Which herbal remedies for MRSA are safe for kids? How should natural methods be adjusted for Staph and MRSA infection in children?
There are hundreds of herbal products and remedies with limited or no safety studies for use with children. And, some herbs and natural products are best avoided for babies and small children due to known risks. Other products may be too strong for children, especially in regards to using them on their sensitive skin and they must be diluted from full strength.
Tips for natural remedies with children and babies
Below are general guidelines and tips for using supplements and natural products with children. Keep in mind that the product label should take precedence over any of the guidelines below. And always consult with a natural-minded physician before using natural remedies or supplements with children.
- Look carefully on the label or product instructions for the proper dose for children. Also make sure the label has no special warnings for children. Doses for babies and children are usually much lower than standard adult doses.
- Some products spell out a body weight adjustment for children. For example, if a product says to use 1 drop for every 10 pounds of body weight, then a 50 pound child would take 5 drops. Another common reduction is to use only half or quarter of a capsule or pill.
- Children have trouble swallowing pills. If the supplement can be taken with food, you can often break pills up or empty a capsule, hiding the contents in food or a drink. For older children, a smoothie is an excellent place to hide many supplements.
- Only mild essential oils should be used on babies and small children. Tea tree oil is a good example of a mild oil with good infection-fighting properties for skin infections. And, applying oils to the bottom of their feet is a safer alternative to using oils internally. And eucalyptus oil, though fairly mild, should never be put near the eyes, nose or face of infants or babies.
- Raw Manuka honey (like other honeys) should not be eaten by babies less than one year old due to risk of botulism. Honey can contain botulism bacteria and once eaten cause serious food poisoning. Babies under one year of age lack the intestinal flora (good bacteria) to prevent botulism sickness. While raw Manuka honey is an excellent remedy for adults and children, sterilized honey is a better option for babies.
- Babies and small children have sensitive skin, stomachs, intestinal flora and mucous membranes. Products that are especially strong, spicy or “hot” are best to avoid. Some examples often used with Staph and MRSA are raw garlic and essential oils of oregano, thyme, or cinnamon oil. These should be avoided with young children.
- Medicinal essential oils, even mild ones, should be diluted before using on children’s skin. As a general rule, for children less than two years old, dilute essential oils 75% (1 drop of oil plus 3 drops carrier oil). For children 2 to 3 years old, a 50% dilution of essential oils is commonly used. For children over 4 years old, undiluted essential may be used if well tolerated.
As important as remedies and treatments are, supporting the immune system is also very important to help fight infection naturally. Just like adults, children’s immune systems can benefit greatly from eating immune boosting foods and avoiding sugars and processed foods. I’ll be discussing more on this in the future.
To your best health,
Michelle
Microbiologist and Natural Health Expert
Author of the Natural MRSA and Staph Treatment and Prevention Guidebook MRSA Secrets Revealed
