9 Herbs That Heals in Vomiting, Wheezing, Heat Stroke, Dental Problems etc

My inspiration for having a balcony garden initially was only because I wanted to childproof our balcony. What started as a childproofing strategy slowly grew into a sincere and deeprooted passion. A passion for growing simple useful medicinal herbs as I felt nature’s best-kept health secrets are innocently revealed in these humble yet healthy herbs. The goodness and healing properties of herbs have been known for so many centuries but now they are being proven and backed by scientific studies and research. Most of us may use herbs to add flavour and spice to our favourite culinary dishes. But it is essential to know how with everyday use we can naturally incorporate better health and immunity in our child. 

9 Herbs with Their Healing Properties to Cure Children

Here is a list that I’ve compiled on some of the popularly used 9 herbs and their healing properties. Also, there are tips on how can one use these in our daily diet or as effective natural remedies for common ailments.

#1. Holy Basil/Tulsi

Traditionally most Indian homes used to have a sacred spot for the Tulsi plant, as it was considered holy and was worshipped as a part of Hindu tradition. Today, it’s definitely worth growing a Tulsi plant in your home garden for all the medicinal properties it offers. 

1. Common problems like cough, cold, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting respond favourably to the juice of tulsi leaves.
2. It’s said, that the leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory.
3. For any kind of cough in children, homemade Tulsi tea can be effective. Add 5-10 tulsi leaves to hot water and let it boil for five minutes. Once the essence settles, it can be given several times a day.
4. In case of fever in children, tulsi is very effective in bringing down the temperature. A decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. Extract of tulsi leaves in freshwater should be given every 2 to 3 hours. 

#2. Turmeric/ Haldi

This natural wonder is an indispensable ingredient and colouring agent in everyday Indian cuisine. Turmeric is well known for its anti-bacterial,anti-viral, antioxidant properties. Owing to its anti-bacterial properties, turmeric can be taken on a daily basis to boost body immunity to various allergic conditions. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns. Some studies have shown its use reduces the risk of childhood leukaemia and a natural liver detoxifier. 

For common cold and Asthma: 

• Taking turmeric boiled in milk and sweetened with jaggery is very useful
• 1 tsp turmeric powder with 1/2 tsp honey gives relief in cough and eliminates congestion.
• Inhaling smoke of burned turmeric acts as an expectorant.
• For Digestive Problems: Take curd or buttermilk with turmeric after lunch can cure digestive problems.

So turmeric not only adds colour to our dishes, it is definitely worth including it in our child’s diet on a regular basis too.

#3. Mint Leaves/ Pudina

Pudina chai on a rainy or winter evening is surely blissful. Mint has a sweet flavour, with a cooling after-sensation. Again adding mint to your kitchen garden is simple and provides you with a whole range of health benefits for the entire family. 

1. Mint leaves are great for soothing the digestive tract and if your child has a stomach ache or irritated bowel syndromes and nausea.
2. It cleanses the stomach and also clears up skin disorders such as acne. Mint acts as a cooling sensation to the skin and helps in dealing with skin irritations.
3. It is an excellent blood purifier and helps to eliminate toxins from the body.
4. What’s more, crushed mint leaves help in whitening teeth and combat bad breath.

Both, fresh and dried mint can be used in preparing a large number of recipes, including rice varieties, sandwiches, curries, soups, chutneys, salads, juices, and even chocolates and ice creams. Know Foods which heals children against various diseases

#4. Ginger/ Adarak

This invigorating wonder herb is known for its healing powers. Ginger root has endless health benefits and promotes vitality and longevity. 

1. Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for cold, sore throat and the flu.
2. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of food poisoning, nausea related to motion sickness which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.

Ginger is again used extensively in Indian cuisine. 

1. A little ground ginger added to mayonnaise makes a great topping for your children’s salads.
2. Up your child’s favourite cookies and cakes with a dash of ginger in it.
3. Store homemade Ginger Lime squash in the refrigerator as it can be a healthier option for kids.
4. Adding Honey (which is a healing food in its own right) to a cup of soothing Ginger tea is one of my favourite and effective natural remedies for colds/flu.

#5. Garlic/Lahsun

Garlic is a multifaceted plant that’s maintained a reputation for both culinary and medicinal uses. Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic. The sulfur-compound allicin is responsible for the antiviral and antibacterial therapeutic benefits of garlic.

1. It is powerful to ward off cold and cough in children and is found useful to treat ear infections.
2. It helps to strengthen the body's defences against allergies.
3. Garlic promotes the overall well-being of the heart and immune systems and helps maintain healthy blood circulation.
4. So make garlic a part of the daily diet.
5. Prepare your daily vegetables and pulses (read daal in Hindi) with garlic.
6. Add garlic to your child’s pasta dishes/salads.
7. Add roasted garlic to the routine mashed potatoes for added flavour.
8. Slice up garlic to add to vegetable soups. Puree garlic with potatoes and add to make thick, creamy soups. Try topping soups with raw fresh garlic as a garnish.

#6. Coriander Leaves/Dhania Patti

This precious yet cost-effective herb is also called as Cilantro. The innate health benefits of coriander make it an ideal herb to add on to your daily diet.

1. Coriander leaves are a rich source of minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C, calcium and iron.
2. If your child is a fussy eater and does not feel hunger, coriander acts as an appetizer and helps to stimulate the secretion of enzymes and digestive juices in the stomach.
3. Also, the presence of iron and vitamin-C strengthen your child’s immune system.
4. If your child suffers from food poisoning, its protective agents fight against bacterial infections from Salmonella in food products. It also gives relief for diarrhoea.

From chutneys to salads, curries to salsa anyone who understands its benefits is intuitively incorporating the coriander/cilantro into their diet.

#7. Oregano

1. With anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, Oregano is full of substances such as flavonoids, Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
2. To relieve chronic coughs and sore throat in children, oregano juice is effective.
3. Apart from being good for digestion, it goes great with your child’s favourite pizza, salad dressings or even vegetables.

#8. SAGE

1. Sage is a potent antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory agent.
2. Sage can improve memory and sharpen the brain according to some studies.
3. It may help ease cold, cough and excess mucous.
4. It has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties and is good for digestion.
5. Fresh sage can be added to salads or to stir-fries, or even fried on its own and eaten with potatoes and guess what, your children may love it.

#9. THYME

Thyme has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion.

Besides being a nutrient-packed herb with lots of iron, manganese, calcium and dietary fibre, thyme is also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.

Use your creativity to use Thyme in your child’s diet.

1. Add thyme to your child’s favourite pasta sauce recipe.
2. Fresh thyme adds a wonderful fragrance to omelettes and scrambled eggs. Also, you could use it in season soups and stocks by adding fresh thyme.
3. You could try buying thyme enriched cottage cheese/cream cheese for your child.

By understanding more about herbs, incorporate the use of herbs in your child’s everyday diet. As parents we all want our child to eat right and healthy. Why not try encouraging them to plant some easy to maintain aromatic and medicinal herbs too. And involve them on a daily basis to nurture and care for the plants. Their excitement will definitely grow seeing their plants grow. Once the herbs are harvested, children will be more open to eating any healthy recipe you make with the ingredients plucked fresh from their garden.

Not only will it be hands-on learning about herbs for your child, you too can ensure a safe and healthy lifestyle for your child. It will also inculcate responsibility in children right from a young age, boost their self confidence and instil in them a love for nature. A win-win situation for you and your child.