Herbal Remedies for Kids: A Safe Starter Guide for Australian Families
It's a good question, and it deserves a proper answer rather than a vague wave in the direction of chamomile tea.
I'm currently studying herbal medicine, and this guide is my attempt to translate what I'm learning in the classroom into something genuinely useful for Australian families. It's not a complete picture, herbalism is a deep discipline and I'm still learning. But these are the herbs that I use in my own home, and that have a strong safety profile for children.
A note before we start:"Natural" does not automatically mean safe for children. Dosage, preparation method, and age appropriateness all matter. Some herbs that are perfectly appropriate for adults require modification or avoidance for young children. I'll flag these clearly throughout this guide. When in doubt, consult a qualified herbalist or naturopath — especially for ongoing or complex health concerns.
*I only ever use loose organic herbs.
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile is probably the safest and most versatile herb for children. As a nervine, it calms and supports the nervous system, helpful for children who are overtired, overwhelmed, or struggling to settle. As a carminative, it prevents and relieves gas, soothes intestinal spasms, and relaxes digestive muscle, which makes it excellent for colicky babies and unsettled tummies at any age.
A mild chamomile tea — brewed for 5 minutes, not 15. I make a weak cup whenever my kids are having a rough afternoon or complaining of stomach ache. It also works topically: a chamomile-infused oil or cooled tea bag applied to irritated skin is anti-inflammatory and soothing.
Age suitability: As a weak tea from around 6 months (plain, no honey). Honey can be added from 12 months. Discuss any therapeutic use with your healthcare provider for under-6 months.
Oat
Avena sativa
Oat is the gentlest nervine; calming and nourishing to the nervous system without being sedating. Internally, oat preparations including oat milk and rolled oat porridge support resilience to stress and are deeply nourishing. But for children, the most practical application is topical: an oat bath for eczema, chickenpox, and irritated or itchy skin.
To make an oat bath: blend one cup of rolled oats to a fine powder in a blender. Tie in a muslin cloth or old stocking and run warm (filtered if possible to help remove toxins in water) water over it as the bath fills, squeezing to release the milky liquid. Let your child soak for 10 minutes. The water should look milky; that's the beta-glucan content that soothes the skin.
I also make oversized bath teabags at home: a blend of organic oats, dried chamomile, and dried calendula tied into muslin. It's become our go-to bath ritual for my baby once a week: the oats nourish and protect the skin barrier, the chamomile calms, and the calendula soothes any irritation. All three herbs together in warm water is a genuinely beautiful combination for settling a little one at the end of the day.
Age suitability:Topically from birth. One of the safest herbs in the family apothecary — no known interactions or contraindications at typical use levels.
Elderflower & Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
Both parts of the elder plant have a place in the family apothecary, though they work differently. Elderberry (the berries, cooked) is the immune-enhancer — anti-viral in action, antioxidant-rich, and research-supported for reducing the duration of colds and flu. See our full elderberry syrup guide for the recipe and dosing.
Elderflower (the flowers) is a diaphoretic — it promotes sweating and supports the body's natural fever response. A warm elderflower tea at the onset of a fever or cold is one of the most traditional herbal approaches in European herbalism. Combined with peppermint, it makes an excellent cooling, fever-supporting blend for children.
Age suitability: Elderflower tea from 12 months. Elderberry syrup from 12 months with raw honey; from 1 month with maple syrup substitution (discuss with healthcare provider). Never give raw elderberries — cooking is essential.
Echinacea
Echinacea angustifolia / E. purpurea
Echinacea is one of the most researched medicinal herbs in the world, working to support the immune system's response to infection. Anti-viral and broadly antimicrobial in action, it's most effective when started at the very first sign of illness and used for 7 days rather than taken preventively year-round.
For children, liquid tinctures in age-appropriate doses are the most reliable form. Quality matters enormously; the preparation method and plant species affect potency significantly. A licensed herbal practitioner can help you navigate dose and formulation for your child's age and weight.
A mild echinacea tea; brewed from dried root or leaf for 5 minutes, strained well, and sweetened with a little raw honey (from 12 months) is a gentler, more accessible. Tinctures are more concentrated and offer more precise dosing, but tea works well for mild acute use at the onset of a cold. Quality matters with both; the preparation method and plant species affect potency significantly, so source from a reputable supplier and check for the botanical name on the label.
Age suitability: Generally considered appropriate from 2–3 years in age-appropriate doses. Avoid in children with autoimmune conditions without qualified guidance & always speak to your practitioner. Not for use year-round; use in cycles at the onset of illness.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can I start using herbs with my baby?
It depends on the herb and how it's used. Topically, calendula-based salves (without essential oils) and oat baths are safe from birth. Internally, weak chamomile tea can be used from 12 months in small amounts. For therapeutic herbal preparations, it's worth consulting a qualified herbalist or naturopath for under-12 months, as doses need to be carefully calibrated and the evidence base is thinner for this age group.
Do I need to see a herbalist or can I use herbs on my own?
For the gentle, food-like herbs in this guide, chamomile tea, a weak ginger tea, an oat bath, a calendula salve — you can use them confidently at home within the age and dose guidelines given. For anything more complex; chronic conditions, unusual symptoms, combining multiple herbs, or using herbs alongside prescription medications; a consultation with a qualified herbalist or naturopath is important. In Australia, look for practitioners registered with the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA).
Can herbal remedies interact with my child's medications?
Yes, some can. This is one of the most important reasons to use herbs thoughtfully rather than randomly. Echinacea, for example, may interact with immunosuppressant medications. St John's Wort has well-documented interactions with many medications. Always disclose herbal use to your child's GP or specialist, particularly if they are on any prescription medications.
Where can I buy organic herbs for children in Australia?
Austral Herbs is a reliable Australian supplier for dried medicinal herbs. For liquid preparations and children's herbal formulas, many health food stores carry reputable brands; look for products that list the botanical name on the label, state the plant part used, and give a clear dose guide. Avoid products with vague labelling or that combine many herbs without explanation.
Is it safe to give children herbal teas every day?
For gentle, food-like herbs like chamomile and weak ginger yes, daily use in normal amounts is generally safe for children over 12 months but we don't believe that is necessary. For more specific therapeutic herbs (echinacea, elderberry syrup) the approach is different; these are used seasonally or in response to illness rather than year-round. The general principle in herbal practice is that gentler herbs can be used more freely; stronger herbs are used more specifically.