Tea is, without any doubt, the most popular beverage that is consumed all around the world. Coming in different flavors, one can easily be spoilt of choice regarding the best type for you and your child.
You may probably be wondering, is herbal tea suitable for children? What are some of the side effects of taking the beverage, especially on children? What are some of the best herbal drinks for children? At what age can your child start drinking herbs? Is there a reputable online tea and coffee shop to buy herbal tea for kids?
This article will give you insights on the best herbal tea for kids and tea answers some of your questions regarding this beverage.
What are herbal teas?
Commonly known as tisanes in Europe and other areas of the world, herbal tea is a blend or infusion of various fruits, leaves, flowers, or roots that belong to any edible non-tea plant. Some of the most popular herbal beverages include chamomile, mint, ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Lemongrass, and many others.
They can further be classified into three categories: Sweet, Aromatic, and Bitter teas.
Sweet:
These are made from berries or fruits hence the term sweet. They include sweet cherry-berry, bee pollen, Candy leaf, organic honey-bush, and the famous organic rooibos.
Bitter:
Unlike the sweet type, this one is bitter, just like the name suggests. It is associated with incredible healing powers. Examples include organic chamomile and organic detox teas.
Aromatic:
They smell as strong as they taste. The aroma comes from deep spices that are used to make the drink. Examples are ginger, cinnamon, lemon herbal, and organic chai.
Is tea safe for children?
Many teas contain caffeine that is not recommended for children under the age of 12. The caffeine may cause issues like insomnia, decreased sodium/potassium levels, and increased urine input, especially in children.
High amounts of caffeine could also cause nervousness and fidgetiness in children. It may also affect the behavior and development of your child. Caffeine and sugar could also cause over-weight issues, leading to obesity.
Besides the aroma, flavor, and numerous health benefits associated with herbal tea, it is highly recommended for children, as most are caffeine-free.
What are some of the best herbal drinks for children?
With the wide variety of tea in the market, you may find it challenging to choose the tea best for your child. Here is a summary of some of the most common and best tea for kids.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile is one of the most typical herbal beverage that you will find in the stores or market. A study shows that chamomile can be used to treat croup, fever, and colic in children and stimulate digestion.
It may also help in reducing anxiety as it relaxes the nervous system and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Preparation:
Boil water, then adds the chamomile and let it steep for 10 minutes. Once it has cooled, you may add some honey for taste.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea, typical for its ability to help in the digestion process and relieve motion sickness or nausea. Ginger also stimulates the liver to get rid of toxins from the bloodstream.
It is a potent circulatory stimulant as well as a natural expectorant that relieves flu and coughs.
High doses may cause heartburn and irritation in the mouth.
Preparation:
Add some freshly grated ginger to boiling water, then let it steep for 5 minutes. You may serve it warm or iced.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is a mild cough suppressant that helps relieve children from cough. It also helps treat tummy upsets such as colic or irritable bowels.
It is a common aid to constipation as it stimulates the intestines to move the contents out of the body.
Preparation:
Boil water and add in the mint leaves. Steep for 2-4 minutes, then strain the leaves. You may add in some honey to taste.
Fennel tea
Proven to be safe for kids and relieves symptoms of colic. It may also be an effective remedy for gastric diseases.
It is may also boost appetite in children with a decreased appetite and aid to relieve nausea.
Preparation:
Put a spoonful of fennel seeds in water and boil them for 2-4 minutes. Once you see a color change in water, you may filter it and serve it to your little one once it is cooled.
Hibiscus tea
It lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure and reduces anxiety by calming down the nervous system, used for soothing sore throat, and lowering body temperature.
The vitamin C in the drink boosts the immune system and helps it fight unnecessary infections whilst reducing unnecessary inflammations in the body.
The herb may, however, act as a mild laxative. You need to take caution on this.
Preparation:
Boil water and add the hibiscus f to the boiling water. Steep for about 5-8 minutes, strain the flower, and let it cool. You may add some honey to taste.
Bottom Line:
These herbal drinks are a simple go-to beverage that typically takes less than 7 minutes to prepare. Some may also be served hot or cold(iced) depending on your child’s preference.
It can be bought in bags commonly referred to as tea bags or individually as loose leaf tea. You need to take a keen look at the list of ingredients as the bagged ones may sometimes contain more than one type of herb.
As a parent or guardian, look-out for allergies in your child, as some children may be allergic to some herbs. You may also consult a pediatrician to get a go-ahead on the herbal brews you can give your child.
