As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s common to feel excitement and worry. Our little ones are about to embark on new adventures, meet new friends, and learn incredible things.
As a mom and a seasoned practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine, I understand the mix of excitement and worry that comes with the back-to-school season. I’m here to share some gentle, effective ways to keep our kids healthy and happy through it all.
The Importance of Immune Support
Our children’s immune systems are like little warriors, protecting them against all sorts of bugs. But sometimes, those warriors need a bit of support. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach, focusing on “Wei Qi”—think of it as your child’s protective shield against illness. While not precisely the same, in Western Medicine, this is relatively parallel to our immune systems.
This year, I’ve introduced a suite of Pediatric alcohol-free Glycerin formulas for Children called “Little Fishes Formulas.” These are designed to address kids’ common health complaints from a Chinese Medicine perspective, ensuring safety and gentleness in every dose.
Here are some of my favorites.
Colds and Coughs:
PURPLE WINDSCREEN
It’s our version of the popular Jade Windscreen, but it’s for kids. In addition to the core formula many of us take to help stave off colds. Kids are phlegmy. They also get upset easily. I’ve added 3 ” purple ” herbs to address this whole clinical picture. Perilla Leaves, which are good for the tummy and also stuffy noses. Perilla Seeds- which resolve phlegm and are used in asthma formulas, and then the Perilla stem, which we use to open the chest and ease depression.
EAR CLEAR
The formula that started it all 30 years ago. An updated version of the very first product I ever created. By adjusting the dose high, you can treat acute ear infections. Lower doses work to keep the ear canals open.
FEVER CLEAR
Also updated, this version departs from the original modification of Yin Qiao San. Children move through early-stage fevers quickly. It was a smarter clinical choice to use a formula that treats higher fevers, body aches, and phlegm.
COUGH COOLER
Our Updated Cough Cooler helps resolve phlegmy, loud coughs, and sore throats and strengthens digestion. You’ll agree that it’s even more effective!
NOSE CLEAR
I really wanted to call this Boogies-be-Gone. It’s classic, effective sinus congestion relief. Grown-ups love it, too. It’s like phlegm, the common cold, and sinus-clearing formulas had a baby—only better.
Digestive Support:
MIDDLE MENDER
This simple modification of a classical pediatric formula for weak digestion can safely and gently improve chronic loose stool, failure to thrive, and poor appetites.
BAO HE BELLY
Kind of the opposite of Middle Mender, this is a fantastic formula to resolve what we call “food stagnation:” full bellies, bad breath, burping, and gas. The formula uses herbs that help digest carbohydrates, meats, and fats for that overly full “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” belly.
Mood Menders:
SLEEP PEACE
Calm cranky littles with herbs that settle the spirit and allow deep, restorative sleep. The formula alleviates irritability and vexation and can even help soothe teething pain.
Mantis Dreams
Stabilizes the Kidney Qi to support dry nights.
*This formula is not vegetarian.
TEMPER TAMER
You know that kid—the one who gets mad and kicks and screams? It promotes ease and relaxation, allowing children to get a handle on their feelings.
I don’t know who needs this more. The kids or the parents are trying to stay on an even keel.
Here are some more tips with our favorite supplements, too
Download our free Children’s Wellness Guide
Our children are our most precious gifts, and their health and happiness are always at the forefront of our minds. By embracing Chinese herbal medicine’s gentle, nurturing approach, we can support their well-being throughout the school year. We’re here to help you on this journey, offering personalized guidance tailored to your child’s needs.
For more information on safe herbal practices and how to get started, feel welcome to schedule a school-year wellness appointment for your children. Together, we can ensure our children thrive and flourish season after season.
