Many parents who bring their children in to see me are worried that they just won’t be able to get their child to take a tonic or a supplement. If you have ever had a naturopath give you a herbal tonic then you know just how bad they can taste,…but did you know that your naturopath can add a natural flavouring liquid to your child’s tonic, or that many of the herbs that are most commonly used for children are available to your naturopath in a special form called a glycetract?
A glycetract contains no alcohol preservative base and has a slightly sweet flavour to it, thus increasing its likelihood of being taken by a child.
As a naturopath I also often give out herbal combinations and supplements in the form of powders for children to take. The powders are sweetened naturally and contain no artificial flavours or additives. These powders can be added to water, milk, juice, yogurt or fruit purees to increase compliance in children taking them. Recently one of my clients called to let me know she had worked out a very creative way to get her very fussy son to take his herbs, by freezing the herb powder into a jelly ice cube and adding it to his water. There are many creative methods that can be used. Another favourite of mine is to add a herbal powder (or even a crushed tablet if needed) to a little molasses or honey. This can be eaten off the spoon.
In addition to tablets (which are obviously not ideal for children to take), nutritional supplements are also available as sprays, liquid drops, and chewable tablets which are much easier for children to take. Zinc for example, which is a common deficiency found in many children, is available as a drop dose which can be placed onto the back of a hand and licked off or added to other liquids like milk. It has a mild vanilla flavour which most little ones like making it very easy to work with.
So next time you think your child may need a nutritional supplement or herbal support, feel assured that there is a wide range of supplements that can be chosen from to suit your child’s nature, and that getting them to take their supplements need not become an unpleasant issue.
To discuss how I can assist you with your health needs, please contact me on 02 4226 4740.
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