Multivitamins are the most common supplements used by parents for their children. Parents who use complementary and alternative medicine report that they also give their children herbal medicine sometimes. Teens also tend to choose herbal and dietary supplements when given the opportunity. Understanding what herbal medicine is and how to safely provide supplements to children is essential to having success with herbal supplements for children.

Personal Story

I began giving my children herbal products in the 1990s. I was careful to research both the traditional uses for taking the herb and the herbal product itself before I gave them to my children. It is my hope that this blog will help you start your journey to becoming knowledgeable in what herbal medicine is and how to safely use herbal supplements so your family can reap the benefits they provide.

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicines are plant remedies that can be taken as part of a natural approach to health. Many herbal remedies have hundreds of years of traditional use. These days, research on standardized herbs is increasing. This occurs when clinical trials are held to see if a certain plant is an effective remedy for a certain condition. As a result of these studies, more and more conventional medical providers are recommending herbs for the children in their practices.

Ideally, you will find a knowledgeable herbalist to help you on your journey. The herbalist seeks to use plant remedies based on the individual child, their specific constitution, and their presenting health concern. In addition, an herbalist would educate your family in whole body support. Then, the child and his family would follow the dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, exercise guidelines, and stress management in addition to the recommended herbal or dietary supplements in the child’s health plan.

How to Choose Herbal Supplements for Children

Clinical trials have shown the following herbs as effective for children and adolescents with specific conditions.

• Aloe vera for topical wounds
• Butterbur for migraines
• German Chamomile-for diarrhea
• Echinacea for upper respiratory infection, though one trial was performed with no significant duration or symptom differences
• Ginger had mixed results for motion sickness
• Lemon balm was combined with valerian for a sleep promoting effect
• Peppermint, in enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules, appear helpful for IBS/spastic colon

The clinical trials continue to provide confidence to use herbal remedies with children. I would recommend consulting an herbalist for suggestions on products and doses based on your child’s weight and constitution.

Of course, there are many herbal remedies that are used based on traditional usage. If you seek to understand them they can be very safe to use.

Using Herbal Supplements Safely with Children

Safe herbal supplement use also depends on other considerations. Ask the following questions before giving supplements to your children:

• Dose: In dosing for children, be sure to look at clinical trials that have been conducted on the herbal products you would like to use with your children. See what dosages were used during the trial and if there were any side effects noted for the participants. Herbalists and online resources can provide information on appropriate doses for commonly used herbs.
• Form of product: Consider the best method of administration for the child. Tea, tincture, tablet? Some children and parents prefer using glycerites rather than tinctures made with alcohol. Herbal baths, herbal lotions, balms, salves, creams, ointments, and compress/poultices are other options, depending on the condition and child.
• Is the herb best taken with food or between meals?
• What is the underlying constitution of the child or adolescent? Herbs work with the body to support or influence balance and create healing at a deeper level.
• Become knowledgeable! It is important to note that some herbs have life threatening adverse effects for some children. Chronic use of other herbs can produce kidney, liver, or electrolyte abnormalities. Some herbs can be used topically, but they can be deadly if taken internally.
• Other safety concerns are misidentification of herbs and contamination with bacteria, heavy metals, herbicides, medications, or other supplements. Know your product source!
• Are there any contraindications to be aware of before administering the remedy? Interactions with prescription medicines or dietary supplements can be a problem, so follow safety guidelines that are like similar adult guidelines for avoiding possible harmful drug-herb interactions. Again, an herbalist has training and books on herbal safety to draw on.
• Are you familiar with the safety and efficacy of the products you use or are considering?
• Are you aware that, depending on individual response, supplements may have benefits and sometimes unexpected toxicity?

Many of the above questions will help you make decisions on whether or not to give your child an herbal remedy.

Action

Becoming knowledgeable about what herbal medicine is and how to safely use herbal supplements can help your family can reap the benefits they provide. Many questions can be answered by an herbalist or by your own research from reputable sources. Knowing the safety can lead to health benefits from herbal remedies for your child.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What experience do you have with using herbals with pediatric children?