If your child balks at the idea of drinking herbal teas, try introducing him or her to medicinal herbs gradually with great-tasting “herbal juicesicles.” Although the juice pops may not work for strong- or bitter-tasting herbs, they work well for milder herbs such as chamomile (Matricaria recutita), ginger (Zingiber officinale), or peppermint (Mentha x piperita).
To make the frozen treats, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of a good-tasting dried herb. Simmer gently for several minutes, until the liquid is reduced by about half. Strain the tea and stir in 1/2 cup of your child’s favorite unsweetened fruit juice–apple juice would taste good with all of the herbs mentioned above. Pour the liquid into molds or ice-cube trays and put them in the freezer. When the juicesicles are partly solid, insert a tongue depressor or plastic spoon into each treat to use as a stick.
Source: White, Linda and Sunny Mavor. Kids, Herbs, & Health. Loveland, Colorado: Interweave, 1998.
The information contained here is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a health practitioner to determine the type and dosage of medicinal herbs to give to your child.
