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	natural parenting toolbox

Common Herbs For Children

Here are some common herbs and their health benefits for children:

• Aloe vera: heals burns and wounds (used externally).
  
• Arnica: good for bumps and bruises (used externally).
  
• Astragalus: builds strengthens the immune system.
  
• Calendula: soothes skin irritations, burns, diaper rash (used externally).
  
• California poppy: calming; used in children's nighttime formulas.
  
• Catnip: calming, digestive aid; used for colic, sleeplessness, minor fevers.
  
• Chamomile: a digestive aid and calming agent.
  
• Comfrey: good for skin irritations, inflammations (should not be taken internally).
  
• Echinacea: stimulates the immune system (best taken at the first signs of an illness).
  
• Fennel: digestive aid; used for stomachache, gas, colic.
  
• Feverfew: relieves fever and pain.
  
• Garlic: antiviral, immune support (best taken raw).
  
• Ginger: relieves nausea; anti-inflammatory.
  
• Hops: sedative; hops flowers placed in a pillowcase make a good sleep aid for restless children.
  
• Licorice: soothes sore throats, eases hay fever; antiviral.
  
• Marshmallow root: immune support; demulcent (soothes inflamed mucus membranes)
  
• Mullein: demulcent, expectorant; used for sore throats, coughs, asthma.
  
• Peppermint: warming, digestive, antiviral.
  
• St. John's Wort: antidepressant, antiviral; used externally on minor injuries and ear infections.
  
• Thyme: expectorant, antibacterial.
  
• Valerian: sedative; relieves insomnia, hyperactivity.
  
• Wild cherry bark: treats coughs; used in many cough syrups.
  
• Yarrow: anti-inflammatory, promotes sweating; relieves fevers, can be used in baths to relieve chicken pox or poison ivy.