Simple medicines for children: herbs for kids
Part I
As adults, many of us have chosen to use herbal remedies for our
minor ailments treating everything from headache, colds and flu, insomnia and
stress. Yet we hesitate when it comes to using herbal formulas for our children
and instead use over the counter medications or prescription drugs. A humble
herb plant cannot compete with a powerful prescription drug but each has its
place. Just as with our own health there are times when it is prudent for us to
call the doctor and there are times when an herb or homeopathic would work
well, kids included.
A trip to the health food store to purchase herbs for children can
be confusing unless youŐve done your homework. Unless you are very experienced
or trained in herb therapy do not buy herbs that are prepared for adult use for
your children. A well supplied store will have a childrenŐs section and
reference guides that will help you chose an herb appropriate for the symptoms
your child is experiencing.
For simple ailments, cough, cold, viral flu without fever, warts,
sniffles and diaper rash children as a rule respond very well to herb therapy
and it makes sense. The use of herb therapy for children should not change your
sense about when to call the doctor. If symptoms worsen call the doctor.
As with any new medicine (just as with plant medicines) a child
should be observed following the first few doses. Since an herb helps the body
heal on a very deep level rather than suppress symptoms your childŐs usual response
to illness treated with an herb rather than medications may be very different.
Stop treatment if the child complains of nausea or indigestion.
The herbs most often prescribed for childrenŐs ailments such as
chamomile, elder flower, echinachea and catnip are among the mildest
known. Further dilution disguised
in juice or water is the safest way to give very young children an herb safely.
Older children can be given chewable tablets designed for their age and weight.
Herbs unlike prescription drugs do not require lengthy repeated dosing after
symptoms subside and do not interfere with the healing process.
Dosage should stay very close to what is recommended by the
manufacturer. You can start with the smallest dose recommended and give small
doses every few hours rather than a few larger doses. For best results
administer herbs thirty minutes before a meal. If using tablets with older children encourage plenty of
water.
Herbs for kids can be a safe, inexpensive healthier way to treat
the common ailments that come with childhood illnesses or in some cases can be
a compliment to more aggressive medical therapies. Next week I will discuss the
best herbs for children and how you too can use herbs safely for your children.
Till next time, Rebecca
Part
two
Last
week in part one of herbs for kids I discussed how and when to use herbs with
children safely. This week I will discuss what herbs work for what symptoms and
when to start using them.
Of
course many of the same rules of healing that apply for an adult apply for our
children as well. To use herbs and not use the other basic principles of
healing is a poor insurance policy- letŐs review.
1. The body does the healing-be patient. Even doctors
will admit that 70-80% of all disease will cure itself with rest and basic
care. With children itŐs usually the parent that becomes impatient when the
healing process takes longer than we think it should.
2. Mild symptoms like perspiration, low-grade fever,
vomiting, diarrhea, cough, sneezing and skin eruptions are natureŐs natural
method of cleansing the body of disease irritants. Therefore, unless symptoms
become severe, donŐt be alarmed. Symptoms are part of the healing process.
3. Avoid stressing the body with hard to digest foods
such as meat, fried foods, fat and oils, eggs, dairy products and junk food. If
a child does not feel like eating, donŐt force them they listen to their body
much better than we do.
4. Support is important. Sick children act out and
behaviors may revert to earlier patterns.
Choice
herbs for children
Echinacea,
elderflower or linden flower can be
used for coughs and colds. A few drops diluted in water with peppermint oil
will improve the taste.
Warm
clove oil is very effective in
stopping earache. If the ear is draining do not put anything in the ear and
take the child to the doctor as soon as they can be seen.
Chamomile
tea is an excellent calmative for the
occasional colic or tummy troubles. Dilute with lukewarm water. Children
usually like the taste.
Peppermint
tea is another excellent choice for
indigestion, over eating or an unsettled tummy. Dilute to half strength and
serve chilled.
Calendula
ointment works well for cuts,
scrapes, bruises and diaper rash. It soothes the pain, disinfects and speeds
healing.
Arnica
gel is a wonder for any kind of blunt
injury and I do not leave home without it. Apply to muscle strains, sprains,
bruises- any blunt trauma where the skin is not broken. With Arnica it is key
to apply it as soon as possible after the injury. Arnica relieves pain, reduces
swelling and helps tissues heal more quickly.
Herbs
are a practical healthy way to treat the day to day symptoms that children may
experience. Consider investing in an herbal home reference, a valuable tool in
treating children with herbs. As a parent you know your child and their
symptoms, and you know when they are serious enough to call the pediatrician.
Till
next time, Rebecca