As parents, many of us will rely on the conventional healthcare system to keep our children safe and healthy. We take a visit to the GP when our child becomes ill, and feel relieved when they hand over a form of treatment to cure their ailment.

But as useful as the traditional healthcare system is, it’s common for many parents to become interested in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These are medicines that aren’t considered to be conventional in any way, which are often referred to as “herbals” or “botanicals”. If you’ve found yourself interested in this area of natural medicine for your child, then this is the article for you!

First of all, let’s explore what botanicals are:

What are botanicals?

These types of medicines include phytotherapy. Phytotherapy is the use of plant-derived substances to treat certain diseases. Plant parts such as leaves, flowers, stems, rhizomes, flowers, and roots are known as botanicals. Not only are they known for their therapeutic qualities, but also their flavour and scent too.

Now that we’ve briefly outlined what botanicals are, let’s talk about how many children may be using them, and how they can be given.

How many children are using botanicals and how can they be given?

Although it’s not entirely clear how many sales of botanicals are being made to children, their use among children and teenagers is slowly growing. For example, in a study carried out in 2012, it was found that 11.6% of children in the US aged 4 - 17 used some form of alternative medicine. However, it’s difficult to be exact about how many children use CAM, as some may choose to not tell their parents about it.

How can botanicals be taken?

Herbal teas. These are made by pouring boiling water over herbal parts, such as the flowers or the leaves.

Decoctions. Very similar to herbal teas, decoctions are made by boiling some parts of the herb, such as the bark or the roots, in water. The water would then be strained and the child would drink the extract.

Tinctures. These are hydroalcoholic or glycerol solutions. They usually contain around 1 to 2 of the active ingredients of the botanical or herb.

Powdered herbs. These are often made into capsules or pressed into tablets.

Ointments, shampoos, salves, and poultices. These are used externally.

Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the inhalation of volatile oils from herbs to reduce stress or treat illness.

Having looked at the ways in which botanicals can be taken, let’s explore some of their specific uses for children:

What are the specific uses of botanicals for children?

In general, around 70% of the world’s children will positively benefit from traditional herbal medicines such as CAM. Their effects include:

Easing neck pain.

Helping to combat head or chest colds.

Helping with anxiety or stress.

Helping with other musculoskeletal problems.

Helping teething infants. Herbal remedies to treat this problem are often a mixture of chamomile flowers, ginger root, and fennel seed.

Protecting the immune system. Herbal remedies to treat this problem often contain bai zhu atractylodes rhizome, siler root, and astragalus root.

Replacing conventional medicine. Many parents will turn to the use of botanicals as an alternative to conventional medicine. This may be because they fear the adverse effects of conventional medicine, or want to opt for a more ‘natural’ option.

What are botanicals, and are they healthy for my child? (Part 1)

In this two-part article, Unii looks at alternative therapies you may be considering for your child.