By: Yah-elle (Yaya)
Many people become interested in herbalism because they want to have more power in regards to caring for their health. But when we have little ones to care for, we may find ourselves more nervous than if we were just caring for ourselves. With a few safety precautions, children may also enjoy the benefits of herbal medicine.
It’s important to build a good relationship with a pediatrician before one’s child gets sick. Ideally you and your child’s pediatrician would share similar values. Herbs can be a valuable support when a child is sick or as a preventative measure, but it is best to visit a pediatrician when a child has symptoms for 2 weeks, is worsening despite home interventions, or is presenting with broken bones and/or profuse bleeding.
For the everyday aches and pains of childhood, children can consume most herbs adults can but at much smaller dosages. A common formula for calculating a child’s dose is the Young’s Rule.
[ child’s age ÷ (child’s age + 12)] × adult dosage = child dosage
Lemon Balm is a very popular herb for children. It is anti-viral which is great for cold and flu season, but is also known to be calming for children struggling with hyperactivity. Herbalist & Alchemist Lemon Balm Tincture is an extract made with ethyl alcohol, which can help the plant medicine get into the bloodstream faster and deliver quicker results. These herbal extracts can be especially helpful if one desires to hide the medicine in a more desirable vehicle- like orange juice or chocolate milk. However, the recommended dosage for this lemon balm tincture is 60-100 drops, which is much more than a child under 12 may need. For an 8 year old, you may calculate:
[ 8 ÷ (8+ 12)] × 60 = child dosage
[8 ÷ 20] × 60 = child dosage
.4 × 60 = 24 drops for 8 year old child
It is unlikely that drop doses of alcohol could cause harm to a child, but it should be avoided if there is a family history of alcoholism. If you want to skip the alcohol, Smile carries quite a few glycerites. Glycerites are herbal extractions made with glycerine, a sweet sugarless plant fat. The sweet taste makes it a win with children (and adults who are looking to bring sweetness to their health routine). Though not as fast acting as alcohol tinctures, glycerites can still be quite potent if one is able to be patient. One may use the same dosing for formula for glycerites as tinctures.
If you want to skip the math, Smile carries Herb Pharm’s and Herbalist & Alchemist’s line of children’s medicine. The children’s line of tinctures are all made with glycerin and no sugar. Also, as these brands are owned by herbalists, a parent can trust that the herbs used are generally child safe. With rates of COVID-19 and RSV on the rise, many parents are understandably concerned with immune and bronchial support that is suitable for small bodies.
Herb Pharms Kid’s Cough Crusader contains anti-viral thyme, lung-strengthening mullien, cough suppressing wild cherry bark, and moistening licorice. Children’s dosages are already taken in consideration with various dosages listed in accordance to the child’s weight.
Herbs can be an affordable and effective support for the entire family. Here is to keeping your loved ones strong and healthy.
