Keep Your Kids Healthy With Herbs

Reader Contribution by Katie Priebe
Published on March 14, 2011
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Boost your child’s immunity with these simple tips from Herbs For Kids.

Children are notorious for coming down with the common cold. Parents often turn to echinacea root–this purple flower is a great way to boost any child’s immune system. This coneflower contains chemicals that boots the immune system’s response to viral and bacterial invaders. Use this herb to curb the onset of other minor illnesses; just make sure you use it frequently and early on. Use echinacea frequently in the first few days of your illness and for a few days after. Herbs for Kids recommends taking echinacea once every 3 to 4 hours to battle flus and colds.

Ear infections, another illness children frequently suffer, are another costly strain on your pocketbook. Although antibiotics are helpful, try to use these costly medications in only the most serious of cases. Herbal remedies are a money-saving solution to decrease inflammation. To battle a painful ear infection, take echinacea and Oregon grape root 3 to 4 times per day for several days. If your child is having constant ear pain try adding a couple drops of warm herbal oils in each ear. Use oils made from willow bark, garlic or mullein flowers. 

Caution: Do not use herbal remedies if there is discharge from your child’s ear or if there are implanted ear tubes. Before administering herbal remedies, check with your health care provider to see if herbal remedies can benefit you and your child.


Treat bothersome ear infections with Oregon grape root.
Photo by Gord McKenna/Courtesy Flickr

Check out these ideas for keeping your kids healthy from The Herb Companion.

Also, try these herbs recommended for the common runny nose from The Herb Companion.

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