Every childhood malady these days has a corresponding herbal remedy, be it Asthma or Attention Deficit Disorder. However, the point to be clarified is whether the herbs are successful in yielding the desired result.

Plants are wonderful sources of remedies and medicines. However, a plant in a forest or meadow could have little resemblance to that being stuffed in capsules. To add to this, only a few herbs like St.John’s Wort and Echniacea are tested for effectiveness and safety. And most herbs are tested on lab rats or on adults, and not kids. Hence caution is advised before prescribing herbs to kids, as young bodies process drugs in a different way, and kids, in particular, are vulnerable to side effects.

Herbs could also indirectly harm children, when used as a replacement for prescription medicines. For instance, a child suffering from a serious condition that needs immediate attention cannot be given an untested alternative in place of effective medications. Hence, only easy-to-recognize herbs, which has stood the test of time is recommended for kids. For instance, a child with an upset stomach will feel better when peppermint tea, or chamomile or a juice in which quarter teaspoon of grated ginger has been added is consumed.

However, there are many parents who have already tried herbal remedies on kids, and have received favorable response to the medicines. Herbalists and Skeptics, however, suggest that caution should be used with herbs. All herbal products should be kept out of reach of children and the dosage administered should never exceed the recommended dosage. The general rule is that the dosage for kids should be only one-third or one-fourth of adult dosage. Also, the most important point to be noted is that parents should keep the pediatrician informed about every herb that their child takes.

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