Before this, we covered which beverages are safe for your little ones. Now, we are going to explore which medicinal herbs are safe or your toddlers and which should be avoided.
Can my toddler consume medicinal herbs?
I know new mummies are worried about whether or not it is safe to give your toddler some medicinal herbs. Primarily, medicinal herbs contain many health benefits which can help to promote your toddler’s overall health. But, not all medicinal herbs are safe for your toddler’s health. Let’s discover which medicinal herbs are toddler-friendly, should be consumed in moderation, and need to be avoided together, shall we?
Safe Medicinal Herbs for Your Toddler
Calendula
You can include calendula in your toddler’s diet. Calendula is great to use as balms for cuts, abrasions, and burns. This herb can also help to quicken wound healing and the production of collagen while promoting blood circulation.
Cinnamon
It is fine to feed your children with cinnamon. It is sweet, warm, and spicy which adds yummy flavours to your kids’ meals. Cinnamon can help with diarrhoea, vomiting, and uncomfortable cramping. It also has an anti-inflammatory agent that can help to reduce inflammation throughout your toddler’s body. Mummies may try to add cinnamon to your toddler’s cookies, stews, or sauces.
Oregano
Oregano is great for your little ones! It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe inflammation. This herb can also help infections, pneumonia, and ear-aches. Oregano has an anti-allergenic and anti-parasitic role. It also acts as an antifungal property. Oregano can also help to deal with respiratory problems, colds, and coughs, while helping to protect your toddler from deadly diseases like cancer at the same time.
Astragalus
New mums can try feeding their toddlers with astragalus. It is an antiviral and antibacterial Chinese herb that can help to promote your toddler’s immune system. It can help to prevent flu and cold. Mummies can add this Chinese herb into your toddler’s tea or soup.
Echinacea
Toddlers can consume echinacea too! This herb can help to support your toddler’s upper respiratory infections and urogenital infections. Echinacea can also boost your toddler’s wound healing and immune system. You may use it in tea or tincture form before serving it to your child.
Rose
Your lovely ones may have some roses too! Not only are they beautiful and have a wonderful smell, but you can use them as herbal remedies too. Roses can help to ease your toddler’s depression and anxiety. In addition, Roses can soothe headaches and heal chest infections. They are rich in vitamin C that can help to promote your toddler’s immunity. You may try to add it into your toddler’s tea or dessert.
Spearmint
Spearmint is great for your kids. This herb is not as intense as peppermint. So, it is suitable for your toddlers. Spearmint is great to ease a tummy upset. It also has antimicrobials that help to heal flu and cold. You may use this herb in your toddler’s popsicle or tea.
Anise
Your toddlers can have some anise seeds. They contain antispasmodic properties that help your toddler with coughing and stomach pain. Mummies may try to add these herbs into your toddler’s cookies or herbal tea.
Vanilla
New mummies include vanilla in their toddler’s diet. Vanilla has a calming effect on toddler that help them to sleep and calm their reflexes. It also eases his digestion and toothache. This herb is also great for his heart and breathing. It also can help to deal with his anxiety, weight loss and hair growth. You may put it in your toddler’s dessert or lotion.
Lemon
Your little ones can have lemons too! It can help to take care of your toddler’s chapped lips, brittle nails, and skin. Lemon also can help to prevent dehydration and scurvy. It also can help to promote your toddler’s digestive and immune systems. Lemons can also combat cholera and cold. So, you may add some lemon zest to your toddler’s drink or dessert.
Dill
Dill is great for your toddlers too! It can help to promote your toddler’s immune and digestive system. Dill can also help to improve his oral and bone health. It can help to prevent excess gas and manage diabetes. Dill can also help to calm hiccups and diminish diarrhoea. This herb can also relieve arthritis pain and heal respiratory problems.
Belladonna
Mums can feed their children with belladonna. This herb can help to treat your toddler’s headache, flushed face and drowsiness. Belladonna can be also used for measles.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip is great for your toddler! It can heal your toddler’s upper respiratory tract infections, fever, headache, and improve his sleep quality. This herb can also deal with your toddler’s indigestion, nervousness as well as teething. However, your little ones might be drowsy after consuming it.
Moderation is Key
Enjiao (Donkey-hide gelatin)
Your toddler may consume enjio or donkey hide gelatin in moderation. It can help to improve your toddler’s mental health and brain function.
Yacon
Your toddler may need to eat yacon in moderate quantities. This herb can help to regulate his blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. But, it may cause diarrhoea, indigestion, and bloating.
Avoid These Medicinal Herbs
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is a big no! This is because it is not safe for your toddler and there is still a lack of research on this herb. So, it is better to avoid it.
Caterpillar Fungus
It is safer to avoid caterpillar fungus. It might boost your well-being and energy but there are much research on this herb.
Cowherb seed
Your toddler cannot eat cowherb seeds. These herbs can help to improve his blood circulation. But it may contain toxic properties if consumed in large amounts.
Kombucha
You need to avoid giving kombucha to your toddlers. This herb has alcohol, coffee and is not pasteurised . That is bad for your toddler’s health.
Your toddler needs to consume safe medicinal herbs!
New mummies need to be alert on which medicinal herbs are safe for their little ones and which aren’t! Remember to always practice a healthy diet for them so they can grow strong as ever.
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/
Here are some recipes that mummies can try!
Explore which grains and potatoes are great for your toddler’s health 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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