Natural Healing for Little Ones: A Parent's Guide to Herbal Formulas for Children
Discover Safe and Effective Herbal Remedies to Support Your Child's Health and Well-being And Provide Immediate Relief.
Picture me, on day one of my acupuncture training, boldly proclaiming to my colleagues who have just shared their epic visions of acupuncture, 'Hi, I'm here so that when I have kids, I can treat them with acupuncture and herbs.' That declaration wasn't just a passing thought; it was my driving force. You see, as a child, I battled continuous sore throats. The only relief came from the occasional popsicle. But at 18, I took a different route and sought acupuncture for my throat. At the end of just one session, my sore throat was completely gone. I was sold. I always knew I wanted to be a parent, and before taking that step, I wanted to equip myself with the ability to provide holistic care for my future children. Now, as a parent and a practitioner providing pediatric acupuncture, I'm here to share essential herbal formulas every parent should have on hand and how to use them effectively.
Herbal medicine holds remarkable potential for children when administered at the right time and in the right manner. Imagine it as a treasure trove of nature's remedies, each herb carrying its own unique "properties" such as cooling, drying, moistening, and calming effects. With over 300 Chinese herbs at our disposal, the possibilities might seem overwhelming but fear not. When prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider, Chinese herbs are incredibly safe and effective.
Navigating the world of herbal medicine for children, especially during cold and flu season, can be likened to a journey through four distinct stages: Prevention, Early Symptoms, Full-blown Illness, and Severe Condition. Interestingly, it's the first two stages that demand the most attention and precision. During these phases, specific herbs work to release toxins, helping the body fight off infections. However, using herbs intended for later stages too soon can inadvertently worsen your child's condition, like leaving a window open on a chilly morning only to let in scorching afternoon heat.
Think of it this way: You crack open the window in the morning to welcome in the refreshing breeze, but if you forget to close it as the day heats up, you'll soon find yourself battling against sweltering temperatures. The same principle applies to herbal remedies – timing and selection are key.
To properly treat children and babies, I do telehealth calls and guide you based on the symptoms your child has, or the prevention you are looking for based on your child's health history.
Now that we've grasped the importance of timing and the varying uses of herbs, let's delve into the essential herbal formulas every parent should keep on hand:
A Prevention Formula- For Cold/flu and to use when traveling
An Early Stage Cold Formula- To use at first sign of those sniffles and coughs
A Cough formula- For common colds, nasal discharge, body aches
Vomiting Formula- You DON'T want to be without this, bc timing is really everything
A Calming Formula- For anxious kids or vivid dreamers
Digestive Support- Have on hand for kids who tend to constipation, diarrhea, food aversions.
Skin Care- Specialty-targeted care for eczema
THE CRUD Cough- Bronchitis, RSV, Croup, this formula is sooooo helpful
Breathing and allergies
Omega and DHA- For daily nutrients
Magnesium Soaks- For absorption of minerals and calming. The brand I recommend also is a great use for pulling out viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and amazing for sick children. Even better as a weekly preventative. ESSENTIAL weekly item for health and wellness. You can buy this yourself here for you and your family.
Other common formulas: ear ache, allergies, bedwetting, emotions, and hyperactivity/focus.
All of these Chinese formulas are specially studied and made for children and come in a tincture, so you don't have to force babies to swallow pills or hide a nasty powder.
WHY herbs? Some parents have seen the poor reactions children have to over the counter medications, others just want to start with a holistic approach. As for me, I knew from day 1 I wanted to use herbal medicine. Then when my daughter was 11 months old she got a fever of 107, I called the pediatrician on staff @11pm that night and honestly they weren't worried because she was crawling around and babbling and her behavior was normal. I gave her a small dose of ibuprofen and it was the worst decision I made. ER and Urgent cares understand, the body spikes a fever in order to boil out the bacteria/virus on hand and kill it. Fevers are good and should not be messed with. Just one small dose of medicine, and my daughter's body temp dropped 10 degrees in an hour to 97, and she started having seizures and I rushed middle of the night, to get her to the hospital. It was really really scary. It wasn't the fever, it was the huge temp change for my 15lb baby. Many other parent's deal with children who's fever keeps coming back or child keeps getting sick. And so much of that has to do with this same concept, if you are giving your child aid to lower their fever, the bacteria and virus don't get boiled out and fought off. So you've turned off the light on the car essentially and not fixed the issue. Which is why its days of fighting fevers and for some kids years of getting sick over and over.
Harmonizing Health: Integrating Herbal Medicine into Your Family
In an ideal world, every parent would have the knowledge and resources to confidently administer herbal remedies to their children. However, the reality is that not everyone has the time, inclination, or opportunity to pursue a four-year study of herbal medicine. That's where telehealth appointments come in.
Through an initial telehealth consultation, we'll delve into your child's health history and discuss your specific needs and concerns. Together, we'll curate a personalized 'medicine cabinet' tailored to your family's requirements. You'll receive clear guidance on when and how to use herbal formulas safely and effectively with your child.
As your child grows and their health needs evolve, our telehealth consultations will continue to provide support and guidance. Whether it's managing illness or addressing acute disorders, we'll be just a click away, offering reassurance and expertise whenever you need it.
Of course, in cases of emergencies, Western medicine remains an invaluable resource. It's crucial to continue regular check-ups with your child's primary care provider and seek urgent or emergency care when necessary. Our telehealth consultations complement, rather than replace, traditional medical care, ensuring comprehensive support for your child's health and well-being.
Additional Resources:
COMING SOON- Empower Your Parenting Journey: Unlocking the Healing Power of Shonishin Pediatric Acupuncture for Your Child's Wellness.
CBD Pain stick- Great for teething, pain, sleep. ORDER HERE. This does have a menthol/cooling sensation to it, make sure you place in an area (usually mid back with zipped pajamas) that your baby can't reach w their hand and get into their eyes.
Disclaimer:
As a parent, your child's health and well-being are of paramount importance, and I understand the trust you place in me as their healthcare provider. It's crucial to note that while Chinese herbal medicine can offer valuable support and benefits for children, it is essential to approach its use with caution and under professional guidance.
Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of natural substances with potent medicinal properties. While generally considered safe when administered correctly, it's important to recognize that every child is unique, and their response to herbal remedies may vary.
Before incorporating Chinese herbs into your child's healthcare regimen, it is imperative that we have an initial consultation to make sure that your child is a good fit for using Chinese herbal medicine. This ensures that the herbs are selected and prescribed appropriately based on your child's individual health needs, medical history, and any existing health conditions or medications.
Furthermore, please be aware that herbal medicine is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment in cases of serious illness or emergencies. It is essential to maintain regular check-ups with your child's primary healthcare provider and seek urgent medical attention when necessary.
By proceeding with the use of Chinese herbs for your child, you acknowledge and understand the importance of consulting with a qualified healthcare provider and agree to follow their recommendations for the safe and effective use of herbal remedies.