Children make wonderful candidates for taking herbs. They respond positively and quickly to the treatment of natural therapies. Herbal medicine can provide a gentle approach for healing for even quite young babies. Older children may need some persuasion to take strong tasting herbs but on the whole, I find they do not kick up as much fuss as my adult patients! More often than not, children’s ailments are self-limiting. Given due time, care and attention, they are back to their usual self in the blink of the eye. As a general rule, parents should not give herbs to children under the age of two, unless professionally recommended by someone who has in depth knowledge of herbs. There are many herbs that have been used traditionally with great success and safety for common children's ailments such as coughs, colds, eczema, asthma, hyperactivity, etc. These will be briefly discussed below.

Herbal Doses For Children:

Age Dose
3 – 4 > 20% of adult dose
5 – 6 > 30% of adult dose
7 – 8 > 40% of adult dose
9 – 10 > 50% of adult dose
11 – 12 > 60% of adult dose
13 – 14 > 70% of adult dose
14 – 15 > 80% of adult dose
16 plus > 100% of adult dose

* These guidelines are approximates – much will depend on individual vitality

Asthma
Asthma can be a frightening experience for children and a terrifying one for parents! The cause may be an allergic reaction to pollution or certain foods. Dairy products, food containing artificial colours and flavours are some of the common allergens. If any of these cause asthma in your child, it should be excluded from the diet. With babies and toddlers, this may not always be possible as they are still relying on milk as their main food. Soya milk or goat's milk are probable substitutes. The holistic management of asthma aims to enable an asthmatic child to remain symptom-free the majority of the time with help from herbs, vitamins and proper eating habits, therefore reducing the reliance on drugs. Three of my favourite herbs for childhood asthma are Liquorice, Elecampane and Adhatoda. These herbs have anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions, thus stopping the bronchial muscles from going into spasm and reducing the swelling of the mucous membranes. The herbs work best when used in combination. In addition, supplementation with vitamin C often helps - up to 500mg for children between the ages 6-15.

Colds, Coughs & Sore throats
These are probably the most common complaints for children. They would have caught them at one time or another during their growing years. Many different types of viruses and bacteria can cause colds, coughs and sore throats. Sometimes sudden changes in temperature may predispose a child to catching cough and cold more easily. To maintain healthy immune function, it is important for parents to inculcate healthy eating habits in kids. Children often imitate those around them and it is unfair to expect the children to eat wholesome foods when their parents do otherwise. Herbal medicine offers great benefit in treating and boosting children’s natural defence system. The most well known are Echinacea and Sundew. These have antiseptic and immune-boosting properties. For ticklish cough and sore throat, addition of Marshmallow provides quick soothing remedy.

Eczema
The symptoms of eczema may manifest themselves as early as the age of 6 months, first appearing as an itchy rash on the cheeks or small weeping cracks behind the ears. Often the rash spread as the child grows older. However, there have been cases where the eczema resolves during the teenage years. Evening primrose and fish oils are quite helpful. Studies show that these supplements produce improvement in all features of the disease, especially the itch. Red Clover is one of the most useful remedies for children with skin problems. This herb has excellent success for childhood eczema and other skin complaints such as psoriasis. Soothing herbal creams based on Calendula, Chamomile and Goldenseal should be applied externally to help reduce redness, swelling and itchiness.

Rhinitis & Sinusitis
The symptoms are nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing and itching. If your child is having such symptoms, try avoiding dairy products as they are often mucus-forming. Other children may find refined carbohydrates and salty food to be problematic too. Herbs such as Horseradish, Eyebright, Garlic and Ribwort are beneficial to dry up excess mucus. Cod liver oil, being rich in vitamin A, will help strengthen the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, as can vitamin C and zinc.

Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is a rather subjective diagnosis. Many children are labeled hyperactive when in actual fact they are only displaying normal childhood antics. However, there is a real problem which involves children who are over-active, by anyone’s standard. They are children who can’t sit still and run about all the time, who are extremely excitable, jump up and down on furniture incessantly and talk loudly non-stop. In school and at home, they are uncooperative, defiant, impulsive and disobedient. These children seem fearless and take undue risks, like swinging from curtains or jumping from high places. Lying and inappropriate hysterical laughter may also be symptoms of hyperactivity. Foods containing artificial colouring, flavouring, preservatives and other additives have often been blamed and it is best to avoid them. Fish oil, in particular tuna oil, contains nutrients that are essential for regulating children’s attention and behaviour. Therefore, good quality tuna oil can be a good supplement to include in the child’s daily regime. Gentle, nurturing herbs like Betony, Oats and Lemon Balm will calm the child.

Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural therapies. She is a qualified clinical herbalist and operates a herbal centre in Subang Jaya. Comments and inquiries: herbz@tm.net.my or 03-5631 7751.