Herbs Bad for kids:
Belladonna: a toxic alkaloid.
Black cohosh: has hormonal properties.
Cascara sagrada: chronic use could cause electrolyte
imbalance.
Chaparral: can cause liver disease.
Chaste berry: has hormonal effects.
Comfrey: when taken internally, obstructs blood flow to the liver, with potentially fatal results.
Dong quai: triggers hormonal changes.
Ephedra (Ma Huang): can cause heart attacks, stroke,
seizures and death.
Germander: can lead to liver disease.
Ginseng: not considered necessary for children.
Guarana: strong central nervous system stimulant.
Lobelia or Indian tobacco: can cause breathing problems, rapid heart beat, coma or death.
Kava root: not studied in children.
Kola nut: stimulant that contains caffeine.
Poke root: toxic alkaloids could cause poisoning.
Senna: stimulant laxative capable of causing electrolyte
imbalances.
Willow bark: linked to Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal
disease.
Wormwood: can cause neurological problems.
Yellow jasmine: Toxic alkaloids, small doses of which can
kill children.
Safe herbs for kids:
Aloe vera: applied externally to help heal burns and minor
wounds.
Anise seeds - add 4 to 4 ounces of boiled water and steep 5 minutes, then add 1/2 teasp. of processed honey and cool down to mouth temperature for
colic. Let baby take a few swigs after nursing
or bottle feeding.
Blackberry Tea - excellent for diarrhea...steep for 5 min
and add a spoon of honey.
Catnip: used to promote sleep, relieve menstrual cramps and infant colic.
Chamomile: thought to soothe nerves, indigestion, stomach upset and headaches, and also is
good for gas/colic in babies.
Echinacea: may boost immune functioning during colds or flu but is not to be given if child has an oppressed immune system.
Elderberry without alcohol drops can be added to juices when they are sick with flu or colds to prevent it from going to their lungs. Elderberry is a good
resource of vitamin C.
Ginger: aids digestion and is known to relieve nausea.
Goldenseal: used to treat everything from sore throats to
earaches.
Lemon balm: calms nerves and stomach.
Peppermint: aids digestion and can quell nausea.
Source: Herbs Kids Should Avoid
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
November 26, 2000
Sources:
"The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines"; Food and Drug Administration; "The Healing Spirit of Plants";
Sunny Pendleton Mavor, co-author of "Kids, Herbs & Health"
