Herbal TLC for kids: a guide to using teas, tinctures and aromatherapy for common childhood ailments

Vegetarian Times, Sept, 1998 by Andrea Mather

A guide to using teas, tinctures and aromatherapy for common childhood ailments.

As a parent you have, no doubt, heard one or more of the following from your child: "Mommy, my tummy hurts"; a bike crash, followed by a wail; or incessant sniffling. In these moments, you can call upon more than TLC and a tissue. You can turn to Mother Nature's remedies.

Children seem to respond particularly well to herbal treatments. "When you are young, your immune system is going through this whole learning process just like the young brain," says Bob Rountree, M.D., co-author of Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child: A Practical A to Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Infants and Children (Avery Publishing Group, 1994). "The herbs enhance the body's learning process." When you use herbs to heal instead of a drug that suppresses your system, the next time you are afflicted with that problem, you should be able to bounce out of it more quickly, he explains.

Serious conditions may require a trip to the doctor, but minor problems, like scrapes, stomachaches and runny noses, can be treated safely and effectively at home with botanicals. "Herbs are mild, efficient, generally have few side effects and are a good alternative to over-the-counter remedies," adds Mary Bove, N.D., a naturopathic physician and author of An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants (Keats Publishing, 1996). Here are some basic herbs to keep on hand.

SOOTHING STOMACHACHES

This is the No. 1 children's complaint. And overindulgence is the No. 1 cause. "Kids don't have any way of sensing that they shouldn't eat this or that, so they'll eat a pizza, some cotton candy and a soft drink, and then they'll say they have a stomachache," says Rountree.

When you can't believe your child ate the whole thing, brew up one of the following herbal teas or give her a light tummy rub with some essential oils.

Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita). A popular cure-all, chamomile contains anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties to help soothe the gastrointestinal tract.

Fennel (Foeniculum officinale). Used for centuries as a digestive aid, this herb also relieves heartburn and gas. Fennel is a particularly good choice for children because they like its sweet licoricelike taste, according to Michael Murray, N.D., author of Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Bantam Books, 1998).

Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Great for nausea, this noted anti-inflammatory herb settles the stomach.

When gas pains make even the most agreeable child unwilling to sip tea, give her a gentle stomach massage to relieve the discomfort, suggests Kathy Keville, author of Herbs for Health and Healing: A Drug-free Guide to Prevention and Cure (Rodale Press, 1996). To make the massage more than just relaxing, use lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), chamomile and fennel essential oils, all indigestion relievers. Your child will absorb their medicinal properties through her skin as well as inhale them. Mix 6 drops of lemon grass essential oil with 1 drop each of chamomile and fennel essential oils with 2 ounces of massage oil. Apply every hour.

CARING FOR CUTS AND SCRAPES

When tending to scraped knees, elbows and other boo-boos, the first step is to stop the bleeding. Next clean the injured area of any pebbles or dirt and reach for one of these first-aid herbs.

Aloe vera (Aloe vera). For scratches and scrapes, Murray recommends applying plain aloe vera gel, an antifungal moisturizer that stops bleeding. Available at natural product stores and pharmacies.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis). Commonly known as pot marigold, calendula has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Look for prepared creams containing the herb and follow label directions for use. Some calendula preparations also contain plantain (Plantago major), an anti-inflammatory and astringent herb.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). This essential oil from Australia boasts antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal components. Apply a few undiluted drops to the wound; commercial sprays and creams are also available.

QUELLING NIGHTMARES

Anxiety can trigger nightmares in children as young as 3, says Frank Erbolino, N.D., a Seattle-based naturopath who primarily treats children. To comfort a child after a particularly terrifying dream, try these herbal remedies.

Kava kava (Piper methysticum). This South Pacific herb reduces anxiety without making a child drowsy the next day. "It's really effective for children who are undergoing a traumatic event, like the divorce of parents," says Erbolino. Kava kava is available in capsules and herbal extracts known as tinctures.

Chamomile. Murray recommends a cup of chamomile tea. This gentle sedative helps a child fall back to sleep.

Another option is aromatherapy. Sprinkle a few drops of orange (Citrus aurantium) and chamomile essential oils on a tissue and place it under the child's pillow, or diffuse the oils into the air using a vaporizer, suggests Amanda Cochrane, author of Safe, Natural Remedies for Babies and Children (Thorsons, 1997). Orange, a relaxing scent, blends nicely with the sleep-inducing properties of chamomile.