How Do I Introduce Herbs to My Child? Our Herbalist Explains
Many parents are interested in using herbs with their children.
But they're often unsure where to start.
Which herbs are appropriate?
How do you prepare them?
And perhaps most importantly, how do you actually get a child to take them?
As an herbalist, I've found that introducing herbs to children is usually much simpler than people expect. The key is to start with gentle herbs, simple preparations, and an experience that feels pleasant rather than forced.
After working with medicinal herbs for more than 25 years, I've learned that children rarely resist herbs themselves. More often, they resist herbs that are too strong, too bitter, or presented as something they "have" to take.
What Herbs Do Herbalists Often Recommend for Children?
When working with kid, I generally suggest gentle, nourishing herbs.
Two of my favorites are:
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a mild, pleasant lemony flavor which help us calm down, focus, and here’s a big bonus… protect us from cold and flu!
Kids enjoy the gentle lemony taste, so Lemon balm offers a an enjoyable introduction to herbal tea.
Oatstraw
Oatstraw is a nourishing herb that gently and powerfully supports the nervous system and the skeletal system.
Oatstraw’s mild flavor blends well with other herbs and provides valuable vitamins and minerals when prepared as an infusion.
Why Simplicity Matters
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is trying to start with too many herbs at once.
When it comes to kids and herbs, keeping things simple is best.
When you begin with one herb, you can observe how your child responds. As parents, we want to know what’s helping, what’s not and if something is causing an unlikely adverse reaction. Just like introducing babies to solid food, one herb at a time is best. Make sense?
Keep it simple! You don't need a complicated formula.
You need a good experience.
The Easiest Way to Start
For most families, herbal tea is the simplest and most helpful place to begin.
Lemon Balm Tea
• 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm
• 8 ounces hot water
• Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes
Allow the tea to cool to a comfortable temperature.
For children over one year of age, a small amount of honey can make the tea even more
enjoyable.
Offer a small cup during a quiet part of the day. When my kids were little, I made them a nice cup of Lemon balm tea after school. It helped them transition from school to home as the settled in to do their homework. Your family might enjoy Lemon balm tea as part of an evening routine.
What About Herbal Infusions?
For families interested in getting more bio-available nutrients into their kids, herbal infusions are the best option.
An infusion is simply a longer-steeped tea.
Herbs such as oatstraw are often prepared this way because the extended steeping time extracts more of the plant's nourishing vitamins and minerals.
Small children generally need smaller amounts than adults, so I suggest that parents start with just a few ounces at a time. For kids age 10 and up, a cup or two a day will provide sample amounts of nutrients. You can probably skip the cute little chewable vitamins. Nutrients in nourishing infusions are more efficiently absorbed.
What About Tinctures?
Tinctures are extracts made with alcohol or glycerine to extract the medicinal constituents from plants. (Water is better for extracting nutrients.)
When my sons were little, I added their tincture dose to about a teaspoon of honey. They
swallowed it down quickly without protest! Trust me, kudos’t put tinctures in juice or water for them. They will object, and everyone will end up in tears, at least that was the experience in my house.
What Can You Expect?
Herbs I recommend for children are typically gentle.
Don’t expect overnight changes.
Instead, you should notice gradual shifts such as:
• Calmer moods
• Easier transitions throughout the day
• Greater relaxation
• Improved daily routines
As with most herbs, consistency matters more than intensity.
Practical Takeaway
If you'd like to introduce herbs to your child, start simple.
Choose one gentle herb, such as Lemon Balm or Oatstraw.
Prepare it as a tea.
Make the experience enjoyable, fun if possible.
Over time, add herbs to your daily life.
Herbalism doesn't need to be complicated to be effective.
A simple cup of tea is the perfect place to begin. Simple is always best.
Related Reading
Not sure where to start with herbs yourself? Read our article: Where Do I Start With Herbs? Our Herbalist Explains for a simple approach to building confidence with herbal remedies.
About the Author
This article was prepared by Jo Anne Richards, Certified Clinical Herbalist (CCH).
For more than 25 years, Jo Anne has been helping people explore the traditional use of medicinal herbs and natural wellness practices.
