Herbs

by Diane Abernathy and Bobbi J. Meritt

Many times the most difficult problem with kids and medications, be they pharmaceutical medications or herbs, is getting them down the child. If they taste bad, look bad, have a strange texture or smell, many children will just say no. Of course, being firm and matter of fact about the issue is a definite help, but sometimes there are things you can do to improve the situation.

Usually the first experience a parent has is with liquid medications. They are easy to swallow and to adjust dosages, so work well with children. However, if the your child does not like the flavor, they are easily expelled. With an infant, you may be able to add the medication to their bottle, put it in a small volume of formula or juice. For an older child, mix it in two to four ounces of milk, juice or flavored drink. The stronger the flavored juice the better, grape is a good choice and cherry flavor covers bitter the best. Chilling the spoon or medicine will partially numb the taste buds. To measure the dose use a calibrated dropper, syringe, or kitchen measuring spoons as other spoons are not accurate.

Herbal tinctures and extracts that are alcohol based are best mixed with a little water or juice. A glycerite, which is an extract with a glycerine base, is often good enough flavor to put directly into the mouth. If you want to be creative you could make peanut butter candy balls.

Bulk herbs can be fixed a number of ways, the most common way being teas. The flavor of teas can be improved by adding pleasantly flavored herbs such as anise, fennel, mint, hibiscus, cinnamon or ginger. They can be sweetened with honey or sugar and added to fruit juice. You can make frozen herbal pops by adding strong herbal tea to equal amounts of fruit juice.

Herbal capsules are not recommended for young children, since gelatin capsules are more likely to get caught in the throat. Anytime herbal capsules are taken, be sure to drink at least a full glass of water. Herbs can also be powdered and added to peanut butter candy.

The most common pills marketed for children are chewable tablets, tablets and capsules. For those who have difficulty swallowing a thick liquid like a shake will make it easier. You can mix it with applesauce, pudding or jam. For extreme cases, give them a piece of bread, cake or cookie and just before swallowing pop the pill in their mouth. Crushing a pill and mixing it with applesauce, pudding or jam can be tried, but often pills are very bitter. Do not crush any pill that is time released, has a heavy coating or is enteric coated. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist.

The main warning to keep in mind about topical creams and ointments treatments is that they can be absorbed through the skin. Children's skin is thinner than adult's, and will absorb more medication; infants being able to absorb the most. Hydrocortisone creams should be applied in a thin layer and limit their use to seven or less days (unless prescribed by doctor). They are the most likely to cause side effects with long term overuse. Sports and arthritic creams and ointments are not appropriate to use on young children.

The soothing effect of baths can be enhanced by using herbs to relax and calm the child. Chamomile, catnip, lemon balm, spearmint and lavender can be made into a strong tea and strained into the water. This is particularly good for helping a child relax and wind down from a busy day. Itching problems can be relieved with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal baths.

Peanut Butter Candy Balls

Mix peanut butter or sesame butter with honey to make a thick paste. Add powdered herbs of your choice, you may also add drops of extracts or glycerites. Other good additives are bee pollen, royal jelly and blue green algae. You may also wish to add coconut, carob powder, chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts, etc. Roll into balls. You may want to roll the balls in chopped nuts, coconut or other goodie. Chill.