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Herbalism and Children's Health: Natural Care for Kids
Shalom Family,
In today's video, we'll explore the world of herbalism and discover how it can provide gentle and natural care for children. From child-friendly herbs to dosaging considerations and various preparations like tonics, syrups, oils, balms, and broths, let's dive into nurturing our little ones with a gentle and slow approach.
Child Friendly Herbs
When it comes to children's health, it's important to choose herbs that are safe and age suitable for their young bodies. Child-friendly herbs such as chamomile, lavender, elderflower, and calendula can be used to address common childhood ailments and promote well-being. When you are using herbs externally for the most part, you only need to worry about diluting them properly however, some essential oils are not suitable for children.
It’s also necessary to clarify what age range I am discussing when I refer to children, you generally want to abstain from using herbs or essential oils on babies younger than 6 months. If you need to administer herbs at this age, it should be given to a breastfeeding mother to pass along to her child.
Now let’s talk about dosaging.
Dosaging is a critical aspect when using herbs for children. Their young bodies require smaller amounts to ensure safety and effectiveness. Always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosages based on your child's age and weight. I personally like to dose by weight rather than age. To do this I use Clark's rule which uses the child’s weight divided by 150 (which serves as the adult dose).
I personally love using tonics for overall well-being for our family. Herbal tonics can provide general support for children's health. These gentle formulations, typically made with nourishing herbs like nettle, oatstraw, or raspberry leaf, can be taken regularly to promote overall well-being and strengthen the immune system.
Children tend to love something sweet. Herbal syrups are a tasty and effective way to administer herbs to children. Glycerin extracts can also be used, and they have a longer shelf life. By combining child-friendly herbs with a sweetener like honey or glycerin, you can create a palatable syrup that not only delivers the therapeutic benefits of the herbs but also helps soothe coughs, ease digestion, or support restful sleep.
One thing that many herbalists overlook is the role of herbal body care. Herbal oils or balms can be used topically to provide relief for various skin conditions or minor injuries. Calendula, chamomile, and lavender are among the herbs commonly used in herbal preparations for children's skin care. Remember to test a small area for any possible allergies before applying more extensively.
Incorporating herbs into cooking is another wonderful way to support children's health. Herbal broths, such as those made with nourishing herbs like astragalus, burdock, or ginger, can be used as a base for soups or added to rice dishes. These broths infuse the meal with additional nutrients and herbal goodness.
In conclusion, herbalism offers a natural and gentle approach to caring for our children's health. By selecting child-friendly herbs, considering appropriate dosages, and utilizing various preparations like tonics, syrups, oils, balms, and broths, we can support their well-being and nurture their growing bodies with the power of nature. Remember, taking a slow and steady approach ensures the best care for our little ones, allowing them to thrive naturally.