Using Herbal Remedies Safely

2/29/2008

There are some times when a simple herbal remedy is the safest, gentlest, and most effective way to go. For instance, I’ve had great success with botanical remedies such as elderberry extract for flu and chamomile tea for colic. But I worry that some parents just aren’t aware that—natural or not--botanical medicines are still medicines, and should be used with some cautions.

Ideally, your child’s doctor will recommend an herb and explain how to use it, but not all practitioners have this expertise. Here’s what I tell my own patients about using herbs safely:

• Do your research. Once you’re clear on the diagnosis, look up the most recommended herbs for this condition, their most effective forms, their possible side effects in good health or illness, and any potential interactions with food or drugs.
• Tell your child’s doctor about any herbs your child is taking, so he or she can protect your child from potential adverse interactions between those herbs and any prescribed medication.
• Be a careful shopper. Look for a standardized extract or tincture from a reputable manufacturer, and check that the expiration date has not passed—you want a fresh extract made with fresh herbs.
• Use according to package directions for children. Do not give children higher-than-recommended doses of an herb in the mistaken belief that more is better. The general rule of thumb for children of average size is one-quarter the adult dose for kids two to six, and one-half the adult dose for kids six to twelve.
• Don’t give children any herb for more than three weeks without follow-up, because there is so little research on the long-term effects of herbs on developing bodies. Most professional herbalists recommend taking an occasional break even from herbal tonics, which are usually taken for weeks or months at a time.
• Avoid using more than one herb at a time without professional guidance. We don’t yet know enough about herb-herb interactions, especially in children.
• Be careful using herbs in children under two years of age. The only herbs I regularly use with children this age are chamomile or peppermint tea, calendula skin cream or gel, and occasionally echinacea or garlic for colds in children older than 15 months.
• Watch for allergic reactions. Before using an herbal cream of ointment, dab just a little bit on your child’s skin and watch for a reaction. Skin reactions are rare, but they can be significant.  Discontinue an herb in any form and contact your child’s doctor if symptoms such as rash, wheezing, vomiting, tummy ache, or nausea develop.
• Stop using any herbs 10-14 days before a scheduled surgical procedure. Some herbs—especially ginger and garlic--can increase bleeding at such times.