Herbs For Kids

Amid warnings about the hazards of over-the-counter cold remedies for children, herbal medicine may have a larger role to play in the health of our children.

With the help of a knowledgeable herbal practitioner, many of the herbs we use as adults can be safely used for children, albeit in smaller doses. Some herbs should be approached with caution, or avoided all together. For example:

Powerful laxatives (i.e. Senna) – use only with appropriate guidance
Strong tasting herbs (i.e. garlic, ginger, and wormwood) – use only with appropriate guidance.
In an effort to keep our children safe while using herbal remedies we run into some difficulties. First, most of the herbal remedies on store shelves are dosed for adults. Second, there are issues of adulteration in herbal products, that may have unexpected side-effects

Dosages for older children can be calculated by this formula, with the result being the percentage of the adult dose :

1.5 x weight in kg + 10
Or
(1.5 x weight in pounds) + 10
2.2

Figuring out the dosage is one thing, but getting them to take it is another. Children who have grown up with herbal remedies are usually easier to work with than those who haven’t. Offering a reward for taking the remedy can be helpful, so too can having a variety of different ways to give herbs, such as tinctures, glycerin extracts (which are sweet), syrups (also sweet), teas, even making them into popsicles. Adding sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup can be helpful.

But what about those colds and flus? Herbs that can be used for these illnesses include:

  • Herbs for the immune system Echinacea and/or Andrographis
  • Herbs for congestion Eyebright (Euphrasia off.), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), and/or Elder flowers (Sambucus nigra flos.)
  • Diaphoretic herbs these herbs help in the management of fever, they do not suppress it. It should be noted that fever is part of the body’s natural defense against certain infecting organisms . Herbs in this category include Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Elder flowers, and Peppermint.
  • For irritability Cat Nip (Nepeta cataria) or Lime flowers (Tilea europa)

Next time your child has a cold or flu, it may be comforting to know that there are still options available to you for the care of these precious members of the family.

Elizabeth Walker, CHT, RH

Elizabeth Walker is a Clinical Herbal Therapist and one of only seven Registered Herbalists in the province of Alberta, Canada. She specializes in helping motivated, action oriented people who want safe, natural and effective healthcare solutions. If you would like the references for this article email herbalist@amberleafwellness.ca
To learn more go to www.amberleafwellness.ca