Nearly all children will, from time to time, get cranky, overtired, anxious, moody, overstressed, and so on. Although such symptoms, if excessive and persistent, should be checked out by a qualified medical professional, they are usually not considered to be sufficiently serious malaises to require medical intervention. Fortunately, many natural, herbal supplements are regularly, effectively and safely used to address these problems.
What are the safest and most effective herbs for children? There are many on the market. For example, to calm the
overstressed child,
chamomile (which is a component of half of the selected products, has proven to be consistently effective. Also,
skullcap and
liquorice root has a sedating effect on overwrought children. Upset tummies can be helped with supplements
containing
peppermint leaf,
fennel or
horsetail; moodiness and anxiety have been alleviated using
avena sativa and
catnip; runny noses, coughs and colds will respond to
echinacea and
milfoil; the immune system is strengthened using
astragalus and milfoil, and general vitality enhanced with
licorice root.
Gingko biloba and
gotu kola are well known to stimulate a child's (or adult's) state of alertness and cognitive function.
Rooibos contains minerals magnesium, zinc and iron and promotes a healthy nervous system.
The products listed on this page contain these herbs, and some others, including Lemonbalm, Catnip, Burdock, Meadowsweet, Feverfew, Anise and Coriander.
Feature Article
By Dr Jenny Tylee
An allergy is a hypersensitivity to one or more things that are in the environment. The allergy can show itself as a skin condition such as eczema, respiratory conditions such as hay fever or asthma or food allergies. One in six children in the United States is allergic to one or more substances.
Common symptoms of allergies in children include:
sniffling and a postnasal drip, inflammation of the nasal passages
- dark circles under they eyes (what is often called the allergic shiner),
- puffiness under the eyes,
- restlessness,
- fatigue,
- poor sleep,
- headaches,
- behavioral issues, such as:
- - irritability,
- - hyperactivity,
- - poor concentration, and
- pickiness with food.
Recommendations
Try to remove the source of the allergic reaction - at least as much as possible. There is often a dietary allergy. The most common food allergies are dairy and wheat - these are often the allergy behind nasal congestion. Eat a healthy diet that emphasizes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Any chemical additives that are found to be the cause of allergies need to be eliminated
Vitamin and Minerals Supplement
These are aimed at balancing the immunity, reducing inflammation and enhancing intestinal health and promoting relaxation.
- Beta-carotene, up to 10,000 units daily and foods that are rich in vitamin A - dark colored fruit and vegetables.
- Essential fatty acids in the form of evening primrose oil, 500 mg one to four times per day.
- Zinc, 5 mg daily.
- Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 250 - 500 mg taken two to four times each day.
- Vitamin E, 50 to 200 mg daily.
- Vitamin B complex supplement daily.
- Calcium citrate or lactate 600 to 800 mg daily in combination with 300 to 400 mg of magnesium
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Herbs commonly used for Supplements for Children
commonly used herbs for children :
Echinacea purpurea,
Lemon Balm,
Skullcap,
Astragalus
Some recommended products | |
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.....continued from column 1 Herbal treatments The treatments can be maintained regularly or used as needed during bad allergy seasons or with flare-ups. The following herbs are most helpful:
Tincture for Allergy Remedy The following herbs balance the immune function, strengthen the upper respiratory system, reduce inflammation and decrease secretions (improving runny noses, watery eyes and ear congestion). 1 1/3 ounces elder tincture 2/3 ounces ginkgo tincture 2/3 ounces astragalus 2/3 ounces liquorice tincture 1/2 ounces anise seed tincture Combine all of the ingredients and store in an amber glass bottle away from sunlight and heat. Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon up to four times per day. Hay Fever Remedy To treat and alleviate the symptoms of hay fever the following combination of herbs can be most effective. 2 parts elder flowers 1 part ephedra (ma hung) 1 part eyebright 1 part golden seal 1 cup water Combine the herbs. You need about as much of the combined herb as you would for a cup of coffee. Then add the cup of boiling water. Allow this to stand for 10-15 minutes and let the mixture cool slightly. Strain the mixture before you drink it. Drink 1 cup of this mixture 2 - 3 times per day. Concluding Comments Remember that allergies are accumulative in their effects. During seasons when people are exposed to higher than normal allergens, symptoms can become much worse quite quickly if there is existing chronic exposure to other allergens. The most common culprits are food allergies and these are sometimes "silent" and undiagnosed. Improving the diet to eliminate these can sometimes reduce the level of symptoms experienced even seasonally to a tolerable level, so no treatment is needed at all. While the above details are intended to be generally helpful and educational they should not be construed as a replacement for individual advice from a health professional. You should seek professional assistance if your child's allergy is sudden, extreme, long-lasting or fails to improve. Liquid vitamin and mineral supplements can be helpful. References Hoffmann, D. 2000, The New Holistic Herbal. Element Pub. Romm, A. 2000, Naturally Healthy Babies and Children. Storey Books. Shaw, N. 2002, Herbalism. Element. Woodward, P. 2003, Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies. Hyland House.
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