Herbal medications
Some parents want to know if it is safe to give herbs
to baby. Ask yourselves these questions before you decide:
• Has baby's illness or condition been diagnosed?
You may be tempted to treat a problem yourself because
you believe you know what the problem is and an herb
is readily available. Never make a diagnosis on your
own; you may unwittingly ignore a serious condition.
• Have you checked with your pediatrician on herbal
medication for baby? Before you give anything to your
baby which your doctor hasn't recommended, it is better
to check with him/her first. Never medicate your little
baby without your doctor's advice.
• Is the herb effective for the problem? Don't
give an herb because it 'might' help baby; it might
cause more problems instead.
• Know the side effects of the medication. Many
people consider herbal stuff as natural substances and
believe the herbs are harmless. However even the mildest
form can create side effects in a baby.
• Is baby taking other medications? If your child
is taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
think carefully if you want to add herbal preparation
to the mix. Some herbs react adversely when mixed with
other medicines. Check with your pediatrician.
• Does the herb contain other ingredients? Some
herbs are made with high concentrations of alcohol.
Some forms are more potent than others; some are contaminated
with dangerous substances.
• What is the correct dosage for a child the size
of your baby? The use of herbs in children has not been
studied extensively; the proper dose for kids hasn't
been established. A smaller amount of an adult dose
doesn't make it safe.
|
