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

Vegetarian Times, Sept, 1998 by Andrea Mather

STOPPING A RUNNY NOSE

Sometimes it seems you are constantly admonishing your child to get a tissue. "But all that dripping and running is Mother Nature's way of fighting viral infections and cleaning out bacteria and other irritants," according to Winifred Conkling, author of Natural Healing for Children: An Essential Handbook for Parents (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1996). These herbs help support the cleansing process.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus). This mild decongestant contains a biochemical property called mucilage that soothes inflamed mucous membranes resulting from either allergies or colds. Erbolino recommends a commercially mixed tincture of mullein with elderflower (Sambucus nigra), an immune system booster.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica). Historically used for respiratory ailments, stinging nettle is good for runny noses associated with allergies, according to ethnobotanist James Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy (Rodale Press, 1997). Look for capsules containing a freeze-dried extract.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Tea made from thyme, an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb, alleviates sinus congestion and soothes sore nasal passages, according to Conkling.

BOOSTING IMMUNITY

Avoid the cold that's making the rounds and prevent others by boosting your child's immunity with one of the following herbs.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea). Native to North America and highly regarded by Germany's Commission E, the government-appointed agency that evaluates herbs, echinacea is renowned as a natural antibiotic. "For kids who have frequent ear infections, colds or runny noses, all signs of low immune function, echinacea seems to be very effective in boosting their immune system and allowing them to overcome their chronic problems," says Murray. Available in capsules and liquid forms, echinacea may be taken daily for up to eight weeks.

Astragulus (Astragulus membranaceus). This Chinese herb increases the body's production of infection fighters--white blood cells--and antiviral compounds, according to Duke. Administer in capsule or liquid forms for up to eight weeks.

PREVENTING LICE

Just thinking about lice is enough to make your skin crawl. However, any teacher will tell you that outbreaks happen a lot, no matter how clean kids are. In fact, each year some 7 million children under the age of 12 get lice, according to Conkling. Lice is one condition where conventional treatment may be the best solution, doctors say. However, parents can use herbs preventively. "When there is a lice scare at school and your child's class doesn't have it yet, I recommend adding key aromatherapy oils to their shampoo," says Erbolino. The strong scent of these essential oils in this shampoo mixture act as effective repellents.

Add 20 drops each of antiseptics--lavender (Lavandula), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), geranium (Pelargonium Odorantissimum)--and lemon (Citrus limon), an anti-inflammatory, to an 8-ounce bottle of shampoo. Your child should wash her hair daily with this mixture, says Erbolino.