Herbs are widely used to treat illnesses. They are natural and hence a safe option for everyone. They are crushed in order to extract their medicinal compounds, which are then employed for therapeutic purposes.
Herbs are a great alternative to pharmaceuticals. They are safe to be confused as well, which is why most parents choose them when their kids are ill. Although conventional medicines have their benefits, they should only be given in extreme cases.
What Is a Herb?
Herbs are aromatic, savory, or medicinal plants or plant components used for culinary or medical purposes. They are used to add flavor to food, manufacture cosmetics and scents, and most critically, as herbal remedies to heal diseases. A herb can help in a kid’s recovery. It can treat the flu, teething, colic, as well as more serious conditions such as pox and measles.
When and Why Should You Give Your Kid Herbs?
When a child becomes ill following exposure to pathogens, herbs can be used to enhance immunity. Herbs, if provided appropriately, will act in unison with your child’s immunity system, unlike other contemporary pharmaceuticals.
Numerous parts can be used for therapeutic purposes. It is possible to utilize almost every part of these herbs. However, the application of them will depend on the intended usage.
You can give these herbs to your kids by including them into their meals. You can also give them a bath in herbal water. Even specialists provide numerous herbal formulations via bath so that the skin can easily absorb the herb’s amazing and healing characteristics. Additionally, syrups are available to facilitate the administration of herbs with medicinal properties.
Herbal Bath
Here’s how to give your child a proper herbal bath:
What You Must Have
- a quarter cup of dried or half a cup of fresh herbs
- Half gallon of warm water
- Large plate with a lid
How To Do It?
- Keep the herbs soaked in the boiling water in a covered dish for approximately 45 minutes.
- Pour it into the water with which you will take a bath after straining.
- Allow your child to soak for at least ten minutes
Herbs That Are Safe For Kids
Here are the most effective and safe herbs for Kids:
1. Calendula
It is an easy-to-grow herb. It is effective for eczema, inflamed skin, dry skin, as well as wounds, insect bites, etc. It contains antifungal characteristics and can be used to treat and soothe practically any skin condition. Calendula can be used to treat diaper rash in infants. You can consider giving natural medicine to your kids.
2. Echinacea
Echinacea is known to improve the immune system of the body and relieve the kids from various diseases. If you observe that your child is beginning to exhibit symptoms of illness, this herb will reduce the duration and extent of spread of the illness.
3. Chamomile
It is the only herb that has a relaxing sensation on the nervous system while also being effective for a variety of other issues. It aids the digestive system, calms the stomach, lowers anxiety, aids in the treatment of various diseases and infections, stimulates the body’s immune system, aids in wound healing, and soothes sensitive skin.
4. Astragalus
As with many other herbs that are safe for kids, astragalus is famous for stimulating the immune system, enhancing a child’s resistance to disease. It is known to prevent kids from developing any illness or infection, as well as to boost a child’s immune system after an illness.
5. Elderberries
This is yet another fantastic herb to give your child, as it can prevent and treat many diseases. It is commonly used to treat various diseases, infections, and influenza. They can help your child recover from influenza and reduce the duration of their cold. They can also alleviate nasal congestion. Therefore you must add them to your kid’s diet.
Harmful herbs and plants that you should keep away from your kids
Below mentioned are a few herbs and plants that you should not give to your kids as they might have adverse effects.
1. Ricinus communis or Castor oil plant
It is a very commonly found plant that has toxic flowers, leaves and seeds. Swallowing or chewing the seeds of this can lead to vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and even diarrhea.
2. Erythrina genus or coral tree
Coral tree is a beautiful plant but its seeds, bark and leaves are poisonous. The seeds of this tree are exceptionally toxic especially for kids. It can lead to shortness of breath, lightheadedness and even cyanosis where the skin goes blue because of lack of oxygen in blood.
3. Nerium oleander or pink oleander
Another toxic herb that you should keep away from your Kids is pink or common oleander. The shrub is extremely poisonous, all of its parts are poisonous including the seeds. On consuming this shrub one would express the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Coma that could even lead to death
- Dilated pupils
4. Atropa belladonna or Deadly nightshade
This plant is very attractive. It has round black or purple berries which are very toxic. These berries on consumption can lead to facial flushing, drowsiness, fever, confusion as well as hallucinations. Therefore it is very important to keep the kids away from this plant.
5. Duranta erecta or golden dew drop
It is a very commonly found weed however its berries and leaves are poisonous. On consuming these parts of the golden dewdrop plant one can suffer from vomiting, nausea, convulsions, fever, faster heart rate and in some severe cases even death.
6. Parietaria judaica or asthma weed or Sticky weed
Again, it is a very common herb however as its name suggests it can cause asthma attacks and even skin allergies.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it would not be wrong to state that herbs are of all kinds, some are beneficial for babies and toddlers while others are poisonous. It is important to research the herb that you are about to use as well as consult a doctor. One has to be extremely careful while using herbs on newborns. It is advised to know about the probable risk factors associated with using the herbs before using them on kids.
