Good Health, Good Grades

Getting back into a routine is one benefit of this time of year. Every August at Herbs4You, we make sure your children are ready for school by offering discounted Botanical Medicine Consultations with Muscle Testing for all children ages 0-18. A consultation will give you a better understanding of your child’s health and where they may need extra support in order to perform at their best. You will also be given herbal recommendations specific to your child’s needs.

Here are some herbs that I generally recommend for children when they aren’t feeling well, so you can get them back to their school work as soon as possible!

Herbs for Children

Catnip – wonderful for small children and infants, and useful for pain of any kind. It is a mild nervine and has been used to treat colic, anxiety, and nervousness. Catnip is a traditional cold and flu remedy as well. It helps relieve fevers by inducing sleep while producing perspiration without increasing the heat of the system. It can also be used to treat diarrhea. This harmless remedy may be taken freely.

Chamomile – helps to relieve restlessness, teething problems, and colic in babies, and is also great for treating stomach aches in children. Research has shown that the herb depresses the central nervous system, which relaxes the body and induces sleep. Chamomile is an excellent digestive aid and contains strong anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is said to help with pain and headaches. It is mainly used as a tea.

Peppermint – an excellent remedy for chills, colic, fevers, dizziness, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and influenza. A general stimulant, this herb quickly diffuses itself throughout the body and brings back its warmth. It also cleanses and strengthens the entire body. A cup of strong peppermint tea can help a headache, and it will strengthen the nerves instead of weaken them like drugs.

Alfalfa – has been called the “King of Plants” since it is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals. It has eight essential amino acids and the highest chlorophyll contents of any plant, and it permits rapid assimilation of plant elements. It is a great nutritional herb for anyone, and because of its mind flavor, children won’t be adverse to it.

Elderberries – contain compounds that inhibit the enzyme flu viruses from penetrating our cell membranes and also prevents the virus from invading respiratory tract cells. Taken early enough, as a tea or tincture, you may be able to head off an upcoming illness before it becomes a full-blown flu. Elderberries are especially good for bronchitis, colds, coughing, and influenza.  

Ginger – a great tasting herb that is mainly used to help digestion. It is also useful to reduce nausea and vomiting that children often have. It is anti-inflammatory, and boosts the immune system, and can be used to helps eliminate toxins and break a fever. Ginger’s pleasing taste makes it appealing to children as well as adults.