Learn how to use herbs for your kids’ everyday aliments. Learn what herbs to use, what they are used for and how to use them.
Using herbal medicine with your children can be overwhelming since many people do not have the knowledge to use them at home. When done safely, herbs can be an extremely gentle and effective at home tool to use for everyday childhood ailments. This can include upset stomaches, coughs, colds, stress & anxiety, earaches, and much more.
Herbs have been used for centuries in whole plant form. This is by far the safest way to take herbs, as they are much less concentrated. Whole plant forms include teas, tinctures, glycerinates, and syrups. Especially with children, I recommend using whole plant forms instead of concentrated herbal pills to make their use that much more safer.
The herbs that I have provided are the most commonly used herbs for children, as they are safe, gentle and effective. If your child is prone to allergies and allergic reactions, consider a patch test on your child prior to use. This will reduce any negative effects that can arise when exposed to a new substance.
PATCH TEST
Make an herbal infusion/tea with the herb that you are wanting to use. Place a small amount of that tea into the inside of your child’s arm and wait 24 hours. Monitor for any signs of a rash, itchiness, or throat swelling. If this occurs, remove the herb spot immediately and monitor for worsening of symptoms. If no symptoms arise, you can have your child drink a small amount of the tea. Wait another 24 hour and if no symptoms still arise, you can continue using the herb.
Remember, herbs are like food in the sense that not everyone reacts the same. Some children may get an upset stomach from a herb. If this is the case, there are many herbs out there that you can work with, so find the right one!
BEST HERBS FOR KIDS
Astragalus
Astragalus is one of my favorite herbs for strengthening a child’s immune system. It is especially effective for children who are overcoming a long term illness and need to rebuild their immune system and energy stores.
How to use: Drink as a decoction, or put decoction into smoothies, infuse into broth or make into popsicles. Use powdered astragalus in applesauce.
Chamomile
The first herb that I associate with children is chamomile. It is an extremely gentle herb that does wonder for anxiety induced digestive difficulty in kids. It is anti-inflammatory, improves digestion, and reduces a nervous mind. Making chamomile popsicles is also a great option for a teething child.
How to use: Drink as a hot infusion, or put infusion into smoothies or make into popsicles. Use powdered chamomile in applesauce.
Elderberry
Elderberry syrup has been gaining attraction in the natural medicine community for its immune support. It is high in vitamin A and C, as well as antioxidants. This is why it is great for colds and flus, upper respiratory infections, and general immune support. It also tastes amazing!
How to use: Drink as a decoction, or put decoction into smoothies or make into popsicles. Make or buy a syrup.
Words of caution: syrups, including elderberry syrup, contain honey. Do not give honey to any child under the age of 1 for risk of botulism!
Fennel
Fennel is another great digestive aid that is often combined with chamomile. It can help ease and stimulate digestion, reduce abdominal pain, help expel gas, and help with a cough.
How to use: Drink as a hot infusion, or put infusion into smoothies or make into popsicles. Use powdered fennel in applesauce.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow is a demulcent, meaning it soothes irritated and inflamed membranes in the body. It is best used for a sore throat, irritated respiratory tracts, coughs, and digestive irritation.
How to use: Drink as a cold infusion, or put infusion into smoothies or make into popsicles. Use powdered marshmallow root in applesauce. Should be consumed with at least 8 ounces of water.
Nettle
Many people associate nettle with its stinging leaves, but there is much more to it! Nettle has an extremely high vitamin and mineral content, making it a great resource for growing children. It is also great for those who experience allergies and hay fever. Don’t worry, when the nettle is dried, the leaves can no longer sting you!
How to use: Drink as a hot infusion, or put infusion into smoothies or make into popsicles. Use powdered nettle in applesauce.
Peppermint
Peppermint is another great digestive herb that can help soothe a nervous stomach. It works wonders for those who are also experiencing nausea and stomach cramping.
How to use: Drink as a hot infusion, or put infusion into smoothies or make into popsicles.
Oats
When using oats as herbal medicine, the oat tops or straw are typically used. Oats balance the nervous system, and are great for children who feel stressed or moody. They are also high in vitamins and minerals. You can also use the ripe oats (oatmeal) to make oatmeal baths to help sooth dry, irritated or itchy skin.
How to use: Drink as a hot infusion, or put infusion into smoothies or make into popsicles. Use powdered oat tops in applesauce.
Other herbs that are great for kids include:
- Hawthorn
- Echinacea
- Catnip
- Lemon Balm
- Red Raspberry
- Spearmint
- Hibiscus
- Licorice
- Rose
I hope that this provides some guidance for the next time you want to use herbs at home for your kids. If you are looking for some guidance on where to purchase high-quality herbs, consider visiting Mountain Rose Herbs, your local Natural Grocers, or your local natural health foods stores.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HERBS:
PIN IT FOR LATER
Gladstar, R. Herbs for children’s health. 2nd ed. Storey Publishing; 2015.
Solomonian, L. Naturopathic and integrative pediatrics. CCNM Press; 2019.
