3 Herbal Remedies Every Mom Should Know About

Herbs and Homeopathy For Kids

Apr 24

Written By Tara Gregorio

What would it feel like to soothe your child with natural remedies?

When used correctly, botanicals are safe, soothing, and comforting to children of all ages.

Here are my four favorite ways to use herbs with kids.

Tired and cranky kids? Try an herbal bath.

#1 Herbal Baths for kids

Herbal baths are a magical way to begin to introduce your child to botanicals.
They are rejuvenating and relaxing and great for a variety of complaints such as sore muscles, exhaustion, stress, irritability, insomnia, headache, and respiratory congestion.

Tea for Toddlers Sleepytime

Method #1: Make a cup of hot tea for your bath
Add 2tbs. of dried herb to 2 cups of boiling water.
Cover and steep for 10-20 minutes.
Pour into the tub, when no one is in it!
- Wait until the right temperature and allow your child to soak for at least 20 minutes.
  **Caution: Make sure the bath is not hot. Use the following herbs:

Lavender for calming and relaxation
Calendula to soothe irritated skin
Elderflowers to reduce inflammation
Rosemary to relieve fatigue

Method #2: Essential Oils in Bath

Take ten drops of essential oil (like Lavender Essential oil) to 1/4 cup of milk (important!!), stir, and then add to bath.
**Caution Do not ingest essential oils unless working with a professional aromatherapist and children have sensitive skin; use just one drop of essential oil for children. **
**Care must be taken with baths to avoid burns from the overly hot water.**

Essential Oils to consider:

Lavender essential oil for relaxation
Thyme essential oil for coughs and colds (dilute, dilute please!)
Bonus>>Add Epsom salts for tired and sore muscles

Herbs for Newborns & Toddlers

#2 Herbal Teas For Toddlers

Infusions & Decoctions

Infusions are made from the above-ground parts of dried herbs, including leaves, stems, flowers, and aromatic seeds (like anise and fennel) and decoctions are using the seeds, roots, and barks of dried plants.

To make an infusion: Fill the pot up with water and bring to a boil.
Add the loose herbs to the pot, cover, and let steep 1-15 minutes. Use 1 Tsp. to 1 cup of boiling water, add honey if desired.
- Chamomile and lavender for relaxation
- Peppermint OR Ginger to soothe your tummy
- Elderflower and thyme for a cold

To make a decoction: Simmer or boil the water for 20 minutes to an hour to penetrate the dense tissue and release the beneficial ingredients. To make: Take 1/4-1 ounce of tough root or bark per quarter of boiling water; simmer for 20 minutes or longer.
- Ginger root for constipation
- Licorice root for a sore throat (add peppermint leaf at the end)
#3 Tinctures for Kids

Tinctures are a combination of herb, water, and alcohol and you would take them internally as medicine.
When store-bought; tinctures are hydroethanolic extracts, which means they are made with a mixture of water and alcohol for the desired optimization of the final product. Read more about tinctures and dosing for children here.
Tinctures are not ideal for diabetics and anyone uncomfortable with the small amount of alcohol in them. Although, the amount of alcohol per dose of a tincture is less than what’s found in a ripe banana.

I suggest starting with one gentle herb first and then progressing to blended tinctures.

To offer your children tinctures:

Start with Herb Pharm tinctures, as they have a whole line of children's tinctures made with glycerine
Lower doses are better for chronic conditions and higher doses are used for acute conditions.
Dosing is not an exact science. If you have any adverse symptoms stop the remedy.
In acute situations {for example a sinus infection}, you would take more doses throughout the day for about 3-7 days. When you feel better, you will stop.

(The complexity of dosing is because tinctures do not come in a single standard strength; they also have a variety of advantages and concentrations.)