Family herbalism: essential plants to treat children’s everyday ailments
Taking care of your children’s health in a natural way is entirely possible thanks to a well-equipped family herb shop. Medicinal plants are excellent, gentle and effective remedies for relieving everyday ailments. This guide introduces you to the essential plants to have on hand, and explains how to use them safely for the well-being of your little ones.
Why use medicinal plants for children? Children are often confronted with minor ailments such as scratches, colds, stomach aches or sleep disorders. By opting for herbal remedies, you’re choosing a gentle, natural approach, without resorting systematically to drugs. Herbal remedies are generally well-tolerated by young people, offering a simple and appropriate solution.
1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
- Properties: Soothing for sleep and digestive to relieve stomach aches and colic.
- How to use:
- Infusion: infuse a teaspoon of dried flowers in a cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain, then give to your child before bedtime to help them relax.
- Soothing bath: Add a concentrated infusion to bath water to soothe sensitive skin and relax your child.
2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
- Properties: Healing and anti-inflammatory, ideal for minor cuts and skin irritations.
- How to use:
- Balm: Prepare a balm with an infusion of calendula, olive oil and beeswax, then apply to small wounds to aid healing.
- Infusion: Use an infusion to clean scratches before applying a bandage.
3. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
- Properties: Digestive and antispasmodic to calm stomach aches and nausea.
- How to use:
- Infusion: Infuse a teaspoon of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water, strain, and give to your child after a meal.
- Inhalation: Place a few leaves in a bowl of hot water and let the child inhale the steam to relieve a blocked nose.
4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Properties: Antiseptic and expectorant, ideal for respiratory infections.
- How to use:
- Infusion: Infuse a teaspoon of dried thyme in boiling water, strain, then give lukewarm to your child to soothe a cough.
- Homemade syrup: Boil thyme in water, add honey once cooled, and give a teaspoon to relieve throat irritations.
5. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Properties: Relaxing and antiseptic to aid sleep and disinfect small wounds.
- How to use:
- Infusion: Infuse a teaspoon of dried lavender flowers, strain, and give before bedtime to help calm your child.
- Essential oil: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to bath water, or apply a drop to a scratch to disinfect.
Conclusion
Medicinal plants are invaluable allies in the natural treatment of children’s everyday ailments. By incorporating plants such as chamomile, calendula, peppermint, thyme and lavender into your family herb shop, you’ll have everything you need to prepare natural, gentle and effective remedies for your family. For more natural remedies and quality products, visit France Herboristerie and adopt family herbalism to care for your children naturally.