Safe adaptogens for kids

Jul 15

With so much going on in the world, research and surveys indicate that children today are experiencing higher levels of anxiety compared to past years. Adaptogens can be beneficial for children by helping to calm the nervous system and support hormonal balance. When choosing adaptogens for kids, it's crucial to opt for those that are gentle and have a well-documented safety profile. Here are some of the best adaptogens suitable for children:

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Benefits: Calms the nervous system, reduces stress and anxiety, and supports overall hormonal balance.
How to Use: Available in powder or liquid form, it can be mixed into smoothies, milk, or water. Start with a low dose and consult a pediatrician before use.

2. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Benefits: Known for its calming effects, it helps reduce stress and anxiety, and supports immune function.
How to Use: Available as a tea, tincture, or in capsules. A mild tulsi tea can be given to children, but always check with a healthcare provider first.

3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Benefits: Promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality. It also has mild sedative properties.
How to Use: Best given as a tea or in a liquid extract form. Chamomile tea is generally safe for children in moderate amounts.

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Benefits: Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and helps with sleep disorders. It also supports cognitive function.
How to Use: Can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or in a glycerite form (an alcohol-free tincture). Lemon balm tea is gentle and suitable for children.

5. Rhodiola Rosea

Benefits: Helps reduce fatigue, improves mood, and supports overall stress resilience.
How to Use: Available in tincture or capsule form. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for children.

6. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Benefits: Known for its calming effects, it helps reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
How to Use: Typically used as a tea or tincture. Ensure the dosage is appropriate for children by consulting a healthcare provider.

7. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Benefits: Supports adrenal function, helps balance hormones, and has mild calming effects.
How to Use: Available as a tea, tincture, or in a powdered form. Use under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially for long-term use.

Safety and Precautions

Consultation: Always consult with a pediatrician or a healthcare provider before starting any adaptogen supplements for children.
Dosage: Children require much lower doses than adults, and the appropriate dosage should be determined by a healthcare professional.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Monitor for any allergic reactions or sensitivities, especially when introducing a new herb.
Quality: Ensure the supplements are of high quality and free from contaminants.

Adaptogens can be a valuable tool in helping children manage stress, calm their nervous system, and support hormonal balance when used appropriately and under professional guidance.

references

Bone, K. (1996). Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Phytotherapy Press.

Chan, W., et al. (2000). "Adaptogenic and growth-promoting properties of Ashwagandha." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Cohen, M. M. (2014). "Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons." Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.

Mondal, S., et al. (2011). "Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of holy basil in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder." International Journal of Clinical Trials.

McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). "A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea." Phytotherapy Research.

Amsterdam, J. D., et al. (2009). "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy of generalized anxiety disorder." Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Kennedy, D. O., et al. (2003). "Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)." Psychosomatic Medicine.

Cases, J., et al. (2011). "Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of hyperactivity, concentration difficulties, and impulsiveness in children." Phytomedicine.

Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). "Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress—protective activity." Pharmaceuticals.

Darbinyan, V., et al. (2000). "Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue – a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty." Phytomedicine.

Ngan, A., & Conduit, R. (2011). "A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality." Phytotherapy Research.

Akhondzadeh, S., et al. (2001). "Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

Asl, M. N., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2008). "Review of pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhiza sp. and its bioactive compounds." Phytotherapy Research.

Kao, T. C., et al. (2014). "Anti-inflammatory potential of flavonoid components in licorice." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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