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by Jane Smolnik, ND, Intuitive Healer, Iridologist, and Herbalist
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any ailment, but to inform and
educate. PLEASE seek more information, proper diagnosis and treatment whenever needed.
Children should be raised in a healthy, loving environment for optimum health, as nature has intended.
They should be given plenty of fresh air and sunlight every day, lots of daily exercise, plenty of rest, a
whole food, natural diet, plenty of LOVE, and attention to their needs. Children lacking any of these will
produce symptoms and health problems to bring your attention to it.
Herbs and plants can and should be used for many common ailments. It is best to avoid chemical
intervention whenever possible, saving them for extreme situations and emergencies. This information
is NOT intended to replace proper diagnosis and health care by a qualified practitioner.
A Good Diet is Essential!
For proper bone growth, good immunity and resistance to infections, proper elimination, healthy organs,
growth and development, and overall well being.
Children's diets should contain lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (such as oats, barley,
wheat, brown rice), beans, nuts, and soy products.
Foods to Avoid:
ALL Sugary foods containing corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, glucose. Avoid ALL artificial sweeteners.
Refined, packaged foods contain little to no nutritional value. Avoid white flour and white sugar.
Avoid ALL preservatives, food additives, artificial coloring, and artificial sweeteners.
Meats - may contain bacteria (ecoli). Pesticides and chemicals are absorbed by animal fats, as well as
natural and synthetic hormones, anti-biotics and medicines fed to animals. They are high in fat and
cholesterol which start to accumulate in the body from childhood. (See good protein sources)
Limit dairy consumption! Cheese is high in fat and salts (use moderately) Milk has a high phosphorus
content which can throw our calcium levels off.
Avoid ALL margarine and HYDROGENATED OILS. Use butter sparingly and unrefined oils, high in poly-
unsaturated fats.
Healthy Suggestions:
Fresh or frozen 100% fruit juices. (Avoid added corn syrup and sweeteners) No Juice "Drinks".
Eat fresh raw or steamed veggies and salads frequently.
Use only whole grain (sprouted) breads and cereals. No white bread. Use whole wheat pastry and
bread flours at home when baking.
SNACKS -Always have lots of fresh fruits on hand daily! Dried fruits, RAW nuts, Yogurts (Avoid sugary
ones) popcorn, pretzels, peanut butter or tahini (sesame butter) balls, carrot, celery, or cucumber sticks,
graham crackers, rice cakes, fruit popsicles. Keep ice cream and cake for special occasions.
Meals should always contain vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein sources.
GOOD CALCIUM SOURCES: Use kelp instead of salt. Cheddar cheese, carob flour, all sea-vegetables,
dark leafy green vegetables, almonds, sesame seeds, tahini, parsley, all nuts and seeds, yogurt,
grains, apricots, wheat bran, tofu, brewers yeast, buttermilk, cottage cheese. Herb teas with oatstraw,
nettles.
GOOD PROTEIN SOURCES: All beans (Soy, mung, lentils, split peas, garbanzo, navy, kidney, lima),
sprouts, spinach, kale, broccoli, all greens, cauliflower, mushrooms, parsley, peas, zucchini, nuts and
seeds, all soy products including tofu and soy flour. Seitan, Tempeh, TVP. Many fruits contain protein.
Herbs for Children's Ailments
Most tonic herbs that are safe for adults are also safe for children, but in smaller doses. There are
some "strong" herbs which can be used with the many "gentle" herbs. Children’s bodies respond
quickly to herbal medicines. Some gentle herbs include: Slippery Elm, Chamomile, Fennel seeds,
Catnip, Red Clover tops, Comfrey, Rosehips, Nettles, Oatstraw, Raspberry leaves, the Mints, Licorice
Root, Echinacea, Wild Cherry Bark. Strong herbs to use sparingly include: Goldenseal, Valerian, Yellow
Dock, Poke.
Ways to get Children to take Herbs
TEAS: Make the medicinal tea (Simmer or steep for 20 Min.) Add by teaspoonful to bottle, juice or water.
2 tsp. for 1 year old or less, 3 tsp. for 2-4 yr. olds, 4 tsp. for 4-7 yr. olds, 2 TBSP. for 8-10 yr. olds, 3 TBSP.
for 10-12 year olds. Teens can drink full cups of herb teas.
You can add "sweet" herbs to flavor teas - such as stevia, licorice root, marshmallow root, fennel or
anise seed, hibiscus, mints, cinnamon, ginger, orange peel, lemon grass, or just mix with their juice!
USEFUL TEA HERBS - Use all or some, mix your own!
High Calcium Herbs Calming Tea Herbs
Nettles Chamomile
Oatstraw Oatstraw
Raspberry Leaf Catnip
Comfrey leaf Passion flower
Rose Hips Lemon Balm
Lemon Grass Skullcap
Fennel Seed Licorice Rt.
Mints, Alfalfa Comfrey lf.
High "C" Tea Herbs Cold and Cough Tea Herbs
Rose Hips Red Clover
Lemon Grass Mullein
Hibiscus Coltsfoot
Orange peel Rose Hips
Nettles Calendula
Spearmint Sage and Thyme
Wintergreen Lemon Grass
HERB BALLS- Juliette deBaricli Levy's recipe : 2/3 cup of powdered herbs, 1/3 cup honey, 2 TBS. water.
Mix into a paste. Roll into about 175 balls. Roll in flour. Keep in refrig. Take one or two daily.
HERB CANDY- Grind raisins, dates, apricots, walnuts. Stir in coconut & carob powder. Mix in powdered
herbs (Keep track of how much) Add honey, peanut butter or tahini. Make into balls. Roll in coconut or
carob powder. Store in refrig. Divide amount of herbs by # of balls to determine dosage.
HERB SYRUPS - 1 ounce of herbs to 1 quart of water, simmered down to a pint over low heat. Strain and
add 1 cup of honey. Warm gently. You may add several TBS. Brandy to help preserve and relax muscles,
or a few drops of essential oil to flavor (Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen), or fruit concentrate to
flavor and add vitamins. Bottle and refrig.- may last several weeks to several months. Great for coughs
and sore throats :Slippery Elm, comfrey, wild cherry bark, horehound, coltsfoot, mullein, licorice rt.,
fennel, ginger, orange peel.
EXTRACTS OR TINCTURES - Vegetable Glycerin base is best for children. Easy, safe, can regulate dose
easier, tastes like a sweet syrup. Can put into water, juice, tea, or right on the tongue for bigger kids.
Alcohol based extracts can be used by putting it into steaming hot water which evaporates the alcohol
leaving the herbs. Let cool and drink.
HERBAL BATHS - Soothing and calming! Gets the essence of the herbs into their system. Opens pores
and nasal passages. Chamomile, Lemon Balm for relaxing, Thyme for de-congesting, Lavender for
pain and fears, Comfrey for healing any wounds, skin problems.
HERBAL POPSICLES - Make a strong herbal tea, mix with equal amount of fruit juice. Freeze in popsicle
molds or ice cube trays. Not recommended for colds, flus, or ear infections.
MOTHERS MILK - Nursing mothers can drink 6-8 cups of tea daily, both will benefit.
Caring for Common Ailments (This should not replace proper medical care when needed!)
TEETHING- Catnip and Chamomile tea (or popsicles), High Calcium tea, High Vit. C liquid, Hylands
Homeopathic Tablets. Toddlers can chew on Licorice Root sticks, soothing to the gums, helps molars.
TOOTHACHES - 2 Drops of Valerian tincture on the gum. Clove oil is TOO strong for children.
COLIC - Infants have immature digestive tract. Nursing mothers avoid gasey, spicey, acidic foods. Avoid
caffeine, stress. Drink calming teas. Slippery Elm, Dill, Fennel, Anise seeds, chamomile, catnip - make
tea, give baby one or two teaspoonfuls before nursing, drink the rest. Acidophilus is highly
recommended. "Lifestart" for infants. Hylands Homeopathic Colic tablets. Yogurt, kefir, buttermilk is
good for mother and children. Warm chamomile and lavender herb baths - or place warm herb soaked
towel over babies stomach.
STOMACH ACHES - Use calendula, fennel, catnip, peppermint, chamomile as tea or glycerin extract.
Warm bath.
DIAPER RASH - Avoid acidic foods, strong detergents on diapers. Exposure to air and sun is good. Use
arrowroot powder or clay. DO NOT USE TALC - a known carcinogen and synthetic scents. Homemade
baby powder: White clay, arrowroot powders with some slippery elm and comfrey root powders. Use
herbal salves -Comfrey, Calendula, St. Johnswort.
DIARRHEA -caused by a reaction to certain foods, viruses, bacteria, emotional upset. Give lots of fluids
to avoid dehydration. Drink herb teas and vegetable broths. Give yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, mashed
potatoes. Warm herb baths. Tea: Blackberry Rt., Slippery elm, and comfrey root. Simmer 20 min. give 2-
4 TBS. every hour.
CONSTIPATION - Eliminate all dairy, cheese, wheat, eggs, refined foods. Give oat water, fresh fruits,
vegetables, liquids, prunes, molasses, grains. Tea: Slippery elm, psyllium seed, comfrey, fennel, herbs
to flavor. Use a ‘catnip tea’ enema for acute constipation.
COLDS - Echinacea drops in juice or bottles. Warm teas (see "Cold Tea") include sage, thyme, catnip,
elder flowers. Thyme, pine, eucalyptus oils are all de-congesting. Use in steam baths, in spray bottle to
spray on pillow, in humidifier, or in baths.
COUGHS & LUNGS - Mullein, Coltsfoot, Plantain, Elecampane, Slippery Elm, Licorice rt., are
expectorants, relieves congestion, soothing to mucous membranes, soothes spasmodic cough. Also
good for bronchitis. Use as tea, syrup, glycerin extracts, herb balls, in baths.
SORE THROATS - Sage and thyme gargle in apple cider vinegar or as strong tea. Add honey and drink
the tea. Add slippery elm. Herbal honeys include Echinacea flowers and thyme. For STREP throat,
Echinacea, 20 drops 5-6x day, add 1 drop poke root 2x day (no more) to stimulate lymph glands. also
good is cleavers. Usnea is specific for strep. Sage & Thyme gargle. Use same for SWOLLEN GLANDS.
EAR ACHES & INFECTIONS - Warm Mullein Flower & Garlic oil - a couple drops in ear as often as
needed. Use Echinacea & Goldenseal (glycerin extract). Look for allergies! Massage opposite baby toe!
Warm baked onion (cut in half) over ear will draw out ear wax. Avoid all congesting foods. Give
acidophilus, 1/2 tsp. 3x day. Make tea of fresh grated ginger root, fresh lemons, and honey or maple
syrup. Feed lots of juicy fruits, melons, oranges, and grapefruits. Give plenty of rest and wear hats to
cover ears. Warm packs over kidneys (lower back).
FEVERS - Moderate fevers help the body get rid of infections. To control or lower fever: Bath in tepid
water, add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Tepid Catnip enema reduces fever, increases fluid intake. Keep
fluid intake high! Tea: Catnip, Elder, Peppermint, Echinacea Rt. Goldenseal has 3x the anti-pyretic value
as aspirin to reduce fevers!
HEADACHES AND PAINS - Boneset will relieve body aches due to colds or flu. Valerian or skullcap
relieves muscle spasms, tension, cramps, calms hyperactivity. Lavender, vervain, willow bark,
meadowsweet act like aspirin to relieve pains. St. Johnswort relieves pain from nerve damage.
EYE INFECTIONS - Eyebright, goldenseal, chamomile tea used as an eye wash 2 or 3 x day.
KIDNEY PROBLEMS - Dandelion lf., Horsetail, Goldenrod, Uva Ursi, Yarrow tea or tincture.
WOUNDS - wash, soak, or compress with plantain, comfrey leaves. Shepards Purse will help stop
bleeding. Myrrh and goldenseal topically are anti-infective. Green clay and yellow dock leaves reduce
swelling. Peroxide to clean, then herbal salve for cuts, scrapes, minor wounds, burns. Use Comfrey,
calendula, plantain, St. Johnswort in salves.
TO DRAW OUT INFECTIONS - Poultice of grated potatoes, cabbage, green clay, oats, or chickweed.
SPRAINS AND BRUISES - Use arnica liniment or compress on unbroken skin. Also Hydrotherapy.
PINWORMS - Garlic, cabbage juice 1/4 cup in AM for 4 days. repeat in 10 days. We use ‘Clear’ organic
herbal anti-parasite and anti-fungal formula for easy, safe, effective results!
CALMING HERBS - include Valerian, skullcap, Lemon Balm, Oatstraw, Hops, Chamomile, passion
flower. Use as Tea, glycerin tincture, or in bath.
ADD / ADHD- These kids are usually lacking trace minerals, are full of toxins, may have candida, often
have parasites. Eliminate sugars. I highly recommend using ‘Experience’ to cleanse out toxins, use
‘Clear’ to eliminate candida and parasites, and use Complete (liquid organic vitamins, minerals,
essential fruits and vegetables) to nourish and rebuild. This is a 90 day program. (Call us for more
details.)
DREAM PILLOWS - Calming, helps baby or child fall asleep. Use 4-6 oz. of herbs. Can use Chamomile,
lavender, roses, oatstraw, hops, lemon balm, and St. Johnswort (for nightmares). Stuff cotton or flannel,
can use milkweed or cattail fur for natural stuffing. Make Teddy Bear or Heart shaped. Can slip under
pillow case.
We are all healers and nurturers! Give children lots of Love! Trust in nature is trust in God. There is
often an emotional situation underlying every illness or injury. Look for it, Pay Attention!
Recommended Reading :
Nature's Children by Juliette deBaricli Levy. Excellent old book. Ash Tree Publishing.
The Family Herbal by Peter and Barbara Theiss, Healing Arts Press
The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Dr. Michael T. Murray,ND and Joseph Pizzarno, ND.
The Healing Power of Foods - by Dr. Michael T. Murray, ND Prima Publishing
The Healing Power of Foods Cookbook - by Michael T. Murray ND.
Laurel's Kitchen- Laurel Robertson, Carol Flinders, and Bronwen Godfrey.
Jane Smolnik is a Naturopathic Doctor, Certified Intuitive, Board Certified Iridologist and Medicinal
Herbalist with a private practice in Asheville, NC. You can reach her at 828-777-JANE or visit www.
ultimatehealing.com.
© Jane Smolnik, Ultimate Healing, Asheville, NC 2004
Children's Suggested Dosage Chart
For Herbal Extracts Medicinal Herbal Teas -Concentrated
3 months old or less 1 drop 1 year old or less 2 teaspoons
3-6 months old 2 drops 2-4 year olds 1 Tablespoon
6-9 months old 3 drops 4-7 year olds 2 Tablespoons
9-12 months old 4 drops 8-10 year olds 3 Tablespoons
12-18 months old 5 drops 10-12 year olds 4 Tablespoons
18-24 months old 6 drops Teens Full cup
2-3 years old 7 drops (Can dilute in juice or water)
3-4 years old 8 drops
4-6 year olds 10 drops Note: Infants and Toddlers should not use
6-9 year olds 15 drops "strong" medicinal herbs such as
9-12 year olds 20 drops Goldenseal, Valerian, Yellow Dock,
12-18 year olds 20-30 drops or Poke, without the advice of a
Adult Dose 20-40 drops Naturopathic Physician. Tonic herbs are
fine and gentle enough for all children.