"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." ― Mahatma Gandhi
Introduction | Health Ailments | Digestive Problems | Skin Conditions | Common Cold | Teething | Sleep | Precautions | Final Thoughts | Takeaway Points | References | Disclaimer
Introduction
Attempting to find a way to help our youngest members of the family cope with and overcome some of their health problems without the use of chemical and pharmaceutical products can be challenging. However, herbal medicine is known to offer remedies and plant extracts that are helpful and yet safe to use with children. Herbs such as German chamomile, garlic, slippery elm, fennel, thyme, or elderberry are gentle and very effective in alleviating the symptoms of many health problems.
Common infancy and early childhood health ailments
Young children frequently report a range of health problems. Some of them are normal even in adulthood, while others are only experienced during a specific developmental stage and then disappear. Infants, toddlers, and young children typically experience the following health issues:
digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, colic, and gassiness;
skin conditions such as diper rash, eczema, and cradle cap;
common cold symptoms such as cough, catarrh, and earache;
teething
sleep problems.
Herbal medicine provides symptom relief and can improve the condition of many of the ailments listed above. Internal consumption [as a tea or tincture] or topical application are both options for the remedies. All of the herbs are considered safe in the proper dosage to use on small and very small children, regardless of how they are applied.
Herbs for digestive problems
Children may display digestive distress in a number of ways. Colic and gassiness are common in babies, whereas bloating is more common in older kids. Additionally, children can occasionally get diarrhea and constipation, just like adults. When a child tries new foods for the first time or has an intolerance or allergy to some products or their ingredients, digestive upset may result.
One of the most popular herbs used by babies and toddlers to help relieve colic and gas is fennel [Foeniculum vulgare][1]. It is known to calm the stomach and relieve bloating, colic, and pain. It also improves digestion.
Slippery elm [Ulmus rubra][2] is yet another herb that helps improve the symptoms of gastroenteritis [a stomach bug infection], colic, and constipation.
German chamomile [Chamomilla recutita][3] is one of the gentlest herbs. It has a wide range of uses in digestive problems that include colic[4], diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach aches.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is another herb, this time spicy, that has been shown to help with gastrointestinal issues[5]. This herb is a universal cure for digestive complaints, but due to its spicy nature, it needs to be used in moderation. It can aid in the relief of stomach aches, indigestion, bloating, colic, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and cramping.
Herbs for skin conditions
Skin irritations, eczema, diper rash, or cradle cap are just a few of the most common skin problems babies and young children experience in their lives. Rashes can be itchy and irritating and lead to crying and fussing. Cradle cap in newborns is an example of inflammatory skin dermititis that affects many babies.
"Cradle cap is a type of seborrheic dermatitis, exclusively affecting infants; more commonly within first 6 weeks of life. It usually presents as asymptomatic thick, crusty, yellow-brown patches. [...] The condition clears off as the baby grows older." [6]
One of the best herbs for skin problems in very small children is marigold [Calendula officinalis]. It is gentle and soothing for the delicate skin of the children[7]. It is also a very popular ingredient in many baby skin products. Marigold is known to improve the symptoms of diper rash, cradle cap, red, inflamed skin, sunburn, and even some fungal skin infections.
Another recommended skin remedy for children is aloe vera [Aloe barbadensis miller]. Aloe vera is a gel-like substance that creates a protective coating on the skin[7]. It is known to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation and irritation. It makes a great diper rash, sunburn, and eczema remedy[8].
Coconut [Cocos nucifers] oil is very useful in hydrating and soothing inflamed and irritated skin. It possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties[9], which accelerate the healing of the skin. It is also a great remedy for cradle caps. It helps to loosen up the scaling skin.
Herbs for the common cold and earache
For a young child, a common cold with catarrh and coughing can be very debilitating. They prevent the little ones from eating normally and cause them trouble sleeping. Furthermore, the buildup of mucous in the ear may lead to an earache. Alleviating some of the symptoms can make the children feel better and speed up their recovery.
Thyme [Thymus vulgaris] is a potent herb that is very useful for viral and bacterial infections[10]. It strengthens the immune system, helps clear chesty coughs, and soothes sore throats.
Elderberry [Sambucus nigra] extract is very popular for the treatment of the common cold and associated symptoms. It has potent antiviral properties[11] and strengthens the protective barriers of the body, such as the muscosal lining of the nose, mouth, and throat. It speeds up the recovery and is helpful in combating chronic catarrh and fever.
Another remedy for colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections is the pelargonium plant [Pelargonium sidoides]. Pelargonium has been found to be safe and effective for the treatment of respiratory tract infections in children[12]. It reduces the severity of the symptoms of acute bronchitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.
Last but not least, garlic, or Allium sativum, is a strong antimicrobial agent[13] that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of infections. It is very helpful for respiratory, ear, and chest infections. Allicin, its primary constituent and active agent, begins to form 10 minutes after garlic is crushed.
Herbs for teething
Baby teething symptoms include irritability, restlessness, drooling from the mouth, soreness and redness of the gums, and occasionally a rash around the mouth. Some infants start teething as early as 4 months, while others wait until they are at least a year old before their first tooth breaks through. However, teething is a painful experience for a child, regardless of age, so it's important to know how to support your baby during this time.
German chamomile, or Chamomilla recutita, has pain-relieving analgesic properties[16]. It can be applied to painful teething gums because it is gentle and safe for children. When a baby is teething, it can also lessen their agitation and restlessness[17].
Herbs that promote sleep
In a home with young children, sleeping soundly can be challenging. When they are ill, learning new skills, or experiencing developmental milestones, the youngest members of the family frequently wake up in the middle of the night, fuss, and cry. Herbs and extracts that are safe and effective at promoting sleep can be used to help them relax and get ready for bed.
One of the few sleep-inducing herbs safe for children is German chamomile [Chamomilla recutita]. Due to its antispasmodic component, spiroether, and the presence of apigenin, it aids in body relaxation and sleep promotion[14].
Another sedative herbal extract that encourages rest, eases tense muscles, and promotes sleep is lavender [Lavendula angustifolia] essential oil[15]. For it to be used effectively, it needs to be diluted properly.
Herbs to avoid and what to watch out for
When picking out herbs, plant extracts, and essential oils for personal use, it is important to opt for products that are of high quality and preferably from organic cultivation. This will allow you to select items that are less likely to be contaminated with harmful pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other toxins. Additionally, herbs, plant extracts, and essential oils can be very potent. Dosing and application techniques should always be discussed with a medical professional. Always consult with your child's pediatrician about how to use herbs to help your child while avoiding unintentional harm. Furthermore, any botanical material has the potential to cause allergic reactions. Check that your child can safely use the herbs listed above. Test them in small amounts and gradually increase the dosage according to the doctor's instructions. Finally, there are herbs that are not suitable for very young children. These include:
Uva ursi [Arctostaphylos uva ursi] is a potent diuretic.
Black cohosh [Cimifuga racemosa] is a hormone influencer.
Mistletoe [Viscum album], which is toxic in large amounts.
Final Thoughts
Children's health and wellbeing are essential components that enable them to grow, learn, and thrive in their surroundings. However, because of their developmental stage, growth, and still-developing immune system, they may experience a variety of health-related issues and complaints. Herbs can be very helpful in treating a variety of health issues, including common colds with coughs, catarrh, and sore throats; digestive problems; different skin conditions; teething; and difficulty sleeping. For the youngest members of our families, we can reduce the use of pharmaceutical products and replace some of them with plant extracts, which will benefit their developing bodies[19] and prepare them for a healthy future.
Takeaway Points
Herbs offer great alternatives to pharmaceutical products for common childhood complaints.
Herbs suitable for children are gentle yet very effective.
Use fennel, slippery elm, German chamomile, and ginger [in moderation] for gastrointestinal complaints.
Use marigold, aloe vera, and coconut oil for common skin problems.
Try thyme, elderberry, pelargonium, and garlic for the common cold, the flu, respiratory conditions, and earaches.
German chamomile can help relieve some of the symptoms of teething.
German chamomile and lavender promote sleep and relaxation.
References
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