The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies by Martha Schindler Connors Page A

most beneficial constituent (at least as far as humans are concerned) is berberine, a potent antibacterial that seems to prevent germs from attaching themselves to cell membranes.
• Lavender
(Lavandula angustifolia)
A natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory, lavender oil, applied in a compress, can relieve the pain of an ear infection.
• Saint John’s wort
(Hypericum
perforatum)
This herb is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. A recent study found that ear drops containing Saint John’s wort and calendula
(Calendula officinalis)
were better than a pharmaceutical anesthetic at relieving OM pain.
Tummy Troubles
    Stomachaches can be caused by many things, including infection (like gastroenteritis, or “stomach flu”), constipation, or a reaction to certain foods. Stress can also contribute.
    Although most gastrointestinal (GI) problems in children resolve themselves, conventional doctors may recommend pharmaceuticals like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), which can cause allergic reactions in some children and can also interact with other medications. Herbal alternatives include these:
• Fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel is a natural anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and analgesic, so it helps relieve stomach pain. It’s also a natural antacid, meaning it can neutralize excess stomach acids.
• Ginger
(Zingiber officinale)
This ancient remedy is gentle and safe for use in children. Research has demonstrated its effects as an antiemetic (it combats nausea and vomiting) and gastric stimulant (it speeds the movement of food through the GI tract).
• Peppermint
(Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint is a traditional remedy for all sorts of GI problems, including diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. The oil contains menthol, which relaxes smooth muscles in the stomach and small intestine (and gives peppermint its kid-pleasing flavor).
• Psyllium
(Plantago ovata, P. psyllium)
This high-fiber plant works as a gentle bulk-forming laxative.
    If your child is vomiting a lot or is in significant pain, or if you suspect that she has food poisoning or a food sensitivity, contact your pediatrician. Most cases of gastrointestinal distress in kids go away on their own, but vomiting, diarrhea, or other problems could be signs of a more serious problem.
Emotional and Behavioral Problems
    Growing up means facing new social and developmental challenges, which can create anxiety and bring issues like attention difficulties to center stage.
Anxiety and Excitability
    Most young children are lively, but excessive energy can be hard on both parent and child. Children who aren’t emotionally mature enough to calm themselves get overly agitated, which can interfere with sleep as well as daytime functioning. Some young children also become anxious.
    Parents looking for a way to safely calm a child—without pharmaceutical sedatives—should investigate the following herbs:
• Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita)
This soothing herb can brew a mild, pleasant-tasting tea that can calm an agitated toddler. It also works in a bath.
• Lemon balm
(Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is another gentle, kid-friendly remedy for anxiety. Recent research found that a combination of lemon balm and valerian
(Valeriana
officinalis)
reduced restlessness and improved sleep in young children.
• Passionflower
(Passiflora incarnata)
This is a classic remedy for anxiety, nervousness and excitability, and insomnia.
Attention Difficulties
    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a behavioral disorder involving inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that most often shows up in preschool or early elementary school; as many as 9 percent of American children aged eight to fifteen have symptoms.
    A recent study found that “green” outdoor activities—things that exposed kids to trees and grass—reduced ADHD symptoms significantly more than activities that were conducted in other (i.e., indoor) settings.
    Conventional medicine most often