Herbal Medicine - Strengthening A Child's
Resistance to Illness
By Jane Sheppard
I recently had the pleasure of spending a
glorious afternoon in a beautiful herb garden
with my 4-year-old daughter and one of her
friends. The children played happily while
I roamed around and took in the lush splendor
of the plants. It was an exquisite day, and
I marveled that I could feel so relaxed and
wonderful just from sitting in the midst of
healing plants. I thought about the incredible
gifts these plants offer and how vital they
are to our existence.
The herbalist I met there passed on to me
some of her wisdom and knowledge of the healing
properties of herbs, just as women have been
doing for centuries. Herbs have been used
safely all around the world since ancient
times to prevent and treat disease. At last
the emerging scientific study of their value
is beginning to confirm what herbalists have
always known. Now with a strong history of
research and clinical use, herbs are being
welcomed back into our healthcare system.
Training in phytomedicine (herbal medicine)
is being introduced in medical schools across
the U.S. In France and Germany, doctors and
pharmacists have been trained in using herbs
for many years and herbal medicine is a core
part of their treatments.
Benefits of Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine can clearly benefit children
in many ways. Using herbs to strengthen a
child’s constitution can make them more resistant
to illness. Treating a wide range of childhood
problems herbally can be a gentler and sometimes
more complete way of healing. Herbs can also
give children a true sense of the life-giving
wonders of the earth. Now more than ever,
children growing up in a toxic world need
the ecological equilibrium of herbs. In addition
to physical and emotional balance, herbs can
assist a child (and the parents) in getting
back to Mother Nature and living more in harmony
with the earth.
One of the most beneficial uses of herbs
is in strengthening the immune system to protect
your child against disease. Certain herbs,
including echinacea, astragalus, and garlic,
have been found to have remarkable immunological
effects in both the lab and clinic. These
herbs support the body’s own process to stay
at the peak of vitality and prevent development
of disease. Keep in mind that herbs are not
“magic bullets” designed to combat a specific
disease. Rather than fighting an illness directly,
herbs act to strengthen the functioning of
the body so that it can repair the problem.
We “catch” a cold or flu when conditions in
the body are opportune for a virus to take
hold. Many of us view illness as an inconvenience
to be suppressed or combated as soon as possible.
We just want to take a pill to make it go
away. But when we can recognize the illness
as an indicator that something is out of balance
in the body, we can work on building and strengthening
the body to function at its best. Herbal medicine
is most successful when used in a broader
holistic context of addressing the cause of
the problem and looking at all aspects of
creating health. These aspects include good
nutrition, rest, exercise, nurturing, and
reducing emotional stress.
This article will focus on immune-building
herbs that have been found to be very safe
for children. The herbs described here have
gentle, yet profound effects upon the body.
They are natural sources of vitamins, minerals
and other substances that the body uses to
nourish and strengthen resistance to illness
as well as to create an environment for healing.
Echinacea
With antiviral, antibacterial and other immunological
properties, echinacea is well-known for its
use in treatment of infections and as a blood
purifier. 50 years of research in Europe and
more than 400 published studies has established
its safety and proven the clinical use of
echinacea in boosting immunity and strengthening
resistance to infection. A recent review of
research concluded that echinacea is well-tolerated
and appropriate for long-term use and confirms
that it is safe for people of all ages, “from
infants to adults”. It has been shown to reduce
the incidence and duration of colds.
There is much controversy as to the effectiveness
of echinacea taken over the long term – as
to whether or not it continues to work in
stimulating immune function. Many herbalists
think that echinacea should be used to support
the body’s natural healing ability just long
enough to increase the function of the immune
system to work effectively on its own. So
echinacea is best used at the first signs
of a cold or flu. This is the time to take
echinacea often, perhaps even every two hours
to stimulate the immune function of fighting
the infection. Another good time to use echinacea
(two or three times a day) is when you know
your child has been exposed to viruses or
when their immune function is not at its best.
Echinacea can be given to children as a tea
or in tincture form. If you are nursing, your
child will receive the echinacea you take
through your breastmilk.
Astragalus
Astragalus is a tonic herb that boosts immune
function and strengthens resistance to disease.
It increases the activity of infection-fighting
white blood cells and boosts the production
of interferon, an antiviral agent. Astragalus
is used to prevent
colds and flu and to restore immune strength
once an illness is over. It is safe for long-term
use and can be taken consistently throughout
the cold and flu season. Astragalus is considered
a warming herb in Chinese medicine suitable
only for cold conditions. Depending upon the
symptoms, a cold or flu may be considered
hot or cold. If you don’t know if your child’s
illness is hot or cold, consult a practitioner
of Traditional Chinese Medicine to find out
if astragalus should be used. Otherwise don’t
use this herb during
the illness.
Sliced, dried astragalus root looks like
a wooden tongue depressor. To make a tea,
simmer 6 slices in 3 cups of water for 1 hour.
Strain and serve. You can also add the “tongue
depressor” directly to your soup, stew, or
rice pot and let it cook into the dish. Discard
the astragalus before serving. It does not
change the taste of the dish and your family
can receive the immune boosting properties
directly from their food. Astragalus is sometimes
available in a dried, shredded form. Simmer
3 tablespoons of this and 3 cups of water
in a covered pot for 30 minutes and strain.
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the safest of medicinal
plants. With its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, and carminative properties,
this tonic herb is used for a variety of things.
As a gentle sedative and nerve tonic, chamomile
can help children to get the rest they need.
A warm bath with an infusion of chamomile
can relax an unsettled child. It is a great
digestive aid and appetite stimulant. It helps
gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea, colic or any
other stomach upset. Wounds, diaper rash and
other skin problems can be washed with an
infusion of chamomile flowers. Chamomile tea
is even safe for infants. If you are a nursing
mother, drinking a couple cups of chamomile
tea each day will calm a fussy, colicky baby
(along with your own nerves).
Nettle
Also known as stinging nettles, nettle is
one of the most mineral rich plants on earth.
Particularly high in calcium, iron, protein,
chlorophyll and vitamin C, nettle is a delicious
food as well as a medicine. Nettle strengthens
and supports the whole body, and is nourishing,
diuretic, tonic, astringent and antihistamine.
Clinical studies of nettle (in the form of
freeze-dried capsules) show that it relieves
the symptoms of hayfever and other allergies.
Nettle is also beneficial for childhood eczema.
It is an excellent nourishing herb for pregnancy,
it can enrich the quality and increase the
flow of breastmilk and restore a mother’s
energy after childbirth. Nettle can be powdered
and added to smoothies or drunk regularly
as a tea or infusion.
Garlic
Known for centuries as a potent medicine,
garlic is one of the most effective anti-microbial
plants available. It has antibacterial, antiviral
and antifungal activity and works to stimulate
the immune system. While eliminating pathogenic
organisms, garlic supports the development
of the beneficial bacteria flora in the digestive
tract. Garlic is a basic food that will enhance
the body’s health and protect it in general.
Garlic oil is very helpful for ear infections.
The active constituent of garlic is the sulfur
compound allicin, which is produced with crushing
or chewing of the fresh garlic. Drying and
cooking garlic leads to a loss of a large
portion of the allicin. It can be served raw
in salad dressing and many other dishes. If
your child cannot handle the strong taste
of garlic, mince a clove and mix it in with
mashed potatoes or your child’s favorite-tasting
food. Some people may have a sensitivity to
garlic. It may cause heartburn or flatulence
and of course the odor can be a real drawback.
Garlic is also available in capsules for older
children.
Combining Herbs with Conventional
Medicine
It’s easy to incorporate herbal medicine
into a child’s existing health plan. The question
of whether to use herbs or pharmaceuticals
does not have to be an either/or issue. A
good holistic healthcare plan can combine
wise use of herbal medicine with the knowledge
of when it may be best to consult a medical
doctor. Keep in mind, though, that herbs contain
active ingredients that may
interact negatively with pharmaceutical medications.
Always inform all of your child’s doctors
and practitioners about any herbs your child
may be using. Unless you have done your own
in-depth study of herbs, it’s best to stick
to nourishing, tonic herbs for strengthening
and prevention, and consult a qualified herbalist
or other health care professional for treating
specific problems.
Herbs and pharmaceutical drugs have very
different ways of arriving at the end result.
Pharmaceuticals usually suppress an action
while herbs work with the body to support
or influence balance and create healing on
a deeper level. Herbs are more subtle and
may take longer to act, but this does not
necessarily mean they are less effective than
pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals may be faster
acting, but using the right herb or combination
of herbs at the right dosage can produce as
good or even better results than pharmaceuticals,
without the harmful side effects.
Many pharmaceuticals are highly toxic. Their
potential hazards include kidney failure,
permanent liver damage, immune system depression
and even death. Most herbs have few, usually
mild, side effects that affect a small minority
of people. The chance of wasting your money
on ineffective, low quality products is greater
than experiencing any serious side affects
from herbs. However, it is always possible
to have an allergic reaction to any new substance,
and herbs can
be toxic if overused or used improperly.
Sometimes herbs will facilitate the body
ridding itself of accumulated metabolic waste
or toxins. This process can show up in the
form of sinus drainage, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, headaches or rashes. Even though
this cleansing can be a sign of healing, go
slowly and with caution if your child has
this experience.
Standardization of Ingredients
Herbs are made up of a complex mixture of
chemical ingredients that cannot be duplicated
in any lab. Chemists are now able to isolate
the active ingredients of certain herbs and
standardize the potency of these constituents,
making them, in theory, more powerful medications.
This is called standardization. Many herbalists,
however, believe that nature has perfectly
combined the ingredients in plants for good
reason, and the whole herbal compound is safer
and more effective, especially for use with
children. Since all the different chemical
ingredients of a single herb interact and
work together, separating any one ingredient
may produce an effect that is different than
what the whole herb would have on the body.
Most of the important ingredients of many
herbs have not yet been identified or synthesized
in a lab.
Quality of Herbs
The quality of herbs can vary widely. Look
for reputable companies that strive for purity
and use organic or ethically wildcrafted (harvested
from wild plants) herbs. Herbs are under the
governance of the FDA, which has mandated
a standard of manufacturing called Good Manufacturing
Practices (GMPs) on the entire dietary supplement
industry. The purpose of these standards is
to provide the consumer with safe dietary
supplement products. Many companies choose
their own standards of manufacturing practices
and quality controls that are even more rigorous
than those mandated by the FDA. You have every
right to call a company and ask about these
practices.
Use and Dosages of Herbs
Herbs are available in liquid extracts (tinctures
or glycerites), capsules and tablets. You
can also buy or make your own teas or infusions
from dried or fresh herbs. Extracts made with
glycerin, instead of alcohol, or teas made
from dried or fresh herbs work especially
well for children. Dosages for children over
age one are usually calculated by weight.
The dosages listed on bottles or in books
are usually designed for a 150 lb. person,
so you would need to divide your child’s weight
by 150 to get the percentage of the recommended
dosage. If your child weighs 75 lbs., the
dosage would be ½ the dosage listed on the
bottle. A child under a year old has an undeveloped
and sensitive digestive system, but if they
are nursing, they can receive some herbs safely
through your breastmilk. You can take the
adult dose 15-30 minutes before nursing and
the herb will be in your milk for up to 48
hours. Some herbs are not safe for pregnancy
or lactation so it’s important to avoid them.
Medications
in Mother’s Milk, by Thomas Hale, Ph.D.,
is an informative book with information on
herbs for lactation.
Learning More About Herbs
If you are new to the world of herbal medicine,
it can all seem a little overwhelming. Appropriate,
discriminate use is essential for safety.
Don’t believe everything you read about herbs
or assume a product is safe just because it
is natural. Since there are many different
facets to an herb, it is important to know
as much as possible before giving it to your
child. Embarking on your own study of herbs
can be fun, rewarding and empowering. A good
way to begin is to consult a qualified herbalist
or read several different medicinal herbals
(books with information about herbs) that
are written by practicing, experienced herbalists.
To get a comprehensive view of a certain herb,
read about it in at least three different
herbals. Using herbs wisely can be a very
rewarding experience, especially when you
can see positive changes in the health of
your children.
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Use
the information provided on this site as an
educational resource for determining your
options and making your own informed choices.
It is not intended as medical advice or to
diagnose, prescribe, or treat any specific
illness.