Can Herbs Harm Children?

The use of herbs and alternative medicines has become very popular over the last several years. Herbs have been used for thousands of years to prevent, and heal every ailment you can possibly think of.

Way back when, thousands of years ago all people had were herbs. There were no pharmacies or grocery store isles full of pain relievers and cold medicines. People relied on Mother Nature for all of their "products" and medicines.

Herbs are plants. The leaves of some plants are used. The roots of others. The fruits of others still. The flowers of the rest. Herbs grow. They are plants.

Medicines were invented to improve health and conditions of people who suffered. Medicines were created to help people in ways that herbs couldn't. Many modern day medicines are derived from herbs. However, man made and controlled medicines even though made from herbs are much safer than herbs in many cases. They are controlled. They are created and therefore it is known what is in them. They have been studied and tested to ensure their safety. Herbs have not.

When it comes to people using herbs as a form of medicine for themselves they are taking their health into their own hands. Herbs can be very beneficial, yes, but they can also be very dangerous if they are not researched first. Adults who take any herbs of any type should talk to their doctor before hand and really learn as much as they can about overdose, side affects, and problems that may occur. Herbs have not been approved by the USDA so there is really no guarantee that they are safe, or how much it will take for an overdose. Many plants found in nature are lethal. Be very careful.

When it comes to the issue of whether or not it is safe to use herbal products or remedies on children I would have to instinctively say NO. Do not take your child's health into your own hands. There are safe, controlled medicines available for nearly every illness or symptom your child will ever have. My opinion is that the right thing to do is call the family doctor or pediatrician, not go to the herbal store. Adults and children are different. Children should not even be given drinks like green tea with ginseng, let alone treated by an unevaluated herb of any kind.

Please, for your children safety realize that it really may not be safe to use herbs on children. No one knows for certain how herbs will affect children. Don't be foolish! Better safe than sorry, always, especially when it comes to your babies!