As children get out of school for the summer, they will be able to spend more time out-doors with family and friends, running through the park, playing tag, playing baseball, and just having a good time being a kid. The following tea recipes help provide relief from common childhood ailments, such as growing pains, colds and fevers, earaches, and sore throats, so they can minimize down time and get back out there to have fun.
This recipe contains herbs rich in biochelated calcium, making it an excellent formula for babies who are teething as well children experiencing growth spurts, or children recovering from bone or muscle injuries.
3 parts rose hips 2 parts lemon balm 2 parts lemongrass 2 parts oats 1 part nettle 1 part raspberry leaf 1/2 part cinnamon Stevia, to taste (optional)
Combine and store in air tight container. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of herb mixture to a cup of boiling water. See recommendations according to age listed below.
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Catnip contains pain-relieving properties, and both catnip and elder have diaphoretic properties. Though these herbs are very effective at reducing fevers, they are gentle enough to be used for children.
2 parts catnip 2 parts elder blossom 1 part Echinacea root 1 part peppermint
Mix and store in airtight container. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of herb mixture and steep for 1 hour. See recommendations according to age listed below.
Note: According to Rosemary Gladstar (2001), if a cup of tea is recommended for an adult, the following amounts are recommended for children: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for children 2 years or under, 2 teaspoons for children 2 to 4 years, 1 tablespoon for children 4 to 7 years, and 2 tablespoons for children 7 to 11 years.
This blend helps drain congestion and lessen fluid in the ear canals by reducing moisture and catarrh in the upper respiratory tract.
1/4 ounce mullein leaf 1/4 ounce angelica 1/4 ounce elder blossoms 1/4 ounce citrus peel 1/4 ounce catnip 1/8 ounce anise seed 1 quart boiling water
Combine dry ingredients. Place 1/2 ounce of blend in glass jar and add boiling water. Cover and steep for 1 hour.
This is a soothing tea blend for sore throats and colds. It is warming and provides moisture to the throat. The blend also helps to strengthen the bowels and prevents the griping of diarrhea.
1 teaspoon slippery elm bark powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder 1 cup boiling water Honey to taste
Combine dry ingredients in glass cup and add boiling water. Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Add honey if desired.
The following recipe is for a wonderful all-purpose oil, especially useful for babies. It can be rubbed on babies after bath time and can also be used as a massage oil.
1 ounce chamomile 1/2 ounce comfrey leaf 1/2 ounce roses 1 pint apricot or almond oil
Blend oil and herbs in a glass jar and seal with tight fitting lid. Place in a warm, sunny area for two weeks. For a stronger oil, you can pour the mixture in the top of a double boiler and slowly warm on low heat for 1 hour. Strain and bottle. This blend may be scented with a few drops of essential oil, such as chamomile, lavender, or rose. Oil should be used at room temperature.
Photo credit — Girl pouring tea, ©iStockphoto.com/jsaunders84; Lemongrass, ©iStockphoto.com/dovestudios