Spices and Herbs by Elaynn

UNSAFE, HARMFUL, DANGEROUS  HERBS THAT MAY CREATE PROBLEMS FOR OUR CHILDREN

There are many aliments and conditions that herbs can be used quite safely for our children. However, of course, there are many that may simply cause some type of minor problem and some that can really cause problems!

When you find an herb that is agreeable to your child, the way to calculate the right dose is the multiply the adult dose by the child's weight and divide the result by 150. For example, if the adult dose is 1 teaspoon and your child weighs 35 pounds, the dose would be ¼ teaspoon. The same way with teas,make a weak tea  for children from ages 12 down 

Here are some herbs that we don't want our children to use at all:

ALFALFA     do not give this herb to children who have diabetes or autoimmune diseases

BLACKTHORN   may cause dangerously severe diarrhea in children

BLOODROOT poisonous if taken internally. Because small children may swallow toothpaste or mouthwash, do not use any products containing this herb.

BORAGE OIL may cause liver damage

BUCKTHORN BARK can cause dangerously sever diarrhea in children

BUGLEWEED can adversely affect thyroid function in children

CAMPHOR may cause choking in infants

CAPSICUM CREAM can burn the skin

CARAWAY can cause kidney and liver damage

CASCARA SAGRADA can cause dangerously severe diarrhea in children

CELANDINE may cause liver damage

COLEUS may interfere with proper muscle functioning

FENUGREEK do not give to children who have diabetes

GINKGO may cause headaches and lowered blood pressure in children

HAWTHORNE BERRY, FLOWER may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and altered heart function

HORSE CHEST NUT can be poisonous to children

HORSETAIL should not be given to children who have kidney disease

ICELAND MOSS a poor quality product  may contain lead

LICORICE (this is the herb, not sure about the candy licorice that we buy in the stores) may cause dangerously high blood pressure in children.

MEADOWSWEET contains salicylates that have been associated with Reye syndrome

MINT OIL may cause choking and skin irritation

MOTHERWORT can adversely affect heart function in children

POPLAR BUD this herb contains salicylates that have been associated with Reye Syndrome

RED CLOVER may cause liver damage in children

SAGE do not give to a child that has a fever

STEVIA may cause reduced blood pressure in children

WILLOW BARK this herb contains salicylates that have been associated with Reye syndrome

There are other herbs that may cause stomach upset, skin irritation, excessive drowsiness or over stimulation and these will be discussed on my next blog

Elaynn