Herbal Remedies for Children

Before reaching for an over the counter medication for your child try one of these natural remedies. They have been used on children for centuries with great results.

Common Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is one of most common herbs used for children. It can be easily bought in tea bags (of course it does not contain caffeine) in most supermarkets, or in bulk in health food stores. Chamomile tea is pleasant tasting to most children especially when sweetened with a little honey. It is one of the most widely used herbs to soothe and calm an agitated child. When a child is red faced and screaming especially with rage chamomile can gently help them restore their calm. It is also the first herb to try when they are over exited and have trouble sleeping. Medicinally Chamomile calms the stomach, soothes pain (many people take it for headaches), and relaxes spasms in the muscles and digestive system. Chamomile is gentle enough to be given to babies (5mls of tea is enough) and Chamomile, especially German Chamomile is often suggested for colic and teething issues. German Chamomile in general is slightly more sedative and calming than Common Chamomile. Chamomile tea is also good for sore throats especially when sweetened liberally with honey as honey itself soothes sore throats and the chamomile aids in pain relief and calming.

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Elder flowers or berries can be used for children (do not use leaves or bark internally). The flowers can be made into an infusion which is can be added to mint tea and is very good at promoting perspiration (helping to break fevers) for the flu, this is especially helpful near the begining of the flu. A syrup made from the berries is also very good at fighting virusus and is especially useful at the first signs of flu. The taste is usually not bad to kids and it is a good antioxidant and general immune booster so it is good to take at the onset of colds or especially the flu.

Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

Sage can be used for children and even for babies for diarrhea, and also for exhaustion for tonifying. It also helps relive flatulence and is a tonic for nervousness. (Do not use the essential oil for children, rather use the dried herb (leaves) infused as a tea) Infuse ½ teaspoon of herb for 10 minutes and then strain it and it can be given to a baby in a bottle at this strength. It can also be gargled for a sore throat. In powdered form this herb can be used externally as an antiseptic which also reduces bleeding from cuts. The powder can be gently poured over a cut and it will help the body form a scab which heals very effectively.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is good for warming a child up when she/he is experiencing cold or weak conditions or weak digestion. It is soothing and warming and stimulates the digestive juices. It is also good to relieve congestion issues from a cold, and helps clear phlem from the chest. Ginger is good for mild nausea and motion sickness as well and is safe enough to be given to babies. The easiest way to prepare it is to buy fresh ginger and simmer a slice with a cup of water then sweeten it with honey or molasses.

Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) also known as California Buckthorn

This plant is used as a laxative, purgative and as an intestinal tonic, and is even employed in some hospitals. Small doses used over a long space of time will gently aid bowel movements(buy the tincture and add 5-20 drops of tincture mixed in a small cup of water) Adjust the dosage to suit your child but remember that large doses (10 times this) could cause a violent purgative effect. So it is better to start with a lower dose and build up if need be. As the herb benefits your child you can often gradually decrease the dosage.