Looking for Natural Remedies for Your Kids? Here are Some Tips for Safely Using Herbs

More and more, we have been leaning back toward natural remedies for small ailments. Herbal teas soothe when we are sick, apple cider vinegar is a wonderous disinfectant, and ginger works wonders for your tummy. But even natural ingredients can have some adverse effects. It’s important to use them safely and Kate Tietje author of Natural Remedies for Kids has some important advice.

Dried herbs image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Safely Using Herbs

Before diving into natural remedies, it’s important to know how to use herbs safely. Not all herbs are appropriate for all people in all situations. You’ll find specific cautions on each recipe, so you can determine what is best for your family.

Please read the cautions carefully and consult your doctor if you have a special health concern before using any remedy.

Even simple herbs, like ginger, should not be used by some people. Always read the individual contraindications on each recipe.

Always Properly Label Your Herbs

If your herbs aren’t properly labeled, then plants that look similar may get mixed up and used improperly. If in doubt, throw it out. Never use an herb if you’re not completely sure what it is.

Check the Contraindications

Some herbs can cause adverse effects in some people, just like anything else—for example, some people are allergic to peanuts or shellfish, which are foods that many people can consume without an issue.

If an herb is known to be harmful or potentially harmful to some people, it will be noted on individual recipes. Read these carefully before choosing which ones to prepare.

When in Doubt, Use Smaller Doses

For some people, it takes only a tiny dose to bring about the desired effects; for others, it takes a larger dose. You can always take more, but you can’t take less. Start with a very small dose, especially the first time you use an herb. Consider taking notes on what doses you give and how they work, so you’ll know next time what is right for each member of your family.

Know if Internal Use is Safe

Some of the recipes in this book can actually be used topically or internally. Many of the herbs can be used both ways in different preparations. A few must never be used internally; these recipes will be labeled “for external use only.” Know the proper amount and method for taking any remedy you use.

Store Herbs and Remedies Properly

Herbs should be stored in their original bags or labeled glass jars, away from heat and sunlight, and out of your child’s reach. Remedies should be stored in labeled glass jars, bottles, or tins. Some remedies must be refrigerated. Make sure to check the individual recipes for storage instructions. If a remedy ever smells off or looks discolored or moldy, throw it out.

In general, herbs are pretty safe. Most of the herbs used in the book are “adaptogenic,” which means that they are used to gently balance the body, rather than have any strong effect. Many are safe even in large doses (these are chosen purposely). Still, always exercise caution with an herb that is new to you or your child.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR KIDS

Natural Remedies for Kids is an easy-to-use reference for parents who are ready to take their family’s health into their own hands by using over 100 natural and herbal remedies to help common ailments at home.

There’s no need to rush off to the doctor at the first sign of sniffles or fever! Instead, understand what each symptom may be a sign of, how to help treat that symptom naturally, and how to help your child rest comfortably until the illness is over. Find out if the symptoms may be serious enough to warrant a call to the doctor. Then, learn to prepare one of the many recipes for home remedies found within the book to help your child naturally.

Clear up common conditions like:

Diaper rash
Eczema
Runny noses
Coughs
Sore throats
Upset stomach
Teething
and more

Find tips and hints from Kate Tietje on which remedies are best for which issues. Discover the time-tested treatments that will help to keep your child healthy and happy, naturally!

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