Understanding Herbal Support and Children's Health
Although it’s the middle of summer as I write this, all too soon the school year will start. As autumn approaches, attention often turns to children’s health, and many parents want to make sure they are doing what they can to support their children’s health.
A commonly asked question is whether parents should give their children a multivitamin or if a balanced diet will cover their nutritional needs, which is a complex issue. The average American is deficient is a number of nutrients including omega 3 fatty acids, selenium, magnesium, zinc and other trace elements such as chromium and boron. Part of that is because much of the food grown in America is grown in demineralized soil and processing can also deplete nutrients from many foods. It’s always better to avoid processed foods as much as possible, although that can be difficult with children. So, a decent low-level multivitamin or highly concentrated nutritional food supplement can be a useful adjunct to children’s diets.
Herbs can be phenomenally helpful for children’s health. When formulating herbal products for them my criteria expands from the usual practice of choosing herbs that pair well and create synergy. Since compliance is a key when using herbs with children, I always chose herbs that are gentle acting, have a long history of safe and effective use in children, and have a mild or pleasant flavor.
One of the benefits of using glycerin extracts (glycerites) for children is that they taste sweet without increasing blood sugar levels. Most of the products in our Kids line are glycerites, and we have a number of single herb glycerites as well. Parents who are uncomfortable giving children alcohol prefer these, but they are not the only option. Alcohol is used in tinctures because it is a highly effective for extracting many active constituents and it also increases absorption of the herbs. I actually prefer using these tinctures in children over the age of 4-5 as they are more effective, and the doses needed are quite small and easy to hide in juice or flavored milk. The amount of alcohol in the average children’s dose of a tincture is actually miniscule, so I feel quite comfortable giving my grandchildren tinctures when needed. Another option is solid extracts, which are a paste-like consistency; we have several which are tasty and effective.
Herbal Formulas for Kids
Are alcohol-free liquid formulas designed to keep kids comfortable and healthy, addressing common complaints.
Supports children’s healthy immune function. Alcohol-free, it contains immune potentiating Echinacea root (E. angustifolia), Elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra var. canadensis), Lemon Balm herb (Melissa officinalis) and Orange Extract for flavor. It can be taken to help enhance immune competence during times of seasonal change.
promotes a calm and balanced nervous system. Alcohol-free, it contains Catnip herb (Nepeta cataria) which is a nervine and mild anxiolytic, Chamomile flower (Matricaria chamomilla) which Peter Rabbit’s mother gave him after his run in with Farmer McGregor, so “the literature” says it’s good for stress, the great nervous system trophorestorative Milky Oat (Avena sativa), and the calming nervine Skullcap.
is a soothing and delicious alcohol-free blend of carminative herbs such as Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Catnip (Nepeta cataria) glycerites along with mild digestive bitter/aperient Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis). It is flavored with a hint of Peppermint Essential Oil which also promotes healthy digestion.
Healthy Kid’s Support Kit
(not available for sale to wholesale accts)
Alcohol-free children’s apothecary includes: Healthy Kid’s Compound™ to support healthy immune function; Kid’s Calmpound™ to balance healthy nervous system function; Kid’s Tummy Relief™ to promote healthy digestion; and Compound Mullein Oil, a soothing ear oil.
Contains Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), USP pharmaceutical grade glycerin, Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), Apple juice (Malus pumila). Often thought of as a cardiovascular herb Hawthorn solid extract can also be used to calm the mind.
Alcohol-Free Extracts
Cognitive supplements can be valuable for children
The types of herbs used include Nootropics, which enhance cerebral circulation, and have neuroprotective activity. Nootropics herbs include Bacopa, Gotu Kola, Rosemary, White Peony, Lavender, and Ginkgo. A second type of herb would be Nervines, which enhance relaxation and promote a calm, serene mindset without being sedating. Nervines include Fresh Milky Oat, Hawthorn, Skullcap, Betony, Passion Flower, Chamomile and Lemon Balm. One other group of herbs that would be indicated would be the calming Adaptogens. Adaptogens are herbs that help to re-regulate the HPA axis and SAS systems, while lowering cortisol levels and preventing stress-induced mitochondrial effects. Calming Adaptogens include Reishi mushroom, Schisandra berry, Jiaogulan, and Ashwagandha.
Contains tinctures of Hawthorn fruit & flower (Crataegus monogyna), Lemon Balm flowering tops (Melissa officinalis), Oat milky seed (Avena sativa), Bacopa herb (Bacopa monnieri), Ginkgo leaf (Ginkgo biloba) and Skullcap flowering tops (Scutellaria lateriflora). Hawthorn is used for what is known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as disturbed shen, while nervines such as Milky Oat, Skullcap and Lemon Balm help restore the emotional foundation. Bacopa and Ginkgo are nootropics which enhance cerebral circulation, and support cognitive function.
Contains Bacopa herb (Bacopa monnieri), Ginkgo leaf (Ginkgo biloba), Gotu Kola herb (Centella asiatica), Lemon Balm herb (Melissa officinalis), Schisandra berry (Schisandra chinensis), and Rosemary herb (Salvia rosmarinus).
Find a pediatrician who is knowledgeable about herbs and supplements, so you can work together in making healthy choices for your child. Many children cannot swallow capsules or pills and many herbs taste bad, so pleasant, easy to take forms are essential.