Three Herbs I'm Using With My Children This Fall

Fall is a great time to introduce some medicinal herbs into your children’s lives.  Where I live in North Carolina, the days are starting to get cooler and shorter and the kids have started back to school—with all the “bug” sharing that entails!  This is when I start thinking about building deep immunity for the winter to come, and keeping everyone warm.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum):

Reishi mushroom is a wonderful adaptogen that I use to build immunity and resilience for my whole family.  Extensive research has been done on this mushroom and documented its immuno-modulating capablities.  This means that it strengthens the immune system when need be, but down-regulates it when it’s acting excessively, such as in autoimmune disease or allergies.  This is an amazing property most adaptogens have which is extremely useful.  Reishi is also anti-inflammatory and has a positive effect on the nerves, helping to calm and alleviate anxiety and bad dreams, which is also a plus for children (Winston and Maimes 186).

This helpful mushroom acts in a mild and cumulative way to build immunity, so it is best to start it 4-6 weeks before we hit full force into the cold and flu season.  I usually give my children one dropperful (about 30 drops) of the tincture in a little water or tea, once or twice a day as a preventative tonic.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale):

Ginger is a warming, stimulating root that I love to use when the days turn cool.  One of my children is especially prone to very cold hands and feet, and I know that increasing the circulation and warmth will help to keep him healthy.  In the same way, ginger enhances circulation to the digestive system and can help to ensure my kids are digesting their food well and assimilating their nutrients (Tierra 244).

If someone ends up getting sick, ginger is also usually one of the herbs I will turn to.  It can settle a nauseous or cramping stomach, and it can also help to clear sinuses and break up a head cold, promoting a sweat.

I often combine ginger with other herbs depending on what is needed, but a simple way to make a cup of ginger tea is to slice up about a thumb’s length of the root into a cup of water and bring to a boil, simmering with the lid on for 10 minutes.  Strain the ginger and sweeten with honey.  A perfect way to start a chilly day!

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris):

As soon as I see the beginning signs of a cold coming on, I make my children a cup of thyme tea.  Thyme is high in volatile oils that make it a strong antiseptic and antimicrobial plant.  This is perfectly suited for knocking out upper respiratory infections and can ease sore throats as well.  To make the tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2tsp. dried thyme.  Cover and steep for 10 minutes.  Strain and sweeten with honey.

Try some of these simple herbal medicines with your children this fall!   Along with good food, good sleep, plenty of fresh air and sunshine, these will hopefully keep everyone feeling well and cozy into the winter to come.

Work cited:

Tierra, Michael.  Planetary Herbology.  Lotus Press, 1988.

Winston, David and Maimes, Steven.  Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. 

Healing Arts Press, 2007.

Photo by Hans Vivek on Unsplash