Introduce Kids to Herbal Medicine
We are big proponents of herbal medicine here at http://www.penguinlifestyle.com so this was an interesting story to us as we feel you are never too young to learn what great things herbs can do for your health and well being.
It is very useful for children to know about herbal medicine, and to be prepared to use herbs when they grow up. Introducing kids to herbs and herbal medicine is very simple. If you are using such medicines already, all you need to do is just tell your kids what it is that you are doing; what you are taking; what it’s called; what it does and what it looks like. Just by answering these questions you are laying a foundation for herbal education.
1. Show example by using herbs yourself.When you have upset stomach, for example, you can use peppermint tea. Drink the tea with enjoyment and explain why you are drinking this tea and how it helps you. Children learn a lot by watching us. As simple as telling them about the benefits of a lemon and when it can be used, would be beneficial for kids.
2. Use herbs when your kids are sick and explain why you use them. Is your little or not so little one has trouble calming down and falling asleep? Make them a delicious cup of chamomile tea with honey and it will help them fall asleep. So, in the morning, you can explain how drinking an herbal tea can help to calm them.
3. Take your kids for an herb walk. If you already know what some of the medicinal herbs looks like, take your children for an herb walk. Show children those useful plants and explain what each herb does this is a great way to introduce kids to herbal medicine. You don’t have to actually pick the plant, they can just see how it grows. If you don’t feel comfortable showing the herbs yourself, there are herb walks often offered by certain herbalists in many cities, you can just search for them online.
4. Grow an herb garden. This is perhaps the most useful and practical way to teach your children about herbs and herbal medicinal qualities. If space and time allows I would strongly encourage you to have an herb garden, even if it’s a small one. You can just plant the most useful herbs you would use for cooking. Such herbs would be, for example: oregano, rosemary, parsley, dill, chamomile, lemon balm, etc. All of culinary herbs have medicinal properties. So, having a little garden and showing your kids how to plant those herbs and how to take care of them would be of great benefit.
5. Make simple herbal remedies together. Making simple remedies does not take much. Your children will love spending time with you working on such projects. Some of the things that can be done together with kids include: making herbal infused oils, herbal teas, or herbal syrups. Also, collecting herbs from the herb garden or from the wild, and drying the herbs can be a lot of fun for kids of all ages.
