Back to School - Helpful Herbs

Herbal medicine is family medicine and herbs such as chamomile, limeflower and elderflower, catnip and yarrow work wonderfully with children.

If you want to support your child's immune system at the start of school time, I have made a Children's Soothing Tea blend which use relaxing,calming herbs with promotion of gentle sweating. It helps strengthen the immune system as they are bombarded with new viruses on starting or returning to school. 

In addition to a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and exercise, I would also recommend that the children take vitamin D supplements - particularly as we are still waiting for the Irish summer to start!!

Catnip

Catnip is used for restless sleep, headaches; viruses, fevers and all digestive upset. It is also used as a general tonic for stress.

Elderflower

Elderflower has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. 


The most common uses are for viral illnesses, sinus infections, and all respiratory disturbances. Elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation. Elderflower  may also alleviate some allergic problems and boost the functioning of the immune system.
It is rich in bioflavonoids, that are most commonly known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Yarrow

As a traditional medicine yarrow is used as a blood cleanser by inducing sweating and promoting urine flow. Yarrow lowers fever and acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is used for feverish illnesses including, the common cold and influenza, chronic ‘runny’ nose, absence of or scanty menstrual periods, dysentery, diarrhea, loss of appetite, mild or crampy discomfort of the digestive tract, promotion of sweating and reduction of high blood pressure. In combination with other herbs, yarrow is used for nervous digestive complaints. 

In foods, the young leaves and flowers of yarrow are used in salads.