Top 5 Herbs for Kids
Kids thrive in nature. One great way to connect children with nature is through exposure to herbs. Growing plants and growing kids just go together. Whether you are using herbs in your children’s health care routine or just giving them the opportunity to commune with nature, here are my top 5 herbs for kids.
Chances are you can easily find real life examples of these plants around you. They are “good” for a lot of things, dandelion for example is great for the urinary tract, but for our purposes here we will focus on how fun these herbs are– perfect to get kids excited about plants. Violets, Lavender, Red Clover and Calendula all have a multitude of medicinal properties. But they are selected because they are fun and easy to identify.
Dandelion
The summer scourge of manicured lawns, Dandelion will not be tamed or contained. It is an exuberate burst of joy in any child’s life. In the picture above I am making Dandelion Flower Essence. Try making Dandelion shortbread, jam or a crown. And don’t forget to make a wish.
Lavender
Who doesn’t love Lavender? This plant has been used by humans for millenia. It can be grown most places though in colder weather you will have to grow it as an annual versus a perennial. I highly recommend planting some for your family to enjoy. You can also cook with it, do aromatherapy and enjoy its magic.
Red Clover
Red Clover is a field flower that often grows on the side of the road. You need to be cautious about where you harvest this plant. Look for places you know are not sprayed and are away from road exhaust. Clover is great for bees. It makes a delicious tea and an excellent massage oil. It is a lymphatic meaning that this helps get the lymph moving.
Violet
While Violets are not as joyful or jubilant as Dandelions, they give a shy child comfort and shelter. They often grow wild in the shade. Visit with them, talk with them, make a delicate tea or tasty syrup and offer your shy child comfort. Violet will also help them set safe boundaries.
Marigold/Calendula
Another herb that is really fun to grow (and harvest) with kids in Calendula (Marigold in common language). This is a great skin herb. It makes an absolutely amazing infused massage oil. Traditional Europeans added it to soups in the winter months to remind them of summer. Dry some to help you remember the warmth of summer.
