Healing Herbs
by Aviva Jill Romm, a practicing midwife and herbalist since 1986 and is the author of The Natural Pregnancy Book, Natural Healing for Babies and Children, The Pocket Guide to Midwifery Care and the forthcoming Natural Alternatives to Attention Deficit Disorder (with her husband, Tracy Romm, EdD.)

As if the busy holiday season isn't enough, winter graces us with cold and flu season too. Most parents will recognize the early symptoms of these illnesses - children rubbing itchy or irritated eyes, a little sniffle or runny nose, skipping a meal, and kids who aren't 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.

A COMMON SENSE APPROACH
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) Simplify and lighten the diet; 3) Give plenty of water, especially if there is fever. A child with a fever must be pushed to drink at least a small amount of water or tea (1/4 to 1 cup) each hour or two; 4)Help your child feel as comfortable as possible; 5)Address any infection that might be present with the appropriate treatment.

COMMON HERBS THAT ARE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE
There are many herbs that can be used to help your child feel more comfortable when he or she is ill as well as to support the immune system and fight viruses. Here are five 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. Several of these herbs can be used preventatively, and are listed as so.

1. ECHINACEA (Echinacea angustifolia) is safe, gentle, and capable of both preventing and fighting viral infections. Echinacea can be used in small preventive 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 it's important to give Echinacea tincture in therapeutic doses. I generally recommend 1 drop of extract per 2 pounds of the child's 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.

2.GARLIC (Allium satiua) has been shown to exhibit broad range antimicrobial properties, including both viruses and bacterium. It's highly effective for reducing the duration of colds and flu. Commercial garlic syrups made from fresh garlic may be obtained at stores that sell herbal products, and may be effective as well.

3.LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) is a gentle calming herb for children of all ages. It reduces digestive discomfort, eases headache and achiness, lowers fever, and has the added benefit of being mildly antiviral. It makes a pleasant tea, and can also be taken as a tincture. To prepare tea, steep 2 tablespoons of lemon balm leaf per cup of water for 20 minutes. Cover the cup while steeping. Strain and sweeten if desire, allowing you child to sit it freely, even by the quart, throughout the day and evening. Dosage of tincture would range from 20 drops (children under 2) to 2 teaspoons of the extract every 2 to 4 hours.

4. ELDER (Sambucus canadensis) blossoms have the ability to stimulate the nonspecific immune system. It is an excellent decongestant for the upper respiratory system, and is also anti-inflammatory and soothing. The hot tea reduces high fevers. Elder, shown to be and effective medicine for treating colds and flu, can be taken as a tea (mix 2 tablespoons of elder flowers with 1 teaspoon of spearmint to prevent stomach upset from the elder, and steep in boiling water for 20 minutes --cover the cup while steeping the tea) or it can also be taken as a tincture or syrup.

5. THYME (Thymus vulgaris) is a wonderful antiviral and antibacterial herb effective against most 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 (KiriSue's note - no honey for children under 2). Dose for tea is 1/4 cup to 1 cup every couple of hours, depending upon your child's age and the severity of the illness. With syrup give 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon every 2 to 4 hours.

Tincture does is 1/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon every 2 to 4 hours. 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.