As the school season begins, many parents feel a mix of excitement and concern for their children’s well-being. Transitioning from the freedom of summer to the routine of school brings its own set of challenges, both physically and emotionally. It is during these times of change that our children benefit most from the gentle healing powers of the plant world—nature’s timeless gift to us.
I remember, as a child, walking through the gardens with my grandmother. She would patiently point out the “weeds” and plants around us, many of which were as familiar to her as the vegetables in our kitchen. She taught me how to rub Bay leaves on our skin to protect us from insects and how to soothe a Nettle sting with fresh Yellow Dock or Plantain leaves. These moments, simple and rooted in the wisdom of nature, formed the foundation of my lifelong journey into herbal medicine.
It’s this same connection that I hope to inspire in you and your children today. Our ancestors’ teachings about plants not only protect and nurture the body, but they also connect us deeply to the earth, reminding us that we are part of something much larger.
Working with Herbs for Children's Health
Herbs offer a gentle, effective system of healing that works in harmony with a child’s natural balance. When administered wisely, herbal remedies bolster a child’s immune system without the harshness of modern pharmaceuticals. Children’s bodies are sensitive and, when supported with herbal remedies, often respond more swiftly than adults. With school starting, it’s important to support their health as they adjust to new environments, routines, and exposures.
Here are three simple, yet powerful, recipes from my book Herbs for Children’s Health that you can make at home. These remedies are time-honored favorites in our family, and I hope they become part of your family’s herbal traditions as well.
Whole Plant Echinacea Tincture
The best Echinacea tincture is made from the whole plant: root, leaf, flower, and seedpod. While it takes a full growing season to make a whole plant tincture, the steps are very simple and easy to follow.
Give your child a few drops when they’re feeling run down or to help build their immune defenses during the school year.
Traditional Elderberry Syrup
This is one of the most popular cold and flu remedies in the United States and Europe and for good reason—it’s not only effective, but it’s also delicious. And Elderberries are easy to find and harvest throughout most temperate regions of the world. A large shrub, Elder is found growing at the edge of farm fields, on the banks of streams and rivers, and in people’s backyards. I’ve gathered fresh Elderberries from the West Coast to the East Coast and have marked the seasons by the beautiful white blossoms in springtime to the dark blue-black berries in late summer and fall. Every year I gather and freeze the berries so I have a good stash for winter, and I also make two or three batches of Elderberry syrup, which I freeze as well so I have it on hand as needed.
Use only blue-black Elderberries; the red ones are potentially toxic if eaten in large quantities. Note that honey is not recommended for children under 1 year of age.
This syrup not only tastes great but is packed with immune-boosting goodness.
Herbal Gummies
These are so fun to make, and they can look and taste quite professional.
The secret is having the right molds. Silicone molds work best, and because they’ve become so popular you can find them in all different shapes—from little bears to wiggly worms. If you don’t have molds, you can use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; after the gummy mixture cools, cut out small squares. You can use any of the syrup recipes in Herbs for Children’s Health, but the Elderberry gummies are often the biggest hit.
Get a free printable recipe card including a vegan version of the
Herbal Gummies!
As you prepare your children for their back-to-school routines, I encourage you to take a moment to introduce them to the plants around them. These simple, age-old remedies, like Elderberry syrup and Echinacea tincture, are not just healing tools, but ways to connect our children with the earth and the natural cycles of health.
For more recipes and guidance, my newly released 3rd Edition of Herbs for Children’s Health is available for pre-order. In this expanded version, you’ll find even more ways to incorporate herbal healing into your family’s daily life, with vibrant full-color photographs, enhanced remedy sections, and additional recipes to support your children’s health from infancy through their school years. The first 500 preorders will receive a signed copy as a special thank you!
As we send our children off into the world, let’s support their health with the gentle yet powerful healing energy of plants. With nature’s gifts, we can help them feel strong, healthy, and connected to the earth beneath their feet.
Join me in a celebratory class!
Join me for a class on October 11, 2024 at 12pm ET on my YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so we can let you know when it goes live!
about herbs for over 50 years. It is my honor and joy to share what I have learned with you, and to introduce you to my fellow herbalists and plant lovers!
