Helping Our Children With Plants

What if you could use simple, natural remedies right from your kitchen or garden to support your child’s health?

As a herbalist and nutritionist, I loving helping parents and children discover how to use plants and earth’s creations safely and easily.

This post shares practical ways to bring simple kitchen medicine into your home, helping you care for your children, without the side-effects.

Nature’s medicine cabinet is always waiting to be of service. ❤️

Why Use Plants for Children?

Herbs and plants offer a natural way to soothe common symptoms from colds, tummy troubles, skin issues, bites or restless nights without relying on synthetic drugs.

Using herbs also teaches children to connect with nature and understand their bodies better.

The key is to keep it simple and safe. Herbs in their basic form of liquid infusions, herbal baths and gentle compresses work very well for children and are easy to prepare.

Kids are more sensitive than adults so you don’t need strong potions, fancy extracts or complicated recipes to get started.

Easy Ways to Use Herbs at Home

Here are some of my favorite methods for using herbs with children.

These approaches are fun, practical, and fit easily into busy family life.

Herbal Baths

A warm bath alone can calm a child’s body and mind. When you add herbs we can make it even more therapeutic! The best way is to make strong concotion of pre-brewed herbs in a large bowl and add the strained mixture it to your childs warm bath.

A few handfuls of herbs will be needed for the brew. Passionflower and vine is a favourite of mine and very easy to grow!

Foot and hand baths are extremely powerful - The famous French herbalist Maurice Mességué was known for this style.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are a gentle way to deliver healing properties. For kids, mild herbs like peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm, or fennel seeds work well for a sore tummy.

Brew the herbs and sweeten lightly with honey if over 1 year old.

Serve cool as a refreshing drink or add to fresh juice or milk if the taste isn't great.

Essential oils in these herbs are great too.

Ice Blocks and Gummies

Kids love treats, so why not sneak in some herbs?

You can make herbal ice blocks or gummies using fruit juice and herbal infusions.

I often make fresh vegetable and lemon juices and make ice-blocks from these.

Hidden in Food

One of the best ways to get kids to enjoy herbs is by hiding them in meals.

Celery is a great example - It’s packed with nutrients but often rejected by kids taste buds as a boring, hard stick vegetable.

I often hide celery and greens powders in ice-blocks, tomato pasta sauce or a fresh juice.

Compresses and Poultices

For bumps, bruises, or sore muscles, herbal compresses and poultices can bring relief.

Soak a clean cloth in herbal tea or herbal glycerite (herbal extract in glycerin).

Apply gently to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, longer if they will let you!

Rosemary was a cure all for the great herbalist - Julietter de Bairacli Levy.

Glycerites over Tinctures

Glycerites extracts are made with glycerin instead of strong alcohol solutions, perfect to keep in your home for times of need.

Glycerites of herbs like echinacea or elderberry are great to support the immune system.

Follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a herbalist to purchase or if unsure.

Herbal Honeys

Herbal honeys are one of my favoruite medicine treats.

They are a great option for children over 1 (due to the risk of botulism, rare, but very serious).

Rose petals and lavendar have been some of my favourite honeys to make.

Safety Tips for Using Herbs with Children

• Always check for allergies before trying a new herb or product.

• Start with small doses and watch for reactions.

• Avoid herbs that are too strong or not recommended for children.

• Consult a healthcare professional if your child has a serious condition or is on medication.

• Use fresh or dried herbs from reputable sources or grow them yourself :)

Ready to start?

• Try starting with one easy herbal recipe or herbal foot bath this week.

• Notice how your child responds and enjoy the process of learning together.

• Your next step could be exploring growing a small herb garden at home or an apartment window sill.

  
  

With working with nature, you’re not just treating symptoms, you’re building a foundation for lifelong wellness and happiness!

Enjoy - Belly Healing :)