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1. Chamomile:Used for centuries to cure
gastrointestinal problems, which makes the herb perfect for children,
since it can soothe without over-sedating. Often taken in tea between
meals.
2. Lemon Balm:has been used since the Middle
Ages for symptoms including anxiety and restlessness. as a tea, often
packaged as part of an herbal blend. It is great for children because
of its good taste and because it is considered one of the safest
relaxants, it should be avoided by those with underactive thyroids.
3. Lavender: Primarily used as an aromatic. A
drop or two of lavender essential oil on a tissue, on a pillow or even
in the humidifier can be an ideal method of soothing a child.
4. Catnip: has been used throughout history as a human sedative.
Usually in tea, catnip is a fairly mild herb that, when taken in
reasonable doses, shows no side effects. The herb is relatively safe to
give children.
5. Skull Cap: In teas, comes from a North American plant in the
mint family. It is relatively mild and is safe to use as a relaxant for
children, though many prefer other remedies that are more
effective.
6. Passionflower: Passionflower comes from a
climbing vine that now grows around the world. Used as an herbal
sedative, as a tea, but is also available in liquid extract and in
capsules. Although in reasonable doses passionflower is safe for
children, it should not be given to anyone under 2 years old, and its
bitter taste often requires it to be blended with sweeter herbs such as
lemon balm.
7. Hops: Hops is a sleep-promoting herb that
works directly on the
nervous system. The herb also has a very aromatic quality, and some
herbalists even recommend those who suffer regular insomnia make
pillows from it. Also ingested in teas, tinctures or pills, hops will
take about a half hour to take effect.
Hops is considered a relatively strong
sedative, so parents should be wary of giving it to children on any
regular basis.
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