Herbal alternatives to Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl

With all the recalls taking place on over the counter drugs that most of us have relied on for years to take when we have headaches, achy muscles, anxiety, arthritis pain, and other bouts of pain in the body it's a great time to research alternatives. Certain lots of Tylenol and Benadryl where just added to the recall of the drug list that was done in January 2010. Reason being, a bad odor coming from the pallets that housed the lots of drugs, the drugs were sold in the United States and in Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago. People take these drugs for many different reasons, but the main reason for taking Tylenol seems to be for some sort of pain and the main reason for taking Benadryl seems to be for anxiety issues.

It is a relief to know that there are herbal alternatives to these drugs that are have reason for concern right now. One very good herbal alternative to these two drugs on recall is called Valerian. Valerian has been used for over 1,000 years as a sleep aid and there are many other uses other than insomnia and as a mild sleep aid. Valerian root can be found in Valerian tea, ground into a powder and put into capsules, as a tincture and added to many herbal medicines. Valerian root is a mild tranquilizer and has the effect of valium on a person who uses the extract according to the instructions. There are many ways in which a person can use Valerian to replace Tylenol and Benadryl, of the more popular ways is to use Valerian tincture and add around 30-40 drops with a pharmacy dropper into a favorite beverage or warm cup of tea.

When you have a headache valerian will take the headache away and in many times a lot faster than Tylenol. Valerian root works for all sorts of body aches and pains, whether it's muscles aches or an achy back, arthritis pain to post surgery pain. And since it is also a sleep aid it is very useful as a remedy for insomnia and sleepless nights as well as problems associated with sleep issues such as restless legs syndrome. One very well known action one can expect from valerian is that of a mild sedative, it will relax you a lot and that is great for those people who take Benadryl for anxiety issues. It can also help with asthma and reduce attacks by relaxing the muscles around the airways when they flare up. If it has to do with anxiety and nervousness then one cup of valerian root tea will settle everything. It is recommended that if you are using valerian root to help you off to sleep that you use it an hour before bedtime to make sure you are well relaxed.

Now there are some side effects that you will have to watch out for using valerian root, never use it or any herbal product without first consulting your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or nursing. It is not recommended drinking more than two cups of tea with valerian at one time to prevent overdose. Headaches and nervousness can occur if you overdose with valerian and an overdose can also cause violent vomiting and upset stomach. Valerian root is a great alternative to Tylenol and Benadryl and there is no better time that the present to try alternatives to the drugs that are being recalled.

For more information:
Five lots of Benadryl, Tylenol added to drug recall
Herb Almanac on valerian root