Special Considerations for Children and Pregnant women
Pregnancy
Most often, Raspberry leaf is the only herb recommended during the first trimester.
Safe herbs for the second and third trimester are Elder flowers, Lemon Balm, Echinacea, Fennel seed, Linden flowers, Nettles and Red Raspberry leaf.
A tea is the best preparation, although capsules or tinctures could also be taken.
Sweeten the tea with honey, Elderberry syrup or Stevia if desired.
Caution: do not use Licorice root or Peppermint leaf.
Drink 2-3 cups per day.
photo credit: abbybatchelder
Children
The dose for children is usually one-third of the adult dose.
Make a tea with a combination of available herbs from the following list:
Echinacea, Catnip, Calendula, Elder flower, Linden flower,Rose Hips, Cedar leaf, Pau d Arco
Many of these herbs are considered to be anti-viral.
Use 1 teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of water.
Depending on the age of the child, give doses of from one tablespoon to 1/3 cup, 3 or 4 times a day. An infant can be given a weak Echinacea tea by dropper 3 times throughout the day.
Make this as weak and as palatable as necessary for them to be willing to drink it.
Do not use Peppermint or honey for small children.
Powdered herbs could also be mixed with cream cheese or peanut butter if they will not drink the tea. Use ¼ to ½ teaspoon per dose, depending on the size and age of the child.
