All parents deal with their children being fussy and fighting sleep. What about when they are upset and you try to think of a solution that could settle their stomach while being effective? Sure there is a time and place for western medicine, but many of the discomforts children face can be addressed with gentle remedies from nature.
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Check PriceFor generations, parents have relied on these nine herbs to help with common childhood ailments. It’s all about knowing how to use them!
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1. Chamomile: The Best Herb For Comfort
The flower provides a gentle calming effect on children, starts from ages six months and older. In order to use chamomile tea for babies, you would use an extremely small amount (1/4 teaspoon of the flower) and steep it for about three minutes. For children one-year-old and above, chamomile tea can be sweetened with honey.
2. Calendula: The Gentle Healer
Every parent should include calendula in their all-natural first aid kit. Healing ointments and oils derived from this flower can be used for minor cuts, scrapes, and even diaper rashes. To make calendula oil, infuse dried calendula petals in olive oil for 2-3 weeks and then strain. It helps as a chemical free alternative to put in your healing touch.
3. Lavender: Nature's Lullaby
Lavender seems to help with bedtime struggles. You could add 2-3 drops of quality lavender oil to the water of a warm bath, or even put a sachet of lavender under your child's pillow. You might send older kids to bed with a very weak lavender tea just before the bedtime routine, as it will be more calming than not!
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4. Lemon Balm: The Mood Lifter
Putting some fresh lemon balm leaves in a water bottle can make a nice refreshing drink. Steeping the leaves can also make a nice mild tea. The natural constituents in lemon balm help calm both mental and physical tension. The mini orbs look pretty in drinks or tea, but are a nourishing treat for the digestive system, and can be a nice refreshing addition to the water bottle.
5. Ginger: The Tummy Tamer
Ginger helps with motion sickness, nausea and stomach viruses. Children over 2 years old can enjoy homemade ginger and honey tea. You can make this by grating fresh ginger into warm water. Young children can have small amounts of ginger. A ginger piece the size of a pinhead is plenty. Crystallized ginger is fine for older kids since they can chew it.
6. Ältester: Verteidiger des Immunsystems
Elderflowers can be used to make gentle teas with comforting effects on fevers and help ease cold discomfort and elderberries can be used to make delicious syrups that children will enjoy taking. For beginners, store bought elderberry syrups for children are the safest option. Always use elder products that have been properly prepared as raw leaves and bark can be unsafe.
7. Catnip: The Calming Surprise
While some cats may go crazy over a certain type of plant called ‘catnip’, humans- kids in particular- find it relaxing. A weak catnip tea may assist in calming one down as well as mildly reducing a fever and relieving a stomach ache. To make the tea, simply add a tiny amount of dried catnip to some hot water and let it sit for a minute. Make sure to let it cool to a safe drinking temperature before drinking.
8. Dandelions – A Superfood for the Ages
The 'weeds' in your yard can benefit growing kids since they are packed with nutrients! Small amounts of young dandelion leaves can be added to salads and smoothies. Dandelion root tea can be good for digestion, but since it can be pretty bitter you may want to mix it with some sweet herbs to make it more palatable.
9. Mint: The Digestive Soother
While fresh mint leaves are good for making refreshing drinks, they can also be combined with weak mint tea to help with stomach problems. Peppermint and spearmint can help with stomach problems, but they should be used very carefully for children. Little children and babies should ***not*** be given strong mint remedies, as menthol can be very strong.
Safety Starts Here: Essential Instructions for Parents
Always talk to your pediatrician before starting your baby on any spices, especially your babies under 12 months. Children should never have essential oils put on their skin [and] without [sufficient] dilution. Just because it is 'natural' does not mean it is safe for all ages.
Keeping a record of what your family uses works best, and parent intuition is to be trusted as well. These mild herbs can help you and give your children the relaxation they deserve.
