Herbal Medicine: Children and Herbal Therapy

Whole Person Wellness Program
	Personal Wellness more Employee Wellness more Certified Coach Training more

FREE NEWSLETTER

* Alpha

* !

Health Centers

Key Services

Antioxidants?

Which of the following is an antioxidant?

Vitamin E
Vitamin B
Calcium

Wellness Inventory Whole Person Wellbeing Solution

Wellness Inventory Whole Person Assessment & Lifestyle Program

Herbal Medicine: Children and Herbal Therapy

David Hoffmann L. BSc (Hons), MNIMH ©

With its focus on preventive medicine, holistic approaches to health can be most helpful in many of the common problems of childhood. If conditions are brought under control during childhood they can often be avoided entirely in adult life. Examples are asthma and eczema, both of which can start at a very early age and become an ongoing theme throughout the persons life. If treated successfully with herbs there is rarely a continuation of the disease into adulthood.

Children have special needs and special plants address these needs. Whenever possible focus upon the tonics and normalizers. The healing capacity of children can be quite incredible. The most relevant remedies are pointed out in each section below. Care must also be given to dosage, obviously a lower dosage being used. For details of the standard pharmaceutical formulae used to convert adult dosage to that appropriate for any particular age, please refer to the preparations chapter or James Green's Medicine Maker's Handbook.

Possibly the most important consideration is the relevance of tender loving care. Children respond to love and caring in wonderful ways. So do adults, if they give themselves the chance!

A number of useful books have written about herbs for children, of which I would highly recommend the following three. Each is colored by the authors particular preferences and biases, but then who am I to comment on personal bias!

Christopher, John R. Herbal Home Health Care. Christopher Publications, Provo, 1984
Riggs, Maribeth. Natural Child Care. Harmony Books, New York, 1989
Scott, Julian. Natural Medicine for Children. Avon Books, New York, 1990

Childhood Diseases
The so-called childhood diseases are viral syndromes most often seen in children who lack immunity until they have recovered from the disease, and then rarely get the problem again. Usually not serious, they can cause severe fever and discomfort, and occasionally lead to serious complications. In adults, the same diseases can have different and more serious manifestations. Some of the commonest are outlined here, but please refer to the end of this chapter for a discussion of mumps.

Digestive System
There are many herbs that are appropriate for treating digestive problems in Children. Carminatives are especially important. Of the many possibilities, please review these remedies and ensure their various actions are familiar to you:

Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow)
Anethum graveolens (Dill)
Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss)
Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet)
Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)
Gentiana lutea (Gentian)
Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
Melissa officinalis (Balm)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Pimpinella anisum (Aniseed)
Rumex crispus (Yellow Dock)
Symphytum officinale (Comfrey )
Ulmus fulva (Slippery Elm)

Treatments outlined in the chapter on digestive problems are relevant here. Please refer to the following sections:

Colic
Constipation
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Nausea

CONTINUED 1 2 3 4 Next

Comments

Add your comment

About The Author

Whilst working in conservation and lecturing in ecology and the eco-crisis for the University of Wales, David Hoffman became convinced that to heal the world, to embrace planetary wholeness and responsibility for it......more

Popular Related Articles/Areas

1Hyperactivity

2Nervine

3Herbal Therapy & Elder Health

4Down's Syndrome
(Congenital Hypopituitarism)

5Toward Full Disclosure

6Exercise Options in Diabetes Mellitus: Information for Health and Fitness Professionals

7The Promise of Peppers

8Top Nine Calorie Foods in the American Diet

9Junk Food and the Oral Disease Connection

Popular & Related Products


Certification Training	Comprehensive Wellness Profile Save on Lab Test	Employee Wellbeing


Whole Person Wellbeing	Wellness Workbook	Lab Tests Women's Health

Popular & Featured Events

2019 National Wellness Conference
October 1-3, 2019
Kissimmee, FL USA

Additional Calendar Links

Dimensions of Wellness

Wellness, Self Responsibility, Love, dimension!

Home       Wellness       Health A-Z       Alternative Therapies       Wellness Inventory       Wellness Center
Healthy Kitchen       Healthy Woman       Healthy Man       Healthy Child       Healthy Aging       Nutrition Center       Fitness Center
Discount Lab Tests      First Aid      Global Health Calendar      Privacy Policy     Contact Us

Disclaimer: The information provided on HealthWorld Online is for educational purposes only and IS NOT intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.