BE PREPARED! Sign up for our COVID Webinar

We all know that vitamin C is good for us, that it boosts the immune system and prevents infections, but vitamin C does so much more!  Today as we spotlight our Vitamin C Tea, we are going to look at how it benefits children specifically because it is Children’s Month at Herbs4You!

So what ELSE does Vitamin C do for children?  It helps their gums stay healthy, and strengthens their blood vessels, which minimizes bruising from falls and scrapes that children are more susceptible to as they play.  Vitamin C also helps cuts and wounds heal quickly and helps with iron absorption in the blood.  Children do not need a lot of vitamin C to get their daily dose, and most can get it from popular foods high in the vitamin, which is the recommended way.  Vitamin C supplements are not the best way for children to get their Vitamin C.  The cool thing is, our Vitamin C Tea is a way to get vitamin C as a food and not a supplement!

 

How Much Vitamin C Tea Should My Child Drink?


This depends on the age and size of the child.  This chart is an average estimation.  If your child is larger or smaller than average, adjust dose accordingly.

Age Serving
1-2 1/8 cup
3-6 1/4 cup
7-11 1/2 cup
12+ 1 cup

Do not exceed more than 4 servings a day. If your child is sick, take small sips every 15-30 minute intervals. 


Ingredients:

  • Hibiscus

  • Lemongrass

  • Orange Peel

  • Ginger Root 

  • Stevia

 

Hibiscus  

Hibiscus is used for its sweet and sour flavor, and for its red color.  Hibiscus is full of antioxidants that can help prevent cancer, aging, and certain eye diseases.  Hibiscus has vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin B1, B2, and B9.  It also contains Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Zinc, and Copper.

Vitamin C supports cardiovascular health, collagen production, helps in the development and maintenance of blood vessels, cartilage, and scar tissue.  Vitamin B1 helps the body get energy from food and helps with the nervous system.  Vitamin B2 helps to maintain normal red blood cells and other functions such as the metabolism of iron in the body.  Vitamin B9 helps with healthy skin and eyes and many other tissues.  Iron aids in the absorption of all that wonderful vitamin C and with the production of hemoglobin in the blood cells.  Phosphorus works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.  Sodium helps with electrolyte and PH balance in our body, making Hibiscus tea a natural “Gatorade” drink of choice!  Zinc boosts the immune system and aids in the production of enzymes which children need for proper digestion.  Copper is required to manufacture collagen, making it excellent for joints.

 

Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, and niacin.  Magnesium stabilizes blood pressure, keeps heart rhythms steady, and helps maintain strong bones. Manganese helps with calcium absorption, and this mineral works on the cellular level to help form tissue, bone, and blood as well as sex hormones.  Even developing children can benefit from this.  Selenium is a mineral that supports heart health, immune system, skin and eye health.  Vitamin B6 aids in protecting brain health and nerve cell health.  Niacin helps to turn food into glucose that the body can use for energy. 

Lemongrass is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory.  It will also relieve joint pain, relax muscles, relieve menstrual pain, and treat headaches.  It is diuretic and antioxidant.  It helps increase the production of milk in nursing mothers, activates the release of serotonin in the brain, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and induces sweating to help break fevers.  The citral in lemongrass has been shown to improve insulin resistance.

 

 Orange Peel
Orange Peel
 is known for its affect on our mood and well being.  It is excellent for those who are down or dealing with depression.  Nowadays, children are just as susceptible to these emotions as anyone.  Nutritionally, it contains folate, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Apha Tocopherol, Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc, and protein. Orange peel also contains components that are anti-cancer, anti-allergy, protect against rheumatoid arthritis and are heart healthy.

 

Ginger Root
Ginger is a strong antioxidant that protects the liver and stomach. But watch out! A little goes a long way. When taken in large amounts, it can cause stomach upset. Ginger root is known to fight inflammation, cleanse the colon, stimulate circulation, and reduce spasms and cramps. Ginger root has amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Essential fatty acids that humans need are omega-3 and omega-6, and both are found in ginger root! Ginger also acts as an immune response enhancer, relieves gas and bloating, and promotes the production of saliva. To soothe a sore throat, just chew on the root raw. Studies have shown that it has protective effects on the brain. This is why it is so effective for migraines as well. Ginger promotes healthy blood pressure and may help osteoarthritis and muscle aches, maybe as effective as NSAID’S!

 

Stevia
Stevia is the sweetening ingredient in our Vitamin C Tea!  We do not want it too sweet, so just enough to off-set the tartness of the other ingredients.  Stevia is not just a sugar substitute, it is medicine as well!  If taken in a natural form, stevia can alleviate blood pressure, benefit weight loss, help prevent cancer, aid in managing diabetes, is useful in treating eczema and dermatitis, boosts bone health, reduces risk of osteoporosis, and helps prevent cavities and gingivitis.  Nutritionally, stevia has calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, magnesium, iron, fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin C.  It is 40 times sweeter than sugar.  What a wonderful herb to add to your regimen!  One that is a food and a medicine all in one.

 

The Foundation for a lifetime of good health starts in childhood.  The earlier good habits are created the better.  Why not add some Vitamin C Tea to you and your child’s beverages?  It is safe, delicious, and healthy for everyone!  It can be served hot or cold, and is a great replacement for the sugary drinks children are often attracted to.  Stop into Herbs4You to stock up, or shop Vitamin C Tea on our website!

 

 

We’re Here to Help YOU!
Ruth Hidalgo- Clinical Herbalist/Production Manager

 

Sources:
[1] www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/vitamins/vitamin-c-benefits
[2] https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Orange_peel,_raw_nutritional_value.html

 

 

Ruth Hidalgo

Clinical Herbalist/Production Manager
Ruth Hidalgo is a natural health enthusiast who has been using herbs medicinally for 22 years. She received her Clinical Herbalist certification from the HomeGrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine. She has been a guest on conference calls on natural health, and hosts a blog titled “Ruth’s Remedies”. She is also the Production Manager at Herbs4You.