Herbal medicine can help in maintaining children’s health. Most herbs used by adults can also be used by children. Consult a reference or herbalist before using any particular herb, however. Generally, the two types of herbs not used for children are sexual tonics (garlic, ginseng), because children are still developing sexually, and pungent herbs (chiles) that irritate the immature digestive tract. After puberty, children can use adult herbs.

Chamomile flower is an herb specially suited to children. Use it as a general health builder. Specifically, it aids digestion, the liver, and most important for children, the lungs. It is also antibacterial.

Calendula flower is another excellent children’s herb. It has a good taste, and can be prepared as a soup. It is antifungal, and generally immune supportive. Calendula stimulates white blood cells and stimulates lymph drainage.

From Ayurveda, we have two excellent tonics for the whole family, especially children. Triphala (the name means “three fruits” in Sanskrit) is the most perfectly balanced herbal preparation in use today. It is suitable for all ages and body types. It is a blood cleanser, general builder, and a tonic for skin, eyes, and liver. There is not a body organ that is not benefited by triphala. One of the dried fruits, amla (“sour” in Sanskrit) is the world’s most potent antioxidant. Triphala is mildly laxative, and the dose can be adjusted accordingly. The typical dose for a child would be one capsule per day.

Chyavanprash, an herbal tonic jam, again made from amla, is a sweet dietary supplement for the entire family. A noted blood cleanser, the dose for a child would be 1 teaspoon per day.

Herbs that support the growing skeleton are important. Licorice root benefits the bones in children. It is sweet and quite tasty, but laxative. Small amounts should be used to bowel tolerance.

Marshmallow root is a gentle herb for bones that has a bland taste. It is a good nourishing, soothing herb for the digestive tract. Use one half teaspoon as a powder stirred into food.

Many herb companies produce a general tonic glycerite mixture for children. Typical included herbs:

Astragalus root, peppermint, lemon balm, burdock root, hyssop, thyme, ginger, chamomile, fennel, cherry bark, mullein, and coltsfoot. Typical dose would be 1 teaspoon per day as a builder and preventative.

For the respiratory system, use:

Coltsfoot - cough and long term tonic

Yerba santa - congestion

Cherry bark – tonic