Earlier, we covered on which vegetables are toddler-friendly which aren’t. Now, let’s dig into herbs!
Are herbs safe to be consumed by toddlers?
Well, you can include some herbs in your toddler’s meal as herbs may develop your toddler’s palates. Some of them are safe and delicious! So you may use it and raise a healthy eater. However, you cannot feed your toddlers with certain herbs as it might lead to some harmful effects. Now, which herbs are toddler-friendly and which should be avoided?
Let’s explore more together, shall we?
Safe Herbs for Toddlers
Basil
It is fine to feed your children with some basil. This herb is colourful and tastes sweet which is a great addition to any of your toddler’s meals. Mummies may introduce basil to your kid’s meal from as soon as 6 months old. This herb also has various nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. All of these are great for your kid’s health. Lastly, basil is also great to manage your toddler’s blood sugar and stress level. Hence, you may feed your little one this herb without worries.
Chamomile
You can include chamomile in your toddler’s diet. You should not give your baby any chamomile until he is above 6 months old. Chamomile can help to calm your little one as it has a soothing effect. It also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Chamomile can also help soothe and heal your toddler’s irritated skin. Mummies can try brewing some chamomile tea or use it in their baths. However, you need to be careful if your toddler is allergic to chrysanthemum or ragweed as those herbs are similar to chamomile.
Elderberry
New mummies can try feeding their toddlers with elderberries. Elderberries are rich in dietary fibre and vitamin C which are great for your toddler’s health, especially his digestive system. This herb is also known for its use to combat the flu as it promotes circulation and healing sweat during flu. This herb is also good to heal your toddler’s colds and runny mucus. Mamas may try to smash the berries and converting them into syrup or tea. You can also make them into delicious popsicles! Additionally, you can find these elderberries in syrups, powders, or gummies. For the syrup, mummies may feed your toddlers who are already 1-year-old and above. Meanwhile, powder and gummies are recommended for older children.
Fennel
You may introduce fennel to your toddler’s diet. This herb can help relieve gastric problems like gas pain. It can also help to aid your toddler’s respiratory tract during cough and cold. However, the root of this herb might be strong for your toddlers.
Lavender
Toddlers can consume lavender too! This herb has relaxing properties which can help soothe your toddler’s emotions. Lavender is also known as a first-aid herb. This is as it has skin-healing and antiseptic properties which are great for your toddler’s injuries.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm is great for your kids. This herb contains antiviral properties which are great to combat cough and cold. It also can help with anxiety and sleeping problems. This study discusses the use of lemon balm with valerian root in helping children improve their trouble sleeping and restlessness.
Marshmallow
Your lovely ones may have some marshmallow plants too! Mummies can blend marshmallow roots with sweet substances like honey as it helps soothe your toddler’s irritated stomach and itchy throat. Additionally, marshmallow roots can also help to relieve digestion, urinary system, and mucus membrane.
Oregano
Oregano is great for your toddlers! This herb is very rich in antioxidants which help boost your toddler’s immune system.
Thyme
Your toddlers may have some thymes. They are rich in vitamin A and C which are great for your toddler’s health. You may add this herb to your stews or soups. Thyme can also boost your toddler’s immunity.
Rosemary
Mums can feed their children with rosemary. This herb contains antioxidants which helps to promote your toddler’s immunity. You may add them to your homemade stews or soups.
Mint
Your toddler can eat mint too. Mint is rich in vitamins, calcium and phosphorus which can boost your toddler’s immunity. It can also help to improve your toddler’s indigestion. You may add them to your kid’s puree.
Turmeric
You can include turmeric in your toddler’s meal. This herb can relieve your toddler’s digestive system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce any inflammations or swellings.
Violets
Your children can have some violets. This herb can help soothe your toddler’s inflammation, headaches, and fevers. It is also rich in minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C which is great for your child’s overall health. You may use it in your homemade drinks!
Cinnamon
It is safe for your toddler to consume cinnamon. Cinnamon has antioxidants which helps to combat bacterial infections. You may try to indulge this spice in some homemade tea, sweet treats, or porridge.
Gordon Euryale seed
You can feed moderate amount of Gordon Euryale seeds to your children. You may include it into your children’s diet from as earlty as 8 months old. These seeds contain amino acids and protein which can help to improve your toddler’s health and strength.
Ginger
Your child can eat ginger too. Ginger contains nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties which are great for your toddler’s digestive system and immunity. Ginger is safe to eat. But, eating too much of it might lead to heartburn.
Consume These Herbs in Moderation
Licorice root
Your child may consume licorice root in moderation. This herb can help heal stomach ulcers and congestion in the lungs. However, do not consume too much of it as it might cause fatigue and headaches. Your children can consume around 4 or 5 grams of licorice per day.
Wolfberry
You can feed your toddlers with a moderate amount of wolfberries. However, make sure to consume it with a lot of water. Mummies may try to add them to egg soup. Wolfberries are rich in iron, vitamin E, zinc, calcium, and polysaccharide. All of these are great for your toddler’s development and growth. Additionally, they can also help to improve your toddler’s eyesight and immunity. But, this herb might be strong for your toddler. If your child has a fever, do not let him consume wolfberries. Click here to know more about this herb!
Avoid At All Costs
Motherwort
Your toddlers should avoid consuming motherwort. This herb might presenet some side effects like sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, and nausea.
Ginseng
You cannot feed your toddlers with ginseng. This is because it might have some harmful effects on your toddlers such as headache, diarrhoea, and insomnia.
Your toddler should consume safe herbs!
Mamas should be mindful to only feed their children with safe herbs as these herbs might affect your toddlers’ health. Just be careful when consuming them. Please consult your doctor for more queries.
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/index.html
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/kids-healthy-eating-plate/
- https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/100-foods-for-toddlers/
Now that you know which herbs are safe and unsafe for your toddlers, check out some delicious recipes for your toddlers here.
Check out which dairy are safe for your little ones to consume and which aren’t here!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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