“How safe are herbal and Ayurvedic medicines for kids?”
I have been considering switching to Ayurvedic medicines for my child's cough and cold problems. How safe are these medicines, especially for children?
12 Answers
They are generally very safe, especially if recommended by someone trained. I would not however, give an herb randomly as there are some things to take into account; too high of dose of certain herbs can be toxic and some herbs interfere with medications.
There are several herbs that canbe safe for children but appropriate guidance and dosing from a licensed professional is best.
Hi there. Like any medicine or supplement, it really depends on what the exact medicine is. While many Ayurvedic medicines may be safe, it's hard to answer without knowing exactly what Ayurvedic medicine you're referring to, so I would say no out of caution without knowing which herb or substance it may be.
Ayurvedic medicine is a huge field of medicine. Some treatments are great for kids, and some are not safe at all for children. Get guidance from an expert who has worked with both Ayurveda and children. I work with herbs and kids everyday, but I am not an expert in Ayurvedic medicine. I would not use it with my own kids without guidance!
A licensed Naturopathic Doctor or Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine can help find something safe for you
HERBAL AND AYURVEDIC MEDICINES ARE SAFE FOR COUGH AND COLDS. AS LONG AS THEY ARE GIVEN IN THE APPROPRIATE PEDIATRIC DOSE.
These are generally safe, but infants/children require special dosing. I recommend seeking the advice of a licensed professional to ensure you are getting quality herbs and using them in the right away.
Dr. Krisel Nagallo, NMD
Dr. Krisel Nagallo, NMD
Generally speaking, if you find an herbal supplement or remedy that is formulated specifically for kids, it is safe for most kids and will provide dosing instructions by age range. The exceptions to look for:
#1) Infants & Honey. Kids under 1 year old should avoid any medicine with honey in it as there is a small but still present risk of botulinum poisoning that can be harmful to infants (this bacteria can be found in small traces in some honey). Other sweeteners (agave syrup, simple syrup, etc.) are safe for infants, so make sure the bottle says it’s infant safe before using on a child under 1 year old, and read the ingredients label!
#2) Ragweed allergies. If your child is known to have allergies to ragweed pollen (a specific seasonal allergen), then s/he may be sensitive to chamomile, echinacea and other foods/plants that are ragweed relatives. In this case, avoid the above herbs or consult with a local herbalist who can formulate an herbal blend free of this group of herbs!
#3) If it’s an herbal formula for adults, then you should consult an herbalist, Ayurvedic practitioner or naturopath to determine safe dosing and suitability for children.
#1) Infants & Honey. Kids under 1 year old should avoid any medicine with honey in it as there is a small but still present risk of botulinum poisoning that can be harmful to infants (this bacteria can be found in small traces in some honey). Other sweeteners (agave syrup, simple syrup, etc.) are safe for infants, so make sure the bottle says it’s infant safe before using on a child under 1 year old, and read the ingredients label!
#2) Ragweed allergies. If your child is known to have allergies to ragweed pollen (a specific seasonal allergen), then s/he may be sensitive to chamomile, echinacea and other foods/plants that are ragweed relatives. In this case, avoid the above herbs or consult with a local herbalist who can formulate an herbal blend free of this group of herbs!
#3) If it’s an herbal formula for adults, then you should consult an herbalist, Ayurvedic practitioner or naturopath to determine safe dosing and suitability for children.
I have used Ayurvedic medicine on my pediatrics patients but its based on the child's condition. Work with a doctor familiar with Ayurvedic medicine to ensure safety
I would not be inclined, especially in a child due to the many concerns with toxic contamination that have been found multiple times in Ayurvedic medicines. It's my opinion that there is an absolute need for much higher surveillance of these medications for a host of contaminants. Western herbal and other medicines are available for similar applications and with careful consideration of the manufacturers can be a safe alternative.
When recommended by an ayurvedic practitioner or other holistic practitioner who is aware of the health history of the child it can be relatively safe for children, however it does not mean that they will never be side effects from any herbs used whether it is ayurvedic or something else. It is always wise to speak with someone knowledgeable about herbs before using them on children.
Ayurvedic herbs can be used under the care of a physician trained in botanical medicine. Not all herbs are safe for children though. Do not experiment on your own. Consult with a physician please.
