Herbal Supplements and Your Young Child

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

25 Mar 2009 10:13 AM

Many parents swear by herbal supplements for their young children to do everything from shorten a cold to reduce symptoms of autism. But behind the hype are some important things you should know about herbal supplements, if you want to keep your little one safe.

First parents need to understand that herbal supplements are not regulated very rigidly. In fact, the amount or concentration of an herb in a supplement can vary per dose. For the safer herbs, this may not matter much. But some herbs can prove dangerous.

Always inform your pediatrician if you are trying herbal supplements for your child. Your doctor should be able to advise you. Believe it or not, many pediatricians are willing to consider using alternative therapies, including herbal supplements. Also, think twice before giving an herbal supplement to a child who is very ill or on multiple medications.

In fact, it is a good idea not to combine herbal supplements with any medication, since some herbs can change the effectiveness of medication or cause aide effects.

Know which herbal supplements are relatively harmless versus which ones could cause a problem. For example, ginger and garlic are usually considered benign (although garlic can interfere with clotting of the blood, so they should be avoided before surgery. Garlic has been shown to boost the immune system and act as an anti-bacterial.

Chamomile is usually a safe herb, as well, although if your child has hay fever, you will want to avoid chamomile. This herb is usually used to sooth a colicky baby or sooth an upset stomach.

Echinacea is another herb that can cause allergic reactions, and studies show that it may actually increase the risk of respiratory infections. Many parents swear by this herb, but no studies have backed up any of the positive claims.

A sure bet is aloe vera when applied to the skin. Studies have linked it with increased wound healing and soothing of skin irritation.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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