Most people are aware that tea has tremendous health benefits for adults, but did you know that there are several herbal teas that can provide anxiety reducing benefits to children? Drinking tea is a soothing ritual that can be easily added to the morning or bedtime routine that you share with your child.
Let’s take a look at some of the best anxiety-reducing teas that are safe for children:
Chamomile – Chamomile is a flower belonging to the daisy family, and is the best known herbal remedy for children. Chamomile calms the nerves and acts as a mild sedative, and has been shown to be safe for children of all ages.
Oat Straw – Oat straw, which is made from the stems of the oat plant, is a popular choice for including in a before-bedtime tea (it is often combined with chamomile). Oat straw is high in calcium and is thought to boost the immune system as well as relieve anxiety and hyperactivity.
Passion Flower – Passionflower has traditionally been used as a remedy for insomnia, due to its sedative properties. Passion Flower has also been successfully used to combat anxiety, ADHD, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Skullcap -Skullcap has been found to be useful in treating conditions involving the nervous system, such as anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy. Skull cap has also been reported to sooth headaches, promote sleep, and relieve the symptoms of asthma. Skullcap can be very potent, so it is recommended to only use 1-tsp of herbs per 1-cup of boiling water when serving to children.
Although every child is different, most children prefer tea that is steeped for a shorter amount of time than is usually recommended. It is generally advised that children’s tea be made with 1/3 of the amount of herbs that you would use to make an adult serving. Consider including your child in the preparation of the tea by filling a child’s tea pot with lukewarm tea for them to pour into cups for you to share. This relaxing ritual may quickly becomes your favorite part of the day!
