Herbs and children

Scientists have completed an investigation that looked very critically at the evidence behind the effectiveness of certain herbs in lowering the incidence of and improving the symptoms of various childhood illnesses.

Most beneficial--according to the study--are Andrographis paniculata, evening primrose oil, valerian root and ivy leaf.

Andrographis was found effective for children in fighting colds, flu and other infections. Evening primrose oil helped children with eczema. Valerian root reduced sleeping problems in boys with learning deficits and hyperactivity. And ivy leaf improved breathing difficulties among children with asthma or chronic bronchitis.

The University of Chicago study--reported in the March 2005 issue of The Journal of Pediatrics--found the evidence on echinacea for children to be mixed, and the researchers wrote that it may trigger allergies in some.

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