Looking for natural options that will help keep your kids healthy, happy, and thriving?
Look no further. Herbs are a great option for children because they’re both hardworking and gentle, making them a safe and effective choice.
People have been using plants to support their health for as long as we‘ve existed – we have hundreds (sometimes thousands) of years of traditional use to show us what herbs are the best and safest for our little ones.
Here are 5 key herbs to have on hand to help look after your kiddos.
1. Keep calm with Chamomile
Chamomile = a calm tummy and a happy mood
Chamomile is one of the best known and loved herbs for kids. We love Chamomile because it can be used in so many different ways for your family.
Chamomile supports healthy digestion and can ease tummy troubles, making it a perfect after-dinner drink.
It’s calming and soothing for the nervous system, making it a wonderful ally for easily excitable or nervous kids. It's also a nourishing choice to ease little ones ( and adults) into a restful evening routine and good sleep.
Did you know… Chamomile appears in pop culture all over the world, but one of the best-known moments for children is when Peter Rabbit is given a cup of Chamomile tea and sent to bed after a stressful day in Mr MacGregor’s garden.
Herbal homecare: Chamomile is a beautiful addition to the garden and self-sows easily. Gather about a tablespoon of fresh flowers mid-morning after the dew has dried and add hot water to make your own cuppa.
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2. Echinacea for excellent immune health
Echinacea supports the immune system so it can do its job, and so your littles can spend more time doing the things they love.
It supports the body’s natural healing process, making it a “must-have-on-hand” for the school year.
Did you know… Echinacea is also known as “purple coneflower” and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens because of its beautiful daisy-like flower. But if you are wanting to use your garden Echinacea to support your health, make sure you have the right species. Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia are the plants you need.
Top tip: Echinacea can be used for both daily immune support, and for fast-acting immune defence. Simply increase the dose (and be mindful to always stay within the recommended dosage range)
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3. Bolster your respiratory health with Thyme
Thyme is a hero-herb for the respiratory system. It provides powerful natural support for the body’s immune defenses and for the lungs and airways.
Did you know… Artemis uses a special extract of fresh Central Otago Thyme called ThymeMedTM in all of our immune and respiratory products. This NZ-grown Thyme has been shown to be exceptionally high in active compounds that support your respiratory system.
Herbal Homecare: Thyme can also be used in a steam inhalation to support easy breathing. Add a handful of fresh or dried thyme to a pot of simmering water on the stove and let it infuse the air. You can also make a strong pot of thyme tea with small handful of thyme. Strain and pour that into the bath for little ones (and if – when – they inevitably drink the bath water, they are getting a nice bit of thyme tea internally!)
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4. Sunny Calendula for your skin
Looking for a plant that is easy to grow and that you can use to support skin healing? Look no further than Calendula.
Calendula is often found in nappy creams, or ointments for the skin thanks to its soothing qualities. It is a lovely plant for little ones’ skin – safe and comforting for any skin issues that come your way.
Top tip: Calendula supports healthy skin healing processes. Make sure to always wash and/or disinfect any skin issues before applying calendula cream, oil, or ointment.
Herbal homecare: Calendula is easy-to-grow and is meant to help keep garden pests at bay, so interplant it with your other veggies to give them a helping hand.
To use your homegrown Calendula, pick two or three flowers after the dew has dried and infuse them into hot water. This can be used as a topical wash for the skin, a tea to drink or even a gargle – think of the inside of your mouth, throat, and digestive system as an extension of your skin and give it some healing support with this sunny plant.
You can also add Calendula petals to your favourite seasonal salad for a hit of colour and health support.
5. Californian Poppy supports sleep
How often do you look for something to soothe your little ones’ sleep,
particularly if they are unwell? Californian Poppy to the rescue.
This gorgeous orange flowering plant supports a restful sleep and helps to calm their nervous system.
Did you know... Californian Poppy grows wild in Central Otago and along riverbeds around Aotearoa, because settlers brought it with them during the Gold Rush. It is considered a weed because it can outgrow some of our native plants – so from a sustainability standpoint it is a great herb to pick from the wild.
Herbal homecare: If you live somewhere that Californian Poppy grows wild, you can pick one of two flowers in the early spring and summer and make them into a tea to help soothe the nervous system and support sleep. Just be sure to pick from a clean environment, not near a road or runoff. By itself, Californian Poppy is very bitter, so adding a little honey can help improve the flavour.
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Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Artemis, Dunedin