In naturopathic medical college, we learn herbal medicines by their properties, effects, and how the body responds to them. This is analogous to the method used to study pharmaceuticals - it is imperative that medical professionals thoroughly understand how a substance effects the body - how is absorbed, how it is used, how it is cleared from or toxic to the body. These are why naturopathic treatments are not without risk and best used with guidance from a regulated healthcare provider, especially with children who are more sensitive to, and often not as able to clear substances due to less developed organs below a certain age, as they can be very potent. This includes essential oils, herbal remedies and extracts, topicals, lozenges, tinctures or teas.

When using herbs, we expect them to work slower compared to pharmaceuticals, with less side effects. It is important to start “slow and low” in dosing, and to monitor for side effects, such as allergy (for example, chamomile is quite allergenic), headaches, stomach upset, rash, or strong reaction.

Quality is so important with products we apply or ingest - especially for highly absorbable, thin infant skin and bodies - so it is best to choose products that are lowest in contaminants, fillers, pesticide residues, synthetic ingredients, or ambiguous claims. “Natural” and “Wild-grown” are not terms that are currently regulated, so their meaning is unclear and undependable. A “wild-grown” herb could be exposed to near-by pesticides or car exhausts, while “natural” can refer to only a small part of a product, while the rest is far from natural.

A naturopathic doctor or pharmacist can calculate dosages precisely for your child based on weight or age to be sure you are using them safely. Herbs I commonly use with young patients include chamomile, echinacea, and marshmallow root, or very low dose extracts called Bach Flower Remedies. Aviva Romm, MD is a herbalist that has great resources for families, as does the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians.