Four herbs for kids’ wellness:
Children naturally have good vitality and do not generally need to take very
strong or tonifying herbs to achieve wellness. However, situations arise
and they have sensitive bodies and minds which can get thrown out of balance by
emotions, infections, or unfamiliar foods. This sensitivity helps them
respond very well to gentle herbal remedies. Herbs can be a safe and
effective way to encourage balance in children without causing extreme
reactions. While it is best to consult a professional herbalist when
using herbs with children, there are some herbs that have been used safely and
effectively with children for centuries. The most important thing to
remember is to work with appropriate dosages. As a rule of thumb,
children do well with 1/3 of the adult dose of herbs. They tend to take
readily to teas and syrups for medicine. Alcoholic tinctures can be used
if diluted in water first, though children prefer the sweeter taste of a
glycerite tincture (made from vegetable oils). Starting your babies and
children early on herbal medicines will prepare their little bodies taste buds
for more adventurous herbs later in life.
There are many herbs to write about that are appropriate for children, and four
stand out in my mind: Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Elder, and Catnip
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is one of the most well
known herbs for children. It can be used from infancy on to calm
irritability from emotions or teething, to help ward off a cold or flu, and to
ease stomach upset due to emotions or gas pains. It promotes digestion and
is good for colicky babies. Nursing mothers can drink a cup of chamomile
tea at night to encourage lactation and a deep sleep for their babies.
They can also freeze the tea in ice cubes to be used to ease the pain of
teething. Chamomile is known as ‘mother of the gut’ in Europe and is used
as a firsthand medicine for all gastrointestinal complaints.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)- is a calming, anti-viral
herb that makes a delicious tea. It can be used to encourage calm
and focus, alleviate emotional upset, or ward off a cold or flu. I know
many mothers who use lemon balm tea to help an easily upset and distractible
child focus on their schoolwork.
Elder (Sambucus nigra)- is a native tree with important
uses for the flower and berry. Elderflower is very useful for gently
reducing a fever by encouraging sweating in a diaphoretic tea. It has a
creamy, floral taste that works well in teas. Elderberry is one of the
best preventatives for colds and flus. Taken every day, it prevents viruses
from entering the cells and replicating. It helps reduce the amount of
mucus and respiratory congestion once the cold or flu has taken hold. To
top that off, it tastes very yummy in a syrup and kids generally like it.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) -This herb does the opposite for
children from what it does for cats. Instead of making them frisky, it
can help put them into a gentle sleep. Catnip is particularly good for
anxiety and emotional stomach upset, and as a digestive tonic for gas. It
can be used in a diaphoretic tea for the reduction of mild fever.
For a great tasting tea, try
combining all 4 herbs: chamomile, lemon balm, elder flower or berry, and
catnip. Pour hot water over 2-3 T of this mixture and steep for 10-15
min.
{Herbs are great to use with children,
but it is important to know when to go to the doctor. If you see any of
these warning signs, do not hesitate: fever greater than 102, difficulty
breathing, confusion or delirium, extreme irritation, rashes}
Susan Hirsch- Clinical Herbalist
(301) 712-9015, Ext 1016
susan.e.hirsch@gmail.com
growingwisdomherbals.com
susan.e.hirsch@gmail.com
growingwisdomherbals.com
No comments:
Post a Comment