Taking Charge of Your Childs Health...

Naturally

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AVIVA ROMM, MD
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Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Contents

Contents

Meet Aviva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Caring for Your KidsNaturally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recognizing When Your Child is Sick . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Diaper Rash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

Colic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Fever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15

Colds and Flu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Cough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Earache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Pink-eye (Conjunctivitis) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
All material provided on this website is provided for informational or educational purposes only,
and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician.

2015 by Aviva Romm

2

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Meet Aviva
Dear Friends,
When I was a little girl anytime I got a mosquito bite it swelled up to
the size of a goose egg and itched like crazy. My great-grandmother,
a Hungarian herbalist, would immediately apply witch hazel
compresses, which brought certain relief from the inflammation and
itching. This is just one of many old-world treatments she practiced.
She also had a lot of common wisdom. Now some of the things she
did when I was a kid are becoming vogue as we learn the value of
supporting our bodys natural healing abilities and of protecting
ourselves and our environment from unnecessary chemical exposures.
So who is this woman talking to you about natural health for kids? Perhaps my most important credential is
that I am a mom. My greatest joy in life has been raising my four wonderful, creative, lovely children and
now I am a grand-mom, too. I understand from a moms point of view how worried and vulnerable a parent can
feel when a child is sick, what kind of information a parent needs when things feel like theyre hitting the fan,
and how confusing it can be to know how and when to use natural remedies or when to get medical care. I also
know how helpful it is to have a trusted resource to turn to when a child is sick.
I am also a midwife who has helped hundreds of babies into the world, an herbalist who has written a halfdozen books on natural health for women and children, translated into many languages, AND I am a medical
doctor, trained at Yale, with a specialty in family medicine. My focus is womens health and pediatrics.
I am so glad you have chosen to learn to take care of precious little ones using natural approaches and common
sense for common problems. Using herbs for kids health is a win-win choice: kids benefit, parents benefit, and
the planet benefits, too!
I hope that my 30 years of practicing natural medicine for babies and children can be of service to you as one of
your trusted voices in health care.

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Caring for Kids... Naturally

This booklet is an e-intro to The Healthiest Kids: A

Parents Guide to Natural Medicines, a comprehensive,
accessible course that will teach you how to take
charge of your kids health!

The Healthiest Kids: A Parents Guide to Natural

Medicines is based on the belief that parents can
capably manage most of their childrens health
concerns and be informed partners when they must
consult a health professional. It is built on several
key principles:
C
 ommon kids health problems can be treated
with common, natural home remedies.
P
 harmaceutical drugs are over-prescribed for
commons kids health problems.
N
 obody knows a baby or child like his/her own
momma (and often dad, too).
P
 arents can safely and confidently take charge
of their childrens health.
 arents need the necessary tools and education
P
to support kids health and recognize illness.
E
 veryone has a right to affordable health care
and adequate information for making informed
decisions.
4

Further, natural parenting is best supported when:

P
 arenting happens in the context of a supportive
community (your tribe!).
P
 arents can build supportive partnerships with
integrative family docs and pediatricians for
times when the going gets rough.

Caring For My Children

Twenty-nine years ago, when the first of my four kids

was a tiny tot, I was eager to learn everything I could
about natural treatments for common kids conditions.
There wasnt much information available on how to
use natural remedies, and most folks I knew took their
kids to the doctors office for every fever and sniffle,
accepting whatever medication was handed out as the
solution. I knew that there was a healthier way to treat
my son rather than to treat every symptom with an
antibiotic.
I remember feeling anxious and vulnerable treating
that first fever and upper respiratory infection,
choosing not to use conventional therapies. What if I
missed a dangerous illness? How would I know if my
Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

little one was really sick and needed a medicine? Could

I really trust the bond I felt between my baby and me
to guide my intuition and common sense in decisionmaking around health care issues? Could I really trust
herbs and foods to help?
Around that time I took a class with a wise older
doctor who told me that in all of his 30 years of
practice, hed only once had a case where he found
an illness in a child that the momma hadnt picked up
on first. Ive since heard this sentiment repeated many
times by experienced family doctors and pediatricians.
It gave me a lot of confidence to trust myself to take
care of my kids, and over the years now as a midwife,
herbalist, mom, and medical doctor, I too have
experienced a powerful phenomenon: The momma
almost always knows her baby best.

Antibiotic Overuse

When my kids were little, antibiotics were given for

every fever, earache, and respiratory infection. Other
harmful practices were also commonly recommended,
for example, washing kids down with rubbing alcohol
and giving aspirin for fever.

Fortunately, these latter practices are no longer done. We

now know that rubbing alcohol used as described can
cause nervous system damage, and that aspirin given to
kids with viral infections can cause Reyes syndrome,
which can lead to permanent brain damage. In fact, it
is not uncommon in medicine for practices to fall out
of favor when it is found that they were not as safe as
originally thought. So instead of these treatments, in our
home we used herbs like lemon balm and elder flowers
for fever, garlic earache oil, and my homemade cough
syrup for chest congestion and cough.
But antibiotics remain widely overprescribed today,
with as many as 50% of all antibiotics prescribed to kids
being unnecessary. New concerns are being raised that
early childhood exposure to antibiotics may increase the
risk of developing asthma and irritable bowel diseases.
There is also new concern that acetaminophen (Tylenol)
use in kids, even short-term, can also increase the risk of
developing asthma, autism, and ADHD.
While medications are lifesaving when needed, when
overprescribed and misused they can contribute to
health problems, environmental contamination, and the
deadly international problem of antibiotic resistance
when antibiotics no longer work for serious infections.

Trust
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Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Parents are seeking natural alternatives and even physicians are starting to turn to

natural approaches for kids health, realizing that many commonly used medications are
ineffective at best, harmful at worst, and that many herbs, minerals, and vitamins can play
an important role in promoting health, and preventing and treating common illnesses.

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Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

RECOGNIZING WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK

(and When to Seek Medical Care)

It can be really hard to know when you can treat a condition at home and when you need to
take your child to the doctors office or even the emergency room. I get so many calls late at
night from patients who are worried about a childs fever, cough, or sore throat. By far, parents
come into my office for many more visits than they need to because they feel worried and
dont know the signs to look out for that their child is really ill or how to help their child with
cold symptoms.

It is, of course, always better to err on the side of caution and have a doctors visit you dont need than to miss
something serious, but keep in mind, moms generally know when their kids are sick! By spending time with
your child and becoming a good observer, you will know your childs health and illness patterns better than
anyone and you will quickly recognize when your child is not feeling quite right. Early signs of illness will
become obvious to you.

Knowing what is generally considered normal physical health and development in children can bolster your
confidence in assessing your childs wellness. In my course you will learn how to do a basic physical exam
on your child, as well as more advanced skills for taking care of your child naturally.

Antibioti
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Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Common Early Signs of Illness

When your little one is getting sick, she or he may have a few or many of the
following common early signs of illness:
Changes in eating habits (eating less, acting picky or not hungry)
Behavioral changes (cranky, fussy, whiny, clingy, irritable, uncooperative)
Sleepier than usual, sleep disturbances
Sore throat, swollen glands, headache, runny nose, stomachache
A
 chiness
Chills, fever, quick pulse (or unusually slow pulse), respiratory changes
Bowel and urinary changes (frequency, color, odor, consistency)
Skin changes (temperature, color, moistness, rashes, sensitivity such as itching)
Ears hurt, hearing seems off
Eyes watery, glassy; circles under eyes
V
 omiting
Coated tongue
Disinterest in play (this may be one of the most significant changes parents
notice)
Voice changes (hoarseness, whining)

If any of the above symptoms occur, it is the perfect time for some herbal teas, chosen according to the childs
symptoms. It is also a time for extra rest, attention, and perhaps changes in diet such as eliminating sugar and
eating a bit more healthily. These steps can offset the illness or at least minimize your childs discomfort and the
length of the illness.

Reassuring signs that you can probably continue to treat an illness at home include:
Your child, in spite of not feeling well, continues to play and act generally normal,
awake, and alert.
Your childs appetite may be decreased from normal, but he or she continues to
take fluids and perhaps a small amount of food.
Your child is peeing a normal amount compared to usual.
The symptoms slowly improve over the course of several days.

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Anytime you feel

uncomfortable or worried
about your little one it is
appropriate to get support
and advice from your family
doctor or pediatrician;
remember, trust your
instincts!
Dont be afraid to get
medical care when it is
needed!

Here are symptoms to worry about. If you see any of these, bring your child to his or her primary care doctor:

Any fever in a baby under one-month old requires immediate medical attention!
High (a high fever is over 103.5) or persistent fever (> 3 days) in any aged child
If your child is having to work extra hard to breathe or if her breathing is fast, labored, or accompanied by
unusual noises
Persistent pain such as an earache, sore throat, severe headache, or stomachache
Frequent vomiting or diarrhea: If your child is unable to keep down enough liquids to urinate at least once
every six to eight hours, this could be a sign of dehydration
Thick eye discharge that doesnt get better during the day
A stiff neck, extreme lack of energy or the illness seems to be getting worse rather than staying the same for
more than five days
Blood in the vomit or diarrhea
If your child has been exposed to a contagious disease such as mono, pertussis, measles, the flu, or has
travelled out of the country recently
If your treatment for a mild condition is not helping, and the condition persists or worsens, seek medical help.
9

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Diaper Rash

Types of Diaper Rash

What is diaper rash?

Contact diaper rash is the gardenvariety rash that looks flat, red,
irritated, sometimes with peeling skin if
more severe.

Diaper rash is an incredibly common problem it is

practically just a normal part of being a baby! It can
occur regardless of diapering choices. Babies have
soft, sensitive skin that often spends 24 hours a day
in contact with a diaper, and has frequent contact with
irritating poop and pee.

Intertrigo occurs within the skin

folds and creases around the diaper
area where the skin rubs together. It
looks like a burn.
Yeast usually only occurs if there
has been a diaper rash for a long time
that then becomes superinfected by
Candida. It is a red, raised, and patchy
rash with clear edges and smaller
patches called satellites at a distance
from the main area of the rash.

Most diaper rashes are just due to contact irritation,

less commonly they are caused by a yeast infection.
A diaper rash is usually not a sign of a food allergy.
(see Types of Diaper Rash) If your little one develops
a diaper rash, dont fret. There are simple steps you
can take to prevent and reduce the risk of diaper rash,
and some easy natural remedies to sooth that irritated
bottom! Even with the best treatment, it may reappear
now and again.

Allergy ring is a red ring just

around the babys anus can be a sign
of an allergy to something in his or her
diet or in breastfeeding babies, moms
diet.

Common sense approaches

to preventing & treating
diaper rash

10

Change babys diapers often every 2-3 hours

and as soon as possible after baby poops.
Use a warm wash cloth each time you wash
babys bottom rather than diaper wipes if
possible, and make sure to clean babys bottom
well.
If using cloth diapers add cup of white
vinegar to your wash to neutralize the acidity of
the diapers and help kill germs.
If using cloth diapers, make sure the edges
of the diaper covers are not irritating babys
sensitive thighs and groin by hugging too close
to the skin.
If using disposable diapers change brands to see
if another is less irritating to your babys skin.
Let babys bottom air out go naked bums
as often as possible!

Apply a thick cream as a barrier on your babys

skin. Old-fashioned A&D ointment works really
well; zinc oxide is also effective. Both are mild
and safe. Herbal salve can be used as a healing
agent, emollient, and light skin barrier.
Your little one might benefit from a probiotic in
the case of diaper rash from yeast infection as
well as when there is an allergy ring.
Another simple home remedy for yeast diaper
rash is to slather your little ones bottom with
plain, active culture yogurt daily, then rinse off
thoroughly.

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Herbal Treatment

Healing Salve

Can be used to heal irritated, damaged skin and as a barrier. There are many
possible herbal ingredients for a salve. The following is an example of one I made
for my kids bottoms. If you suspect a yeast infection add 20 drops of tea tree oil
to your preparation.

Calendula Flowers
Chickweed
Comfrey Root
Chamomile Flowers
Plantain Leaf
Olive Oil (more if needed to cover herbs)
Pure Beeswax

Comfrey

Chamomile

To prepare a salve: Place about an ounce of your mix of dried herbs and 1 cup
of olive oil in a small pot. Simmer for 1 hour on a very low flame with a flame
deflector on the burner, and with the pot semi-covered. Add a bit of oil as
necessary for the herbs to remain covered over their surface, and watch carefully
to avoid scorching. After cooking, strain the herbs well through a cotton cloth or
cheesecloth, squeezing as much of the oil as possible out of the plant material.
(You need to let the oil cool first to avoid burning your hands.) Clean and dry the
pot (discarding the used plant material), then pour the oil back in, adding 34
tablespoons of grated beeswax. Melt this over a low flame, stirring constantly.
To test for readiness, put a small amount onto a teaspoon and place it in the
refrigerator. After a minute it will harden to its finished consistency. Salve should
be firm and solid but not so hard that it wont melt easily into your skin. If the
consistency is correct, pour your salve into small jars, cool to room temperature,
cover, and store. If the salve is too soft, add more beeswax; if it is too hard, add
more oil.

When to See Your Doctor

Babies rarely need to be seen by the doctor for a diaper rash. If the rash is
worsening, baby is very uncomfortable, or you suspect an infection, contact your
family physician or pediatrician.

11

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Colic
At about three weeks old my perfectly sweet second
baby suddenly started crying out in apparently
agonizing pain at sunset almost every evening, and
no matter how much bouncing, rocking, swinging
we did, shed cry and ball up her little arms and legs
in discomfort for sometimes well over an hour.
It was incredibly distressing and since our first child
didnt have colic, we were new to the problem.
We were lucky daytime was fine, but the next
evening wed start all over again. It was worrisome
and exhausting for all of us. Our usual lovely
bedtime ritual of reading stories to our three-year old
was temporarily on hold, and after a couple of weeks
of the new evening ritual of our baby crying in pain,
we were overwhelmed. Many of you are probably
familiar with this story and some of you might have
babies that have colic all day long, too!
It took us another couple of weeks to figure out
what was making our daughter uncomfortable
it seemed that when I ate peanut butter or dairy,
it affected her through my breastmilk and to
establish some helpful routines that eased her
discomfort and brought some balance back to our
lives.
In addition to the dietary changes, we discovered
that taking her outside or having soothing sounds
also helped. Each evening wed put her in the baby
carrier and stroll the neighborhood until she fell
asleep, or alternately, one of us would wash the
dishes while the other rocked her, the sound of the
running water eventually soothing her troubles.

We also gave her a simple herbal tea with an eyedropper and I drank the teas hoping theyd make their
way to her through my breastmilk. Her symptoms
improved almost completely, though now and then
shed have a fussy evening. By the time she was
several months old, she was her happy self again, day
and night.
12

What is colic?

As common a problem as it is, nobody actually

knows exactly what causes colic, though it appears
to be most commonly due to cows milk sensitivity
from either directly eating dairy or through the
mothers milk. What we do know is that when a baby
has colic he or she is experiencing belly pain and this
distresses the baby.
Common signs of colic in a baby include:
Episodes of fussiness that start in the first few
weeks after birth and last until about 3-4 months
old
Crying in distress, especially with the arms and
legs pulled in close to the body (sometimes the
baby stiffens up, too)
Crying for several hours at a time or several
hours a day; commonly in the evening but it
can happen anytime (and seem like most of the
time!)
The crying occurs at least several days of the
week
The baby tends to be inconsolable during the
episodes

Not all crying in a baby is colic.

If your baby is crying inconsolably,
make sure that the baby is not in pain
because of any other reasons. Check
for anything that might be poking into
or pinching the baby, for example,
check for a hair tourniquet
a fine piece of hair tightly wound
around a finger or toe that is cutting
into the skin and must be removed
immediately; check for signs of illness
for example, an ear infection can
cause baby to scream in discomfort.

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

What can you do?

Stay calm and relaxed while your baby is fussing

your baby will pick up on your stress and
anxiety, so being upset wont help anyone.
Try to get to the bottom of what is upsetting your
baby by keeping a journal of when your baby is
having colic episodes; if you are a breastfeeding
mom pay special attention to what youve eaten
in the previous 24 hours to help you sleuth out
any food sensitivities (see Foods that Commonly
Upset Baby).
Eliminate any culprit foods you identify.
Try taking your baby for a walk some babies
will relax more if you have them close to your
body in a baby carrier, others will relax more in a
stroller. Try different approaches.
Play soothing music or the sound of running
water some babies will respond to this; others
will just keep on crying.
If all else fails and baby keeps on crying, and
you are getting increasingly upset, put the baby
somewhere safe (i.e. crib, bassinette) and take a
breather out of crying range. You will return to
the baby refreshed and with more compassion,
rather than frustration and resentment, which are
natural feelings that arise. You might also find
that the baby self-soothes to sleep while you are
taking some deep breaths yourself!
Take turns sharing the colicky baby
responsibilities instead of both of you getting
worn out each night, and if you are a single
parent, enlist the help of a trusted friend or family
member to give you a break once in awhile.
Talk with other parents of colicky babies for
support.
Be gentle to yourself this is NOT your fault!
Remember, this too shall end babies do grow
out of colic!

Herbal Treatments

Several studies have shown that traditional herbal

medicines used for colic do have some noticeable
benefit in reducing symptoms, especially crying time.
The herbs studied include fennel, lemon balm, and
German chamomile.
13

Common Colic Causing Foods in Breastmilk

Dairy products
Soy products
Peanuts
Wheat
Eggs
Corn

Cabbage family
veggies
(broccoli, cabbage,
cauliflower)
Caffeine and Chocolate
(which can also keep
baby awake longer!)

Tummy Ease Tea

To prepare these herbs as a tea,

mix ounce of each of fennel,
lemon balm, and German
chamomile together in a clean,
dry glass jar or plastic bag. Take 1
teaspoon of the mixture and place
it in a glass mug or French press.
Cover with 1 cup of boiling water
and steep for 10 minutes. Strain the
herbs and put the tea into either a
bottle if the baby takes one, or use
a medicine dropper to give the baby
several teaspoons at a time.
The tea can be sweetened with a
teaspoon of maple syrup; do NOT
give honey to babies under 1 year
old it can cause infant botulism.

Alternatively, a product such as Childrens

Herbal Compound by HerbPharm can be used.
It is concentrated and easy to give the baby
5-10 drops every couple of hours, or even as
often as every 30 minutes in a crying spell,
up to 5 doses a day. Of note, Childrens
Compound comes in a glycerin base which
tastes sweet but has no sugar; sweet tastes
have been shown independently to calm
baby and reduce colic symptoms.
Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

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When to See Your Doctor

If you are concerned that there is something more serious going on, ask your
babys doctor. Your pediatrician or family doctor might be a great resource for you
if you are at your wits end. Most doctors dont know a lot about alternatives for
colic, and may also not know that standard medications for colic are ineffective.

Tea

Tea is the most basic herbal preparation. Richly scented herbs such as catnip, lemon balm,
chamomile, and seeds such as fennel and anise are commonly made into teas. Any combination of these herbs may be used for a colicky baby.
To prepare: Steep 1 teaspoon of the dried herb of your choice in 1 cup of boiling hot
water for 10 minutes. A French press makes it easy to strain the tea.
To use: Give several teaspoons up to every hour for a fussy baby, -1 cup every few
hours for older kids.

14

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Fever
Mommy, I dont feel well. Your little one wakes up
in the middle of the night, fretful and hot to the touch.
You check her temperature and it is 102. Shes had a
cold for a few days but hasnt had a fever until now.
You feel worried and dont know what to do. Should
you give Tylenol, go to the emergency department?
Should you call your doctors office hoping to reach
someone in the middle of the night? Can you wait until
morning? Youve heard about using herbs for fever and
thought it sounded good at the time, but now that your
child has one, youre not so sure. What should you do?
The answer to the above question for starters is:
If your child is under one-month old and has a
temperature of over 100.4, Yes, call your doctor
or go to the emergency room!
For everyone else, take a deep breath, relax, and
read on

What is a Fever?

Most importantly: Fever is not an illness. It is

the bodys healthy, natural response that actually
helps fight infection! Fevers are not dangerous. A
temperature over 100.4 F is considered a fever. Most
fevers are in the range of 101-103.5. A high fever is
over 103.5!
I know that when my own kids temps got over 103
my mommy alarm bells started going off! But in truth,
the height of the temperature does not necessarily
reflect the severity of the illness. Most low-grade
fevers are not serious and kids can even run high
fevers and not have serious illness but it is scarier to
parents.
Fevers in kids are generally caused by common viral
infections, and most of these are not dangerous. Kids
will often have symptoms such as a cough, runny nose,
earache, or rash but often the fever comes before
the symptoms. Bacterial infections such as strep throat,
urinary tract, and ear infections can also cause fever.
15

What Can You Do?

Keep in mind that you do not have to treat the fever.

When your child has a fever the most important thing
is to keep her comfortable and give plenty of fluids.
Fevers may continue for a number of days or go
away and come back especially in the afternoon
and evening for several days. This is usually not
a problem if the child is taking plenty of fluids and
seems otherwise well.
Let your child rest and sleep as much as she needs
to. Create a quiet environment conducive to healing
and recovery.
Keep the childs room fresh and comfortable.
Diffuse light, as through a thin curtain on the
window, is soothing to feverish eyes.
To freshen the air, put some water with a few drops
of essential oil into a clean plant mister and spritz
around the room. Rosemary, lavender, thyme, rose,
lemon, eucalyptus, and mint make refreshing scents.
Give your child loads of fluids during the fever.
Babies can be nursed often and given water
by teaspoon, cup, or eye-dropper every 15-30
minutes. If the child is sleeping, you can rouse him
periodically for a drink.
Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Herbal Treatments

Herbs can be used to help ease the symptoms associated

with a fever aches, headache, tummy discomforts, and
chills. While fevers dont need to be treated, high fever can
be lowered a bit with these herbs. Some classic herbs for
feverish kids include:
Anise seed tea or a weak tea made from fresh ginger
root can quiet indigestion.
Ginger tea can help fight upper respiratory infection and
helps sweat out a fever.
For achiness, headaches, or restlessness, strong teas of
catnip, chamomile, or lemon balm can be used alone
or in combination. Baths with these herbs are also
soothing.
Lavender oil can be added to a warm bath, 5 drops per
bath, to bring a sense of restfulness and relief of the
above symptoms.

Fever
is not
an illn
the bo
ess. I
dys h
t is
ealthy
,
respo
natura
nse th
l
at act
u
ally
fights
infect
ion

Nursing moms with feverish nursing babies can drink adult

doses of these herbal remedies. Some of the benefits of the
herbs will pass through the milk to the baby.

Rosemary
ial oil

nt
y esse
r
a
m
e
os
Use r hen the air
s
to fre

Anise
Flowers

Anise seed tea

can
ease indigestion

16

Catnip, Chamomile and Lemon Balm Tea

Mix equal parts of the dried herbs
and prepare according to tea
instructions. This is very pleasant
tasting and very gentle even for little
babies. Soothes tummy upset, aches,
and eases fever symptoms.

Spearmint Leaf and Elder Blossom Infusion

Steep 1/2 oz. of each herb in a
covered quart jar of boiling water
for 20 minutes. Strain and sweeten
lightly (no honey for kids under 1
year old; maple syrup is a good
alternative). Give as warm as your
child will take it, and often, until a
sweat results.

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Infusions
a
or
f
e
y
tinu
n
awa
o
c
o
g
y
ly
r
ma
cial
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r
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of d k e
Fev
nin
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e
v
c
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a
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and
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is i
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ays
and
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Infusions are medicinal-strength teas.

More herb material is steeped longer
in slightly more water than is usual
for a tea.
To prepare: Place 1 ounce of
chopped, dried herb or 2 ounces of
chopped, fresh herb in either a quart
or pint jar. Fill the jar with boiling
water. Put a lid on the jar and let the
mixture steep from a half-hour to 8
hours, depending on desired strength
and the part of the plant used.
To use: Generally, dosage of an
infusion ranges from 1/4 to 1 cup,
two to four times daily. Sometimes an
infusion is sipped throughout the day.

When to See Your Doctor

17

All babies under one-month old with fever should be seen by a doctor
immediately! This can be a medical emergency!
Babies under three months old with a high fever (see above) should be seen
by a doctor.
 ny kids who are not taking fluids, not urinating a normal amount
A
compared to usual, or are just not acting right should be seen by the
doctor.
Any kids with fever along with stiff neck or neck, persistent vomiting, or
severe headache should be seen by the doctor.
If your child has severe ear pain or severe belly pain.
If your child is lethargic that is, he just isnt really waking up fully, seems
weak, or just seems sort of limp, is just lying there, and doesnt really make
eye contact.
Fevers that stay high for more than 3-5 days.
If you feel worried that your child has a serious illness, take your child to the
doctor: Remember, trust your momma intuition (and better safe than sorry)!

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Colds and Flu

Most parents will recognize the early symptoms of
colds and flu children rubbing itchy or irritated
eyes, a sniffle or runny nose, a sore throat, skipping
a meal, and kids who just arent quite themselves.
Frequently a child will say, Mom, my head hurts.
An adept hand to the forehead and sure enough, you
realize your son or daughter has a fever.

What Are They?

A cold is just a simple, common viral infection that

affects the upper respiratory passages nose, throat,
upper breathing passages, and ears. Most kids with

healthy immune systems get over a cold within a

week with nothing more than tender loving care.
Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious, acute
respiratory infection caused by influenza A or B
viruses. Symptoms include fever ranging from 102
to 104F, severe achiness, sore throat, cough, lack of
appetite, and extreme lassitude.
In the past, influenza was dreaded and even now it
occasionally causes fatalities, but this is usually in
the very young, in the elderly, and in those already
weakened by malnutrition or other causes, such as
underlying diseases.

Most kids with healthy

immune systems get
over a cold within a
week with nothing
more than tender
loving care.

18

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

In most kids flu is treatable at home but it can be

really exhausting. Be prepared for kids to run high
fevers and sleep a lot for a few days. If kids who
have the flu seem to get worse instead of better, seek
a doctors help. It is essential to provide adequate
time, even up to a week, for recuperation after the
symptoms of influenza have passed.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is safe, gentle,

and capable of both preventing and fighting
viral infections. Echinacea can be used in small
preventative doses throughout cold and flu
season or in larger doses for fighting sickness.
Use of echinacea has been shown to shorten the
duration of colds. The tincture is the single most
effective way to give children this medicine.
Many of the newest formulas use vegetable
glycerine as a solvent instead of alcohol. For
maximum effectiveness during an acute infection
its important to give echinacea tincture in
therapeutic doses.

Natural remedies can help relieve cold and flu

symptoms faster, can prevent what are called
secondary infections, for example, pneumonia, that
can occur after viral infections, and can help prevent
colds from recurring. This is important because
believe it or not, the average American school-aged
child has about 10 colds each year! Antibiotics do
not treat coughs caused by viral infections and are
almost always not indicated for coughs due to colds.

Echinacea Dosing

I generally recommend 1 drop

of extract per 2 pounds of the
childs body weight (i.e., a
50-pound child would get 25
drops), every 2 to 4 hours,
depending upon the severity
of the infection. It can be
given diluted in 1/4 cup
of water, tea, or diluted
natural fruit juice.

What Can You Do?

The most important things to do for your child when

he or she is sick with a cold or flu are:
1. Encourage lots of rest.
2. Keep the diet light and healthy.
3. Give plenty of water, especially if there is fever;
milk and juice can actually make chest and
sinus congestion thicker, so avoid them during
an infection if possible, though sometimes if all
kids will drink is juice it is better than nothing.
4. Help your child feel as comfortable as possible.

Herbal Treatments

There are many herbs that can be used to help your

child feel more comfortable when he or she has a
cold or the flu, and to support the immune system
and fight viruses. Here are several of my favorites.
Treatment will be quickest and easiest if you begin
at the first signs of illness, but you can begin using
the herbs at any time during the course of illness.
Combine these herbs with those presented under
fever, cough, and other related symptoms and use
some of my favorite recipes that do the work of
combining for you!

19

G
 arlic (Allium satiua) has been shown to exhibit
broad range antimicrobial properties, including
both viruses and bacterium. Its highly effective
for reducing the duration of colds and flu. To
give to children try my classic formula:

Garlic Lemonade

Finely mince 2 cloves of fresh garlic and

place them in a 1-quart mason jar. Fill
the jar with boiling water and cover for
30 minutes. Strain out the garlic, and to
the liquid add the juice of 1 whole lemon.
Sweeten to taste with honey. (Do NOT
give honey to babies under 1 year old
it can cause infant botulism.) Give warm,
and offer as much as the child can drink.

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

G
 inger (Zingiber officinalis) root is an aromatic,
pleasant tasting herb that is easy to find in
supermarkets.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a wonderful antiviral and antibacterial herb effective against
upper respiratory infections, particularly
coughs. It gently breaks up congestion and eases
irritable hacking coughing. It also relieves gas
and stomach discomfort. It can be taken as a tea,
tincture, or syrup, and is pleasant tasting when
lightly sweetened with honey. See Cold and Flu
Syrup on the next page.

Any of these herbs or combinations can be continued

for up to three weeks after symptoms have cleared up
to prevent relapse and strengthen the immune system.

Ginger Tea
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1
teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
root. Steep for 20 minutes, strain,
sweeten, and drink hot. Repeat as
often as desired. Add lemon for
taste if the child likes it.

Thyme

hs
Steam Bat

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20

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Cold and Flu Syrup

Heres a sweet-tasting syrup that is highly effective against viral and bacterial
infections. This syrup contains no honey so it can safely be given to children
under one.

1 oz echinacea tincture
1 oz elderberry syrup
oz thyme tincture
oz lemon balm tincture
oz licorice tincture
oz anise seed tincture

To prepare: Combine all ingredients in a 4-ounce dark amber bottle. Shake

well.
To use: Give 1/2 to 1 teaspoon every 2 hours.

Tinctures

Tinctures are concentrated, alcohol extracts of herbs. They are

quick acting, convenient (they can easily be transported in a
small bottle), and they have a shelf life of many years. Because
they are so concentrated, only a few drops are needed, making
them particularly useful for children and for serious conditions
when a higher dosage of herbs is required. Tinctures are also
convenient for working parents who cant easily prepare infusions or decoctions every day.

Herbal Baths

der

Laven

Herbal baths are used to soothe all sorts of complaints: irritability,

congestion, and fever, to name a few. When using baths with children, be careful to avoid burns from overly hot water. If you keep
the bathroom door closed, the aroma of the herbs which is from
the antimicrobial volatile oils will fill the air, adding to the relaxing
effect of the bath and helping to fight infection. A simple herbal
bath, and one of my favorites, is simply to put about 5 drops of
lavender essential oil into a warm bath after it has run.

When to See Your Doctor

Follow recommendation for when to see your doctor under

Cough, Fever, and Earache.

21

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Cough
Its a common story. Your child has had a cold for
a few days and now hes started having a cough.
Its midnight and youve been asleep for just about
an hour when you hear coughing coming from his
bedroom. You know hes having an uncomfortable
night, and the coughing isnt letting you get much
sleep either. You get up and bring him some water,
and it seems to help for awhile, but then the coughing
starts again. This is the second night in a row youve
both been kept awake by his cough. Youve heard
that over-the-counter cough syrups arent really safe
or effective for kids, but you both need some sleep.
What can you do?

What is a Cough?

A cough is a reaction to airway irritation or

inflammation, usually caused by viral upper

respiratory infection (also called a cold) or something

in the environment, commonly dust. Other problems
such as asthma and reflux can also cause coughs. For
now well focus only on coughs due to colds.
Coughs can last from days to even weeks. In fact,
you might have noticed that sometimes after a cold, a
child can have a lingering cough for even six weeks.
This can be completely normal and is due to irritation
in the upper airway passages that may just take this
long to resolve.

What Can You Do?

There are many common treatments for cough. A few

that I recommend regularly in my practice include:
Encourage plenty of fluids, especially water, hot
tea, bouillon broth, and miso broth (available at

are
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22

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Whole Foods and most natural food coops, this is a

delicious paste made of fermented soy beans that is
loaded with live, active enzymes).
Vicks VapoRub applied to the chest (not to the
face!) has actually been shown to help children with
coughs (and as a benefit, their parents!) sleep better.
Place a humidifier in your childs room to help
moisten the air and loosen the cough. (To avoid
burns do not place a hot water humidifier anywhere
near your child.)
For kids older than one year, honey has been shown
to be more effective and safer than cough syrups
for relieving cough. Either let your child take -1
tsp of honey directly from a spoon or mix into tea.
NOTE: The honey has to be good quality honey
which should be from natural, organic sources.
Honey in regular supermarkets is usually not of
adequate quality.
Over-the-counter cough medications should be
completely avoided in children under five and are
not recommended for children of any age.
Antibiotics do not treat coughs caused by viral
infections and are almost always not indicated for
coughs due to colds.

23

Herbal Treatments
Aunty Avivas Cough
Syrup Blend
This remedy is effective and pleasant
for use with children.
oz dried mullein leaves
oz marshmallow root
oz licorice root
oz thyme
oz anise seeds
oz wild cherry bark
oz slippery elm bark
1 quart boiling water
To prepare: Combine all the herbs.
Put 1 ounce of the mixture in a glass
jar, add the boiling water, cover, and
steep for 2 hours. Strain the liquid
into a pot (discard the plant material)
and simmer gently until it is reduced
to 1 cup. Sweeten with 1/2 cup of
honey (for children under one, omit
the honey and replace with maple
syrup or sugar to taste). After the
syrup cools to room temperature,
store it in a jar in the fridge. It will
keep for up to 2 months.
To use: Dosage is 1 teaspoon as
needed for children one to three
years old, 1 tablespoon as needed for
older children, and 2 tablespoons as
needed for adults.

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

ormula
F
h
orant,
g
u
o
C
laxing, expect
re
is
re
u
Quiet
ct
n
ti
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glycerin-base

sting,
ges.
This sweet-ta
iratory passa
sp
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th
r
pane tincture
fo
l
bia
re
oz elecam

and antimicro
ssom tinctu
lo
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b
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v
ly
g
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oz red
1 oz vegeta
cture
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k cohosh tin
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la
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b
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bark tincture
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oz cramp
r bottle. Shak
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4-ounce
oz thyme
cessary.
gredients in a
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To pre
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spoon up to e
a
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/2
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To use: Give
to four times
o
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,
ts
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coughing b

Syrups

Syrups are sweetened and concentrated. Children

will more readily take a small amount of a sweetflavored medicine than any amount of an unpalatable one. The dose is generally 1/2 to 1 tablespoon
one to six times daily, depending on age, herb
being used, and severity of the condition being
treated.
p
Cram

24

Bark

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

When to See Your Doctor

If your child has wheezing and no history of asthma

If your child has asthma and wheezing that is causing him significant
difficulty breathing, with no relief from prescribed medications
Your childs breathing is rapid and labored (fever by itself can cause
breathing to be faster than usual, but it should not make a child work
harder to breathe)
Your childs lips or mouth are turning blue due to labored breathing or
shortness of breath

can
ies
d
e
flu
m
nd
a
l re
a
d
r
u
ol
n
Nat
ve c ter, ca
e
i
l
e
s
r
d
s fa
alle
help
tom t are c
r
p
, fo
sym t wha
s
n
o
cti
,
ven
infe
pre
onia
y
r
m
a
u
d
r
on
pne
sec
afte
le,
r
p
u
n
m
cc
exa
d ca
no
n
a
a
c
t
ns,
tha
rom
ctio
e
ds f
f
l
n
o
i
c
l
ent
vira
rev
g.
p
rrin
u
c
help
re

25

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Earache/Ear Infections
Middle ear infections also called acute otitis
media can be very painful and can make your
child fussy and irritable. They are generally caused
by viruses (more rarely by bacteria) and can occur
in babies, young children, and teens. There may be
fever, swollen neck glands, and your childs hearing
may be muffled from the fluid in the ears. Younger
children may pull on their ears or may scream or
cry suddenly and unexpectedly; older children
will generally tell you that they have ear pain.
Occasionally a child can have fluid congestion and
mild inflammation that causes hearing difficulties
without the other symptoms of ear infection; this is
called otitis media with effusion.
Ear infections are the most prevalent complaint that
land children in the doctors office, and overtreatment
with antibiotics is a big problem. Even the American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving parents
the option of waiting 48-72 hours to see if symptoms
resolve on their own before using an antibiotic.
Approximately 80% of kids with acute otitis media
get better without antibiotics! Antibiotics treatment
is considered appropriate for babies under 6 months
old with known or suspected ear infections, and
sometimes for children ages 6 months to 2 years with
severe infection.

What Can You Do?

Natural treatment of ear infections can provide

symptomatic relief without contributing to
problems of antibiotic overuse. Here are a few
practical tips:
A
 hot water bottle wrapped in a towel (to avoid
burning your child) can bring a lot of comfort
to a painful ear. Let your child sleep on a
slightly filled hot water bottle if it is overly
full it will be too firm to rest on comfortably
(do NOT use a heating pad).
G
 ive firm but gentle massage all around the
26

jaw and head in the area adjacent to the ear.

Massage in a downward direction behind the ear
on the neck and apply gentle inward pressure
in front of the ear toward the cheek (about
where sideburns would be). This will facilitate
drainage of ear fluids and stimulate pressure
points in the area. It may be uncomfortable to
your child so do it a few times a day for short
periods.
Kids who drink a lot of juice and dairy products
may get more earaches. They encourage the
production of a lot of mucus in the upper
respiratory system. This can lead to congestion
in the chest and ears, a ripe situation for an ear
infection. Cut back on juice and milk for at least
three days after the earache symptoms are gone.
For very bad ear pain, you can give childrens
doses of Tylenol or ibuprofen.

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Herbal Treatments

Herbal treatment can work quite well to relieve earache symptoms and reduce ear infection.
Give echinacea tincture to boost the immune system.
Chamomile makes an excellent tea to help your child relax during an ear infection.
The classic herbal remedy for ear infections is garlic-mullein oil. Garlic is a natural antimicrobial,
addressing infections of both a bacterial and viral nature. Mullein is an analgesic, relieving the pain
associated with earaches. This can be prepared easily at home; I make a large bottle annually to have onhand for patients as needed; you can make your own and store in the fridge for up to a year. If you do not
have it ready when needed, good quality Garlic Mullein oil is sold at natural foods stores.

Garlic Mullein Oil

To prepare: Place 1 whole bulb of finely chopped fresh garlic and 1 oz.
of mullein flowers in a pint-sized jar. Add olive oil until the jar is full. Stir
with a chopstick or the handle of a wooden spoon to release air bubbles.
Cover the jar and place in the sunlight for 3 weeks (2 weeks in warm
weather). Strain into a clean jar (discard plant material) and store in the
refrigerator. This will keep for up to two years.
To use: Place 3-7 drops of the oil into the affected ear while the child
lays on his side with the affected ear upward. The oil should be at room
temperature or slightly warm. To warm it, put the drops in a spoon or
a glass eyedropper and briefly hold a lit match close to it. Test the oil
against the underside of your wrist to make sure it is not too hot. Have
the child rest with the affected ear up for 5-10 minutes, keeping a warm
hot water bottle on the ear. After this time let the child roll over and rest
on the hot water bottle for as long as this brings comfort. Repeat on the
other ear if necessary.
This treatment can be repeated 2-3 times a day but may only be
necessary once or twice as it is very effective.
NOTE: NEVER PUT ANYTHING INTO THE EAR IF
YOU SUSPECT THE EARDRUM HAS RUPTURED OR IF
THERE IS ANY DRAINAGE FROM THE EAR

Herbal Oils

Herbal oils are vegetable oils in which herbs have been

infused. They are different from essential oils. They
should be stored out of direct light and heat.

27

Garli

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Ear infe
ctions a
re the m
prevale
ost
nt com
p
l
a
i
nt that
land ch
ildren i
n the d
office,
octors
and ov
ertreat
ment
with an
tibiotics
is a big
problem
.

When to See Your Doctor

Call your childs doctor if there is:
P
 ain that wont resolve
H
 igh fever and persistent ear pain
D
 rainage from the ear
N
 eck pain or stiffness

28

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is a highly contagious infection that affects

the conjunctiva, the inner lining of the eyelids and
the outer lining of the eyeballs. It is generally a viral
infection, though it can also commonly be bacterial.
Symptoms include itchy, irritated eyes that may
have a watery or sticky, yellow-green discharge that
crusts over the eyelids, sometimes gluing them
shut, especially in the morning. There can also be a
feeling that there is sand irritating the eyes, causing
a frequent urge to rub them. Allergic conjunctivitis
usually affects both eyes starting at the same time
and there is clear watery discharge.
Pink eye is not dangerous, but it is very
uncomfortable, can be persistent and often recurs,
and is highly contagious.

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What Can You Do?

Encourage the child not to rub his eyes. This will

cut down on the inflammation.
Insist on frequent hand washing to prevent the
infection from spreading to other family members
(adults are not immune), as it is inevitable that the
child will occasionally touch his eyes.
E
 ach family member with pink eye should have
his or her own personal towel to avoid spreading
the infection around to everyone. Similarly, dont
share pillows until after the infection is gone. Wash
towels and pillowcases daily.
Breast milk is rich in antibodies that reduce
many infections. If you are still lactating, a
half-teaspoon of your milk can be placed in the
infected eyes of a child of any age. Repeat four
times each day.
Note: HIV infection and hepatitis can be transmitted
through breast milk, even through the eyes. It is
therefore best not to use breast milk other than your
own.

Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Herbal Treatments

A very simply and effective treatment for conjunctivitis is my Chamomile, Eyebright and Goldenseal Wash. It
can be prepared easily at home.
Conjunctivitis symptoms usually start to improve within about 24 hours of treatment, but because reinfection is
so high, continue to treat twice daily for one week after symptoms have resolved.

Chamomile, Eyebright and Goldenseal Wash

In a teacup steep 1 tsp each of chamomile and eyebright herbs,
adding teaspoon of goldenseal powder if the eye discharge is
thick and yellow or greenish. Let the herbs steep for 15 minutes
then strain very thoroughly.
Soak a cotton ball in the tea. To apply to the eyes, tilt the
childs head back or have her lie on your lap and squeeze a few
drops into the inner corner of the affected eye. Let the liquid
run outward toward the ear rather than toward the other eye
to prevent the infection from contaminating the other eye. The
excess liquid can be patted dry with tissue paper, gauze, or a
cloth (use a clean piece each time). Do not place anything that
has touched the eyes back into your remedy and discard the
cotton balls after each use. Repeat 4 times daily. When applying,
protect clothing and furniture from the goldenseal which leaves a
yellow stain.

omile

Cham

When to See Your Doctor

Pink eye is rarely serious. Call your childs doctor if:

There is no improvement in symptoms after several days of
treatment
Symptoms get worse, for example, the eye drainage gets worse
even with treatment
Your child has swelling around the eyes or pain with eye movement
Your child has a new onset of vision problems

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Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD

Parents are seeking natural

alternatives and even physicians are
starting to turn to natural approaches
for kids health, realizing that many
commonly used medications are
ineffective at best, harmful at worst,
and that many herbs, minerals, and
vitamins can play an important role in
promoting health, and preventing and
treating common illnesses.

Enjoy your parenting journey!

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Herbal Medicines for Kids by Aviva Romm, MD