Herbs for Babies and Kids
Herbal medicine is nourishing, preventive and healing for babies
and kids. In this forum for parents, Susan Perri, Clinical Herbalist
writes about herbs for babies and kids.
Herbal Substitute For Ritalin?
Q: Can you recommend an herbal substitute for Ritalin?
A: Ritalin and dexedrine are commonly prescribed medications for
ADHD. To seek balance and create a more lasting solution to this
problem, it is necessary to unravel the implication of chemical
pollutants. Also called "sick school syndrome", ADHD is
a cognitive and behavioral disorder characterized by any or all
of the following:
-inability to concentrate
-anxiety
-memory loss
-mood swings
-hyperactivity
-restlessness and fatigue
-headache
The biological bases of ADHD are twofold according to an integrative
medical perspective. Toxins from chemical exposures lead to neurotoxicity
and decreased oxygen in the brain. This is manifest most obviously
as the symptoms previously mentioned. Chemical exposures from construction,
renovation, housekeeping and maintenance, carpeting, pest control,
and classroom materials (i.e. hexane from permanent markers) act
as excitatory neurotoxins, reducing brain stem function.
Chemical additives and preservatives in processed foods, such as
Nutra Sweet and MSG, have a similar effect. The death of cells in
the brain stem and reduced oxygen circulation impair learning and
contribute to behavioral disturbances. Ritalin and dexedrine stimulate
the brain stem in ADHD individuals, allowing them to stay focused.
When taken or abused by others, these drugs have an effect like
amphetamines.
The other contributing factor is undetected food allergies. Sensitivities
to gluten containing grains (i.e. wheat and oats) and dairy, corn,
soy, nuts, and chocolate can exacerbate the problem. Excellent resources
documenting the link between chemical exposures, food allergies,
and hyperactivity and learning disabilities are the books by Dr.
Doris Rapp (The Impossible Child and Is This Your Child?). Look
for dark under eye circles and reddened tops of the ears as telltale
indicators for chemical toxicity or food allergies.
Rather than apply the pharmaceutical band-aid, herbs, nutrients,
and a whole foods diet can correct the underlying imbalance. It
is first most important to avoid further chemical exposures. Work
with the administration of your child's school to create a chemically
free environment, or remove your child to safer surroundings. Eliminate
allergens from the diet and monitor changes in your child's behavior
and disposition. Clear chemicals in the blood, lipid soluble toxins
in the brain, and increase oxygen transport with herbal therapy.
Kava kava root is a Polynesian herb long used in traditional ceremonies
and gatherings as a sedative and mood enhancer. Kava kava helps
to moderate spirits, settle aggression, relieve tension, and promote
a general feeling of well being.
Lemon balm is a classic herbal nervine, or nervous system tonic.
It tones and balances central and peripheral nervous system function
and is extremely nutritive to these essential systems, while providing
a refreshing, cooling taste.
Nettle is another nutritive tonic rich in minerals and micronutrients.
Nettle works to clear heat and stagnation in the blood while balancing
adrenal activity, promoting calm.
Milky oat refers to the unripened seed of the wild oat plant. This
is a noteworthy adaptogen, working with the body to balance hormones
and chemicals. Milky oat provides basic building blocks for the
synthesis of specific materials deficient in the body. With the
proper biochemical balance in the brain, children are able to act
and respond appropriately.
Bilberry leaves are packed with a full spectrum of antioxidant
phytonutrients, helping to repair and restore free radical damage
caused by chemical injuries. Bilberry helps promote oxygen transport
and is specific for brain toxicity.
Herbs are not a quick fix, and best results are seen through a
commitment to regular, extensive use in conjunction with a healthy,
unrefined diet.
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Constipation
And Toilet Training
Q: My 4 year-old son has
just recently started using the toilet and it seems to have affected
his bowel movements. When he was in diapers, he moved his bowels
at least daily. However, over the last two weeks, he has had only
4 BMs. I have been feeding him fresh produce and as many whole grains
as possible. Are there some herbs to help in this?
A: How wonderful to finally
be leaving diapers behind! It is a transition for your son, and
he may be feeling more aware of his body and his urges to "go".
As a result, he is exerting more control over these impulses and
to a degree this is normal and will pass as he grows into the new
routine. In terms of herbal support, there are some specific laxative
herbs, which tend to be rather harsh for children. But bulk fibers
are ideal for use in children. These include oat bran, wheat bran,
celery fiber, flax seed, slippery elm powder, and apple pectin.
Try serving a healthy bran cereal in the mornings for breakfast,
or some tasty muffins made with bran and/or flax seeds as snacks.
Dried fruits also make a good snack and have a mild laxative effect.
In addition, you can mix a teaspoon of any of those fibers per one
cup of warm apple juice. Since your son is so young, I would recommend
the apple pectin and/or the slippery elm powder. These are sweet
tasting and will mix well with the juice. If he will take prune
juice, that could also be of benefit. He may need a little reassurance
about using the potty, and reinforcement that he's doing a great
job. Extra emotional support can work wonders. Check in with your
primary care provider if you are feeling that something is not right,
or are seeing no improvement.
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Asthma - Lobelia Treatment
Q: My child has severe asthma.
Can I give my child the herb Lobelia, and what would be the correct
dosage?
A: The rise in the use of
pervasive chemicals in our environment has been paralleled by an
increase in respiratory problems in children, the most common being
allergies and asthma. Asthma is often brought on or exacerbated
by allergies. It would be beneficial to have your child tested for
allergies to determine if this is true for your situation, as it
can easily be helped with natural therapies. Usually it is allergies
to mold and dust, as well as certain foods, that underlie chronic
asthma. Typical food offenders include dairy products, soy, chocolate,
peanuts, corn, and wheat and other gluten-containing grains. Work
with a practitioner who can help properly diagnose these allergies.
An elimination diet may be sufficient to control your child's asthma.
In an attack situation, you may use lobelia. However, the tincture
(especially fresh flower extract) has been known to cause vomiting.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) oxygenates the blood and opens the lungs,
making it useful in acute asthma attacks where free breathing is
compromised. Another alternative is inhaling the smoke of dried
mullein (Verbascum thapsus) leaves. You can burn them in a shallow
dish and have your child inhale the smoke. Mullein smoke is a powerful
bronchiodilator, and works fast to open restricted airways. Osha
root (Ligusticum porteri)in tincture form can be used similarly
to restore unobstructed breathing. With both lobelia and osha, the
adult tincture dose is 10 drops under the tongue. For a child, divide
the child's body weight by 150 to determine the appropriate fraction
of the adult dose to administer to a child. For example, a child
weighing 50 pounds would receive one third the adult dose, about
three drops. Another acute phase remedy is to steam with the essential
oil of red thyme. Place 5-10 drops of the oil in a small pan of
water, and gently heat to a boil. Remove from heat and create a
"tent" around your child's head with a towel, and have
her breathe in the steam through both nose and mouth.
To nourish and tonify the respiratory system, and restore the lungs,
try regular use of mullein leaf as a tea or tincture. Mullein is
one of the best known respiratory restorative tonics, and is fine
for long term use. This will yield the most favorable results if
it is followed over a course of three months or more.
Best of luck for free breathing!
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Antibiotics
- Herbal Alternatives
Q: In order to avoid unnecessary
or over-use of antibiotics, what can be used as an herbal alternative?
A: Antibiotics are prescribed
in this country at an amazingly elevated rate. So often this is
the first course of action recommended by Western conventional medicine.
While antibiotics have a useful purpose and do save lives by controlling
infection, herbs can be equally as effective in milder and non-life
threatening situations. The over-use of antibiotics has led to the
development of resistant strains of bacteria. Antibiotic therapy
leaves the body at a disadvantage by destroying pathogens and beneficial
bacteria alike, which further predisposes the individual to recurrent
infections. As an example, a child who has an ear infection and
takes a course of antibiotics for treatment will likely have repeat
ear infections. In Europe, doctors routinely prescribe a homeopathic
medication for children's ear infections, to be followed for three
days. If there is no improvement, they then turn to antibiotics.
Herbal therapy consists of controlling and eliminating infection
while supporting healthy "terrain" overall. In biological
medicine the internal climate or terrain is integral as a determinant
of overall health and wellness, and susceptibility to illness. Herbs
have been safely used over the ages in containing infections. This
year millions of federal dollars have been allocated to this field
of study and research, and is sure to be a topic more visible in
the mainstream in years to come.
Try any individual or combination of these roots as an alternative
or support for antibiotic therapy:
Goldenseal* (Hydrastis canadensis)
Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium)
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Each root contains the active alkaloid berberine, a proven antimicrobial
agent. Antimicrobials are full-spectrum, useful in fungal, viral,
and bacterial infections. An alcohol extract or water based decoction
can be used. The appropriate dosage is based on body weight (one
drop per 2 lbs. body weight) three to four times daily. Improvement
should be noted within a day or two. (If there is no improvement
within three days or if the symptoms worsen, please seek qualified
care.) Herbal treatment should continue a full three days following
the cessation of symptoms to insure a full recovery.
These roots are medicinal and bitter tasting. Bitterness can be
masked by mixing tincture drops or tea with honey or sweet fruit
juice. My two-year-old likes to take her drops mixed with a teaspoon
of honey or maple syrup. Whether completing a course of pharmaceutical
or herbal antibiotic therapy, support and maintain the body's healthy
and protective bacteria with probiotics. These are live active cultures,
such as acidophilus and bascillus, found in yogurt and sold in supplemental
form.
* Goldenseal should only be used during an acute illness for about
a week. It should be not be used over an extended period of time
as an immune enhancer.
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Administering
Herbs To Children
Q: How should herbs be administered
to children?
A: Children seem to have
a natural affinity for herbs, as though they can sense these are
substances that will balance and restore health without causing
further harm. In order to ensure your child is receiving the best
possible care, it is important to educate yourself about the herbs
being used, their safety, and intended use.
Tinctures are the ideal way to ingest herbs. These are concentrated
doses of medicinal plants, extracted into alcohol. Glycerine based
extracts are not nearly as effective. Most all chemical constituents
of herbs, the active aspects which give the herbs medicinal power,
are solvent into alcohol, even more so than in water. Glycerine
is the least effective medium for creating a potent herbal extract,
although kids do love its syrupy sweet taste. Alcohol extracts can
be added to a cup of fruit juice. If alcohol is not desirable for
your child in any form or quantity, the appropriate tincture dose
can be added to a cup of hot tea, and left to stand about five minutes
before drinking. The alcohol will evaporate out, leaving the medicine
behind in the tea.
The next best option, especially if tinctures have a strong or
bitter taste that is hard to mask, is to make a strong tea and blend
with other herbs. Herbs long valued for their sweetness and used
to improve the taste of unsavory blends are fennel, licorice, anise,
and stevia. Tincture drops may also be added to a teaspoon of honey,
maple syrup, or other sweetener, and taken this way by the spoonful
as needed.
As a dosage guideline, use Clark's Rule. This formula states that
the child's weight in pounds should be divided by 150 to obtain
the correct herbal dosage. For example, a 50-pound child would receive
one third of the adult dosage. Another guide is to divide the child's
weight in half to determine the amount of tincture drops or tablespoons
of tea. As an example, a 30-pound toddler would take 15 drops of
most tinctures, or 15 tablespoons (about a half cup) of tea. Some
herbs are potent and potentially toxic to children, and in these
cases neither formula applies, as these should be avoided altogether.
For babies under six months, it is good to have mom ingest the
tincture and pass it along to baby via breastmilk. Another option
is to give baby a water based extract (infusion or decoction) of
the appropriate herbs through an eyedropper. The dropper can be
slid alongside a nursing nipple. Once a baby is sitting up and taking
other fluids/foods, it is quite fine to give herbs directly.
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Fever
Relief With Herbs
Q: What is a safe and effective
remedy for fever relief in children?
A: Children can spike high
fevers, especially during the night hours. Herbs can be tremendous
allies in treating pediatric fever, since they work with the body's
natural immune process, whereas pharmaceuticals do not. A fever
is a normal part of a healthy immune response. Most bacteria and
viruses cannot thrive above 100'F, and so a fever acts as a primal
defense by literally burning up infection. Herbs can assist this
process and help maintain a fever within comfortable, controllable
bounds.
Elder flower (Sambucus) is hands-down one of the oldest and best-loved
herbal remedies for fevers. Elder flower seems to work directly
on the part of the brain responsible for temperature control. Elder
flower reduces high fevers quickly, and keeps them there. It is
a safe herb for kids, and mild tasting in tea or tincture form.
Combine with other helpful cooling fever herbs for a tea, such as
chamomile and lemon balm. Dosages can be taken hourly until fever
begins to descend.
This text intends to provide information
on the traditional uses of native plants, not to prescribe. If your
child is not well, please seek the assistance of a competent health
care provider.
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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.