No parent or guardian likes to see their child sick and suffering. Herbs have medicinal properties that help to support the physical body. But plants also have the ability to heal the emotional/spiritual body. The following ideas 1)create a relationship between plants and a child from a very early age. 2)surround children with healing “energy” during their entire journey to wellness 3)are a tangible/physical expression of love and intention from adult to child. 4) establish a daily lifestyle of botanical medicine use that includes the whole family.
Healing Dolls if well constructed can be passed onto siblings and future generations. Designed so that fresh herbs can be quickly and easily attached to fit any need and circumstance. Whether your little one has skinned a knee or has come down with a runny nose, this poppet is bound to put a smile on their face and restore a cheerful spirit
Herb infused ice cubes are an easy project for young herbalists to make for an ailing family member. Plants that have cooling or soothing properties like mint, lemon balm, chamomile or violet can be frozen in advance for the unexpected. When someone is sick or injured they can be quickly added to any number of drinks or used as a compress. Use fresh herbs run through blender and then freeze in a tray.
Living herb basket-this is a lovely gift that an older child can make for younger one that needs some cheering up. Cut your template out of cardboard, punch some holes through it, insert your flower blooms, and decorate.
Dream pillows-make a small “pillow case” out of the textile of your choice. Fill with fresh or dried herbs for a restful night of sleep.
Oh how I wish I had come up with this idea when my kids were small. This simple healing mobile combines the healing energy of the five elements and freshly picked plants. Imagine waking up from a nap to this sweet surprise hanging on your bedroom wall while recovering from some childhood illness.
Aromatic Beads are a fun project to make when a child is bored and sick in bed. You can set up a beading station on a cookie tray and keep a someone busy for quite awhile. The beautiful results are will worth the time and effort.
Conifer Cookies are just one of many options for baking with herbs. My girls love it when I add lavender, chamomile, hyssop or calendula flowers to a special treat that I make just for them.
A carefully chosen bouquet of flowers expresses love and care. It lifts the mood with color, beauty, healing energy and aromatherapy.
A Self Care Basket will support older kids and teens when they need extra love and attention. I made this easter basket for my oldest daughter. But dark chocolate massage oil, a jade roller, cleansing grains, facial toner, lotion bars, homemade deodorant, etc. would also be appreciated by a girl having her first menstrual period. The ideas of what to fill such a thoughtful gift full of are endless. Sometimes “not feeling well” is not an illness but due to a drop in vital energy. Self care routines are essential in lifting energy when we feel low.
Elderberry Gummies are one of my kid’s favorite things to make. They can’t decide if they are a treat or to support health.
Herbal popsicles are similar to the ice cubes but sweeter and better tasting. Make an infusion of herbs, let cool, and then add fruit juice or sweetner before freezing. These work well to soothe a sore throat.
Children of all ages love a tea party, even more when served in pretty cups. Why not a beside affair with baked goods and an infusion chosen for its healing properties when a child is not feeling well.
A homemade baby powder or diaper rash cream is the perfect gift for a new baby. Babies have sensitive skin and energy. Products made from natural ingredients or using plants grown with love and combined with intention are very effective on them. You can be assured that these recipes are both safe and gentle for your newest addition.
A fun and fancy compress or poultice band makes having a headache or injury a bit more endurable. I stitched one up one night while watching a movie. I soak red flannel in herbal oils or infusion then apply to the affected area. The band has an adjustable elastic strip to provide a tight fit on any body part and prevents the contents from slipping.
When my kids were young and had to attend an activity or event that made them anxious I would send them off with one of these hearts. I would fill it sweet smelling herbs known for their relaxing properties. My girls appreciated the physical reminder of my love and the support of herbs that they could have to take with them. It is just a simple pillow/sachet stuffed and sewn closed.
An herbal foot bath is a quick and easy way to get the benefits of hydrotherapy. If your child suffers from poor circulation in the winter, complains of muscle soreness or leg cramps, or sprains an ankle, this idea could provide them with much needed relief.
Mermaid Bath Potion is something my girls loved making. A colorful blend of ingredients that flow, shimmer and remind you of a beach in the tropics. Baths have a long history of being used in healing. They can induce a sweat/fever, support the release of wastes and toxins, cleanse, cool, soothe irritates tissues, restore the sprit and move stagnant energy or phlegm.
An herbal spray can be used in cases where internal or direct external application is contraindicated. Maybe you want the energetics of a strong herb but not the risk of using it on a small child. I like sprays for emotional/spiritual support when it comes to young children. You can also add a few drops of essential oil or a tablespoon of concentrated hydrosol (purchased rose or orange water) to the bottle to get the benefits of aromatherapy.
I make a lot of plant infused oils. Medicinal properties can be absorbed through the skin making them safer for little ones. Massage with herbal oils has many benefits for children. Nervous conditions and digestive issues both respond well to this therapy.
My girls still love a beautiful picture book. I have a large collection of them including several about plant medicine. Stories are magical and healing for all children.
A Bedtime Syrup or Tummy Calm Glycerite can support Children suffering from digestive issues and upset tummies. Many kids struggle to settle down before bed at night. These issues can be a symptom of low grade anxiety, recent change/trauma, immature nervous or digestive systems, poor diet/eating habits, and the lack of effective strategies for regulation and sleep.
I will add more idea to this post so be sure to check back frequently.
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 