Common Medicinal Herbs Any medication, including herbs, can cause an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can happen with the first exposure, or after your child has taken the medication several times. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, swelling, itching, and/or difficulty breathing. If you think your child is having an allergic reaction, call your physician. If your child experiences difficulty breathing, take him to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Always read package directions carefully to be sure you are giving the preparation properly and in the correct dose. When given in recommended doses, toxicity is unlikely.
	Medicinal Use	Part of Plant Used	How Given	Possible Side Effects	Comments
Alfalfa	Tonic; contains natural fluoride, helpful in preventing tooth decay.	Leaf.	Tincture; tea; capsule.	None known.
Aloe Vera	Topically: Pain reliever, excellent for burns, sore nipples, itching of chickenpox. Internally: Relieves stomach inflammation and constipation	Pulp from inside leaf.	Liquid applied topically to affected area or taken internally.	None known.	Excellent for increasing the production of breast milk.
American Ginseng	Helps strengthen overall constitution; helpful in relieving fatigue or debilitation after an illness.	Root.	Tincture; tea.	Nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea.	Topically: Use pulp from inside plant leaf. Internally: Use prepared food-grade liquid.
Bupleurum	Liver detoxifier; strengthens immune system; helpful in treating chronic conditions such as allergies, recurring earaches, or runny nose.	Root.	Tincture; capsule (taken in combination with other herbs).	None known.	Do not use if a fever is present.
Burdock	Blood purifier and cleanser; helpful in treatment of acne.	Root.	Tincture; tea; capsule; fresh cooked root.	Dilated pupils, dry mouth.	Most commonly used in combination with other herbs, not by itself. Do not use if fever or other signs of acute infection are present.
Calendula	Antiseptic; speeds tissue healing; useful on cuts, blisters, burns, abrasions.	Flower.	Lotion, cream, or tincture, applied topically to the affected area.	None known.	Do not use for more than 2 consecutive weeks. Alternate 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Carob	Helps to stop/slow diarrhea.	Pod and seed.	Mix powdered carob with water and drink.	None known.
Chamomile	Soothes upset stomach; relaxes, induces sleep; helpful for teething.	Flower.	Tincture; tea; capsule; bath.	Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Dill	Helps to relieve colic, stomach gas.	Leaf.	Tea; in soup or vegetables.	None known.	Do not give to a child who is allergic to ragweed.
Echinacea	Antibiotic; boosts immune system. Useful in treating many infections, insect bites, and stings.	Root.	Tincture; tea; capsule; salve.	None known.	Increases production of breast milk.
Fennel	Helpful for colic, stomachache.	Seed.	Tea; capsule.	In large doses, can cause skin irritation, nausea, vomiting.	Long-term use not advised. Best used for 5 days to 1 week at a time. Alternate 1 week on, 1 week off.
Fenugreek	Expectorant; helpful in treating sore throat and chest congestion.	Seed.	Tea; capsule.	None known.	Do not use during pregnancy.
Flax	Soothing to digestive tract; relieves constipation.	Seed.	Tea; capsule; oil.	Agitation, excitement, rapid breathing.	May produce unusual body odor. This is only temporary, and not a cause for concern.
Garlic	Antibiotic, antiseptic, antiworm.	Clove.	Fresh whole herb; capsule; liquid.	Stomach upset, contact dermatitis, flatulence.	Seeds are safe when cooked; leaves can be toxic and are not normally used. May be taken by a breast-feeding mother to relieve infant constipation.
Ginger	Aids digestion; relieves congestion; promotes perspiration and relieves fever; soothes achy muscles.	Root.	Tincture; tea; bath or oil for achy muscles.	Diarrhea, nausea.	Fresh cloves may be used, but odorless capsule form is more palatable for most children.
Goldenseal	Antibiotic; used to treat many infections.	Root.	Tincture; tea; capsule.	Irritation of mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Licorice	Tonic; soothing to respiratory tract; increases energy.	Root.	Tincture; tea; capsule.	Can lead to high blood pressure with long-term use.	Use cautiously in pregnancy. Do not take for more than 1 week to 10 days at a time.
Ma Huang (Ephedra)	Decreases nasal and sinus swelling and congestion.	Stems, twigs.	Tea; capsule.	Increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, insomnia.	Use cautiously in pregnancy or in the presence of high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, or diabetes. Not advised for children under 12. Best given before 3:00 P.M. to prevent insomnia.
Marshmallow	Demulcent, helpful for sore throat and lung congestion.	Root.	Tea; capsule.	None known.
Papaya	Aids digestion; relieves indigestion and gas.	Fruit, leaf.	Fruit eaten raw. Leaf in tea form.	Heartburn.	Seeds are used in Asia to eradicate parasites.
Parsley	Increases urination; helpful in treating bladder infection.	Leaf.	Tea; capsule.	Dizziness, headache, warmth, nausea, vomiting, itching.	use with caution during pregnancy. Excessive amounts will stop milk production in nursing mothers.
Peppermint	Aids Digestion; relieves nausea; reduces fever; relieves diarrhea, gas, heartburn.	Leaf.	Tincture; tea; capsule.	In large doses, can cause stomach irritation and coldness of the body.
Red Clover	Blood Purifier; helpful in treating acne, boils, skin infections; mild sedative.	Flower.	Tincture; tea; capsule	None known.
Rosemary	Antispasmodic, stimulating tonic; helpful in treating colds, sore throats, headaches; increases circulation.	Leaf.	Tea; in soup.	Nausea, diarrhea.	A strong tea can also be used topically to enhance scalp health and hair growth.
Sage	Increases urination; aids digestion; antiseptic; helpful for nasal discharge, sore throat.	Leaf.	Tincture; tea; capsule; topically on cuts and abrasions.	Dry mouth, local irritation.	Can also be used as a gargle for sore throats. Do not use during pregnancy. May decrease milk production in nursing mothers.
Skullcap	Sedative, nerve tonic.	Leaf.	Tincture; tea; capsule.	Giddiness, irregular heartbeat.	Best used in combination with other calmatives. Do not give to a child under 6 years of age.
Slippery Elm	Helpful in treating constipation, diarrhea, irritated/inflamed stomach.	Bark.	Mix powdered bark with water and drink.	None known.
Thyme	Antiseptic; relieves lung congestion, diarrhea, lack of appetite, colic, flatulence.	Leaf.	Tea; in soup.	In large doses, can cause diarrhea.	May be used as a mouthwash.
Yarrow	Useful for colds, flu, fever.	Leaf.	Tea; tincture; capsule.	None known.	Contains small amounts of bioavailable iron. Extended use may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
YellowDock	Detoxifier; mild laxative; antiworm; relieves cough and lymphatic congestion.	Root.	Tincture; tea; capsule.	In large doses, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.	Encourages perspiration.

Email this to a friend          Printer friendly version

Related Articles      Herbal Medicine      Healthy Child Center      Herbal Medicine Center      by Janet Zand

JANET ZAND, O.M.D., L.Ac. is a nationally respected author, lecturer, practitioner and herbal products formulator whose work has helped thousands of people achieve better ...more

	From Our Sponsors

 

	Featured Products
	What Doctors Don't Tell You Special! ChildLife Nutrition Program What Doctors Don't Tell You ChildLife Multi-Vitamin Liquid Breathing - Key to Self Healing The Detox Box Dr. Mark Hyman Entering the Now Eckhart Tolle When Things Fall Apart (CD)