Herbs for Kids

Many of us are interested in herbalism because we want to have more power in the way we care for our health. As a parent myself, I'm always on the lookout for better ways to boost my child's well-being, and I've found that herbs can be super helpful! There are so many gentle herbs out there that can really support our kids' health. Whether it's dealing with a pesky cold or calming down a tantrum, herbs can be a fantastic go-to. Just remember, it's important to learn how to identify and use these herbs the right way before jumping in!

Nourishing Herbs for Kids

Nourishing herbs provide high amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals to our body. The following herbs are great to add to your child's daily routine.

• Nettle (Urtica dioica), dry or cook before using

• Oatstraw (Avena sativa)

• Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

• Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

• Rose hips (Rosa species)

• Violet (Viola odorata)

Check out our "Herbal Multivitamin Tea Blend" that has Nettle, Oatsraw, and Red Clover. Use this tea to make popsicles, gummies, or smoothies! Also check out our Milky Oats Tincture, which can be added to juice, smoothies, or gummies. Get creative!

Gentle Nervines for Kids

Is your child struggling with tantrums or having a hard time falling asleep? That's where nervines come in. Nervines are plants that help to replenish and calm the nervous system. Nervines are also great for helping sooth aches and pains, like headaches or growing pains.

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

• Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Check out our Holy Basil Tincture or our Harmonia Oxymel!

Immune Support for Kids

Immunomodulating herbs are a great way to support your child's immune system. They can be used as a preventative during illness-prone seasons, or during active sickness to support a speedy recovery. Whether your kid picks up bugs at school or is seasonally sensitive, these herbs are a safe and effective way to help bolster their immune system and keep them at play feeling their best!

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

• Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

• Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

• Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• Oregano (Lippia graveolens)

Check out our Bee Well Oxymel and our Holy Basil Tincture!

Dosage

When using herbs with kids, it's just as important to get the right dose as it is to choose safe herbs. Giving the proper amount helps ensure herbs work effectively without causing harm. Herbalists use a few simple rules to figure out safe dosages for children, usually based on age or weight.

Adult Dosage:

• Tinctures: Start with 1-2 droppers per dose. If you're sensitive, reduce the dose. Larger individuals may need 2-3 droppers.

• Frequency: For chronic conditions, take your dose 2-3 times daily. For acute issues, take the dose every 15-30 minutes until relief is noticed.

Young’s Rule

You take the child’s age, divide it by their age plus 12, then multiply that by the adult dose to get the correct amount for the child. For example for a 6 year old child: 6+12 = 18, then 6/18 = .3 from which you can calculate the fraction of the adult dosage to use. In this case 1/3 of the adult dosage.

Clark’s Rule,

Divide the child’s weight by 150 (the average adult weight) and multiply that by the adult dose. For example, if your child weighs 38 pounds you would divide 38 by 150 (38/150 = .253 or ¼) so your child would take ¼ of the adult dosage.

Summary

There are a plethora of safe and effective herbs that can be used to help your child flourish. Apollo's Botanicals is here to help you source high quality herbal remedies for all aspects of wellbeing. Have specific questions about your child's health? Schedule a session with our herbalist!