Natural Medicines for Little Ones

When my daughter was 20 months old, she noticed some slow-healing sores on my leg (which were actually white tailed spider bites!). She took herself off to the bathroom and 5 minutes later raced out with some Manuka honey and 3 band-aids. She handed them to me and pointed to my leg saying 'honey honey!'. I was so impressed! It was exactly what I needed.

Around the same time she received a 'natural first aid kit' made by my talented mother-in-law and would play with it for hours and hours. It was beautiful to watch!

Natural medicines work quickly and effectively in children and can be used from very early on. Here are some of my favourite natural remedies for young children to lean on when their little bodies need some extra help.

MANUKA HONEY

A spoonful of this honey is a great go-to for children older than 12 months old and the entire family. Whilst all raw honey is medicinal, Manuka honey is a cut above the rest! It is a medicinal grade honey high in antibacterial properties, active enzymes, and has been shown to be effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.Please note, not all Manuka honey is created equally! The higher the UMF rating, the more antibacterial activity Manuka honey has — and the more potent it is. Look for a high UMG or MOG when you’re buying Manuka honey.Indications: bites, skin infections, general wound healing, sore throats, mouth ulcers, skin ulcers, seasonal allergies.

CHAMOMILE TEA/ WASH/ SYRUP

Chamomile is great for calming both the mind and the belly. It’s safe for children of all ages, after introduction of solids. It has mild sedative properties which promote a calm state in children and a restful sleep. Chamomile is also great for reducing digestive wind and alleviating constipation. Chamomile can be had in tea form, or as a syrup.Half a cup of chamomile tea is usually plenty for kids aged 2-5 years old. Under 2 years, but over 6 months, a few teaspoons of a strong cooled chamomile tea is usually sufficient. For extra digestive support, add a few teaspoons of dried fennel seeds to the tea.For teething babies, soak a clean wash cloth into chamomile tea (organic) and pop it in the freezer until firm, then give to bub to chew on.To soothe skin irritation, help with nappy rash, or soothe sore, red, irritated little eyes, make a strong herbal tea and dip a cotton ball in the tea once cooled to apply to inflamed area.Indications: stomach griping, constipation, digestive wind, irritability, poor sleep, restlessness, eye inflammation.

SLIPPERY ELM

Slippery Elm is a gentle and effective natural medicine for digestive complaints. It’s a godsend really! It’s a gentle fibre that soothes, coats, and calms the belly. Mix the powder into some authentic yoghurt, diluted juice, or stewed fruit. Dose will depend on child’s age and symptoms, so seek guidance here.Keep the fluids up to your little one when using Slippery Elm.Indications: digestive repair following gastric infection or antibiotic use, constipation, reflux.

GARLIC IN SOCKS

Garlic is truly ‘Nature’s Penicillin’, but it can be tricky getting garlic into little ones due to its punchiness! This is a lovely old-school remedy for colds and flus. Cut 2 cloves of garlic in half and gently crush using the back of a spoon or knife. Place the crushed garlic between two pairs of socks and leave on your child overnight.Indications: colds and flus.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Activated Charcoal can be a life-saver if you or your little ones have picked up a nasty stomach bug. It works through the digestive tract by trapping toxins in the gut and preventing them from being absorbed.The dosage of activated charcoal for children over 12 months is usually ¼ teaspoon daily, no more than twice daily for kids under 5 years. Higher doses can be given in older children and adults. Mix in stewed apples or liquid of choice. Be aware that the stools will be dark/ black which is completely normal after consumption of activated charcoal. Of course, if any gastric symptoms persist, see a GP or healthcare provider for stool testing and monitoring.Indications: gas, diarrhoea, gastro/ food poisoning, bloating.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Syrups and elixirs are a delicious way to enjoy plant medicines. They are great for kids and those who benefit from gentle medicines. Elderberry is well researched and has an excellent safety profile and possesses antiviral, antioxidant and immune restorative properties.Head to my kitchen remedy course for recipes on syrups and other simple remedies.Indications: viral infections, lowered immune function. 

TOPICAL MAGNESIUM (Epsom salt baths, Magnesium oil/ spray/ lotions)

Epsom salt baths are wonderfully relaxing for little ones. Magnesium, both topically and through the diet, can help relax muscles and mind.When using a topical Magnesium oil, spray or lotion, care must be taken with full-strength magnesium chloride, as it can cause skin irritation leading to redness and itching. Use small amounts and do a test patch on the soles of the feet before applying all over to ensure there are no adverse reactions. It’s best to choose a topical Magnesium which has been diluted with oil or water.Indications: aches, pains, headaches, cramps, growing pains, irritability.

ALOE VERA (Topical)

Aloe Vera is fun to use with kids because it’s gentle and it works fast! With all the scrapes, cuts, bites and sunburns that kids get growing up - every herbal medicine chest needs Aloe Vera. Its astringent properties help seal cuts and grazes, and the collagen boosting actions help with wound healing. This ancient herb has been used for thousands of years by families around the world and is safe and soothing for all.

Indications: burns, cuts, grazes, scrapes, wounds.

Other great home remedies for little ones include:

• A Rosemary Infused Olive oil for cradle cap

• Clove oil for teething

• Calendula ointment for nappy rash

• Comfrey poultices or salves for strains, sprains and aches

What about supplements?

This list does not contain nutritional supplements such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron and oral Magnesium, not because they’re not useful for some children (they can certainly be!), but because specific guidance is needed on dosage and form. For advice on herbal medicines not listed here or nutritional supplements, please speak to a qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist or Herbalist.