance.

Motherwort, which is also called “heart grass”, “dog nettle”, has a strong (2-3 times stronger than that of valerian) sedative (sedative) effect. Doctors recommend taking it with increased nervous excitability, neurosis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, and insomnia. In addition, motherwort regulates the rhythm of the heart and helps with angina and other diseases. of cardio-vascular system(hence its second name - "heart grass"). Motherwort is also used as a mild choleretic agent, helps with inflammatory diseases intestines and stomach cramps, and in folk medicine even rheumatism is treated with motherwort.

Is it possible to give motherwort to a child?

Assign motherwort and children, and from a very young age. The main indications for the use of motherwort in children are the "restless child" syndrome and hyperactivity syndrome.

Restless Child Syndrome(scientific name - increased neuro-reflex excitability syndrome) is a very common phenomenon that occurs in almost 50% of full-term children. In babies up to a year, the symptoms of increased neuro-reflex excitability can be considered a spontaneous Moro reflex (raising arms with open fingers not caused by an external stimulus), increased muscle tone, trembling of the chin, legs and arms, anxiety during sleep and wakefulness. In one-year-old children and older, the "restless child" syndrome manifests itself in the inability to play calm, quiet games, increased motor activity (including aimless - extra movements of the arms, legs, head), talkativeness.
hyperactivity syndrome- a violation of the activity of the central nervous system, also very common in children. Hyperactive children also demonstrate excessive motor activity, nervous excitability, and also do not tolerate even a short-term separation from their mother, they cannot concentrate, they often have tantrums.

With all of these symptoms, motherwort can help. Just before treating a child with motherwort, be sure to consult a doctor. Firstly, in order not to miss the development of more severe nervous diseases, and secondly, in order to choose the right dosage form, method of administration and dosage.

Reading time for this article: 11 min.

Mothers face the tantrums of their children. Sometimes children show nervousness or fear. Mothers are not always able to cope with the problems that have arisen on their own. In such cases, they turn to specialists who advise giving motherwort to a restless baby. Among people suffering from cardiovascular pathologies, it is called heart grass, and among the people - dog nettle. It perfectly relaxes the nervous system. There are also age restrictions, contraindications and side effects. But then is it possible to give motherwort to children?

motherwort in nature

Motherwort is a medicinal plant with a calming effect. It grows in open areas. People who are versed in medicinal plants collect it and dry it, but for those who do not know what it looks like, it is easier to buy medicine at a pharmacy. Motherwort is sold in the form of tablets, alcohol tinctures, or in dry form.

Parents in most cases believe that weed is safe for babies. This is an erroneous opinion, since motherwort has a strong sedative effect, and also slows down the heartbeat. Thus, you should know in what specific situations this medicinal herb can be used.

This herb will eliminate the following difficult situations in childhood:

Anxiety.
Fright.
Whims.
hysterical state.
Sleep problems.
Hyperactivity.
Excited state for no reason.

It will be easier for young children to endure the stress associated with getting used to new social conditions, for example, attending a kindergarten or school. Taking this herb will relieve headaches, stabilize in teenage girls menstrual cycle, increase the body's defenses, normalize blood pressure.

The positive qualities of motherwort will appear only when it is prescribed by a doctor who correctly calculates the dose for a small patient.

Water tincture of motherwort

Water tincture is prescribed for crumbs up to the age of three. It is done by the parents themselves. Purchased at the pharmacy herbal collection, or medicinal herb in filter bags.

For 200 ml of boiled water that has cooled to 90 degrees, you need to add a teaspoon of dried herbs, or 2 filter bags. It should be brewed for about 30 minutes, and then steamed for another five minutes. The tincture is filtered. If filter bags were used, this is not necessary. For children from 1 to 2 years old, give a teaspoon in the morning, afternoon and evening. From 2 to 3 years - 2 tbsp. l. every 4-5 hours.

In some cases, the dosage is increased, but only if the baby is very nervous. It is forbidden for parents to change the dose of the medicine on their own, only a doctor should do this.

motherwort stalk

In what cases is it given to children

At an early age, motherwort is prescribed if the baby is restless, his sleep pattern is disturbed, or he does not fall asleep well. High excitability in the first months of life is observed in most full-term children, it is manifested by spontaneous trembling of the chin and limbs.

After 12 months, restless baby syndrome can be diagnosed, which has the following symptoms:

Strong talkativeness.
Active games are noisy.
Constant movement of the upper and lower limbs.
No perseverance.

In the period after two years, hyperactivity syndrome appears. It is manifested by frequent tantrums, problems with concentration, strong motor activity and nervous excitability. All this may be due to the incorrect activity of the nervous system and may need to be corrected with sedatives.

Heart grass is prescribed for:

Vegetovascular dystonia in adolescents.
Constant fatigue in schoolchildren.
Sleep disturbances and other problems with falling asleep in children.
Increased sensitivity to stress.
Having a predisposition to tantrums and panic.
Anxiety when teething.
Failure of the heart rhythm.
High blood pressure.
Head pain syndrome.
epileptic seizures.
Reduced immunity.

From what age should I give a sedative?

Motherwort is allowed for children from the first year of birth, but only after a doctor's prescription. Most often, tincture is used, adding it to bathing water, at the rate of 20 drops per liter. The baby, inhaling the air with motherwort vapor, calms down, which facilitates his further falling asleep.

Crumbs from the age of three to 12 years are prescribed tincture only as prescribed by a neurologist. 1-2 drops are diluted in a half-filled glass (100 ml) of liquid, and drunk.

motherwort leaves

Is it possible to give motherwort tablets to children?

From the age of eight, it is allowed to use the drug in the form of tablets. Up to 12 years old, they usually prescribe one tablet in the morning, afternoon and evening, the duration of treatment is determined by a pediatrician or neuropathologist. From the age of 12, the number of tablets may increase.

A less popular use for motherwort is as an herbal decoction or infusion. If you give it to patients under the age of two years, then no more than two teaspoons. From 2 to 12 years old, the dose increases to 1-2 tbsp. l. three times a day.

How to drink and what to watch out for

Many mothers are interested in the question of side effects, because each medicine has not only positive, but also negative properties.

motherwort on children's body can affect in two ways. For some children, it relieves emotional stress and improves brain activity. They increase concentration, improve memory and improve new skills more easily. In other babies, heart grass has a strong sedative effect. As a result, children are reduced physical activity and there are difficulties with concentration due to severe depression of the nervous system.

Improper use threatens the development of hypotension and slowing of the heartbeat. Thus, it is imperative to follow the recommendations:

Before using motherwort, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will select the dose and duration of administration.
Be sure to follow the doctor's recommendations when preparing a decoction for baths.
Use only freshly prepared broth.

It is worth remembering the side effects. After all, every medicine has them, and motherwort is no exception.

Alcoholic tincture of motherwort

Alcohol tincture can be bought at any pharmacy. Many parents are afraid to give it to their kids, because the instructions say that the tincture is given to children only from the age of 12. This is explained by the fact that clinical trials on young children have not been conducted, so there is no documented evidence of safety. But, despite this, the drug is used by pediatricians to treat children under 12 years of age.

You can make your own alcohol tincture. You need to take 20 grams of dry herb motherwort and 200 milligrams of vodka. Combine ingredients and close lid tightly. The future tincture is placed in a dark, cool place. She insists for one week. Then it is filtered through gauze.

Tincture normalizes sleep and eliminates increased anxiety and nervous excitability.

The general principle of using alcohol tincture is as follows: one drop per year of a child's life. But it can not be used for up to three years. After all, alcohol, even in a meager dose, negatively affects the children's nervous system.

Can children take motherwort up to three years old?

It is allowed to give a decoction or homemade water tincture, but without alcohol.

To prepare a decoction, you will need 20 grams of motherwort and 350 ml of water. Dry grass is washed and crushed, then filled with water. Put the resulting mixture on a slow fire and bring to a boil. Boil the broth should be for 7-10 minutes. Remove from stove and cool to room temperature. It must be taken in 2 tsp. 3 times a day. Children over 12 years old drink 2 tbsp. l. in a day.

The decoction calms the nervous system, improves sleep and concentration.

Side effects of the drug

Treatment with motherwort is not suitable for all children. Parents should remember this, especially when they are given advice by people who do not have a medical education, or if there is an individual intolerance to this drug. Side effects may occur during treatment.

It is forbidden to give motherwort to children:

With a slow heartbeat.
If you have low blood pressure.
With pathologies of the stomach, namely with gastritis or ulcers.
With other sedatives.

If during the reception the child's well-being worsened, nausea, weakness, drowsiness appeared, headache, inform your doctor immediately. Perhaps these are symptoms of an overdose or individual intolerance.

Why should the herb be used only when prescribed by a doctor?

Often people take medicinal herbs lightly, believing that the treatment has little effect. Sometimes parents exaggerate the nervousness of the child and believe that he needs sedatives.

But before starting treatment, you should try to stabilize the child's behavior. simple ways. After all, babies up to a year are often worried about colic or teeth, and not excessive excitability.

In some cases, children develop an attention deficit disorder that may be caused by a major event in their lives. Thus, parents should first try to eliminate the cause of the restless behavior and create comfortable conditions for the child, and then the behavior will stabilize.

Sometimes hyperactivity is a consequence of the fact that the child has nothing to do. In this case, a simple adjustment of education is necessary. Adults should try to direct children's energy in the right direction, for example, offer outdoor games.

Conclusion

Motherwort is a good sedative. However, it should be used like any other medicine. That is, according to the doctor's prescription and strictly