Parents aren't the only ones using herbal medicine. As Americans become increasingly intrigued by alternative therapies, conventional pediatricians are finding that many of their patients have used, or are currently using, some form of herb-based medication.

"When I ask them about herbs and supplements, more and more of my patients are saying, 'Yes, I am using these products with my kids," said Dr. Paula Gardiner, a clinical research fellow at Harvard Medical School in a Los Angeles Times interview. "And looking at the data about pediatricians and kids, more and more doctors are getting asked questions about herbs and supplements."

Though there is no exact data on CAM medicine use in the treatment of children, companies that manufacture herbs specifically designed for kids like Herb Pharm and Botanical Labs report steady growth over the last 10 years. And though it's difficult to isolate the childhood illnesses that are most often treated with herbal medicine, they seem to be used - primarily in kids under five - for diaper rash, colic, teething aches, stomach upset, coughs, and colds.

But doctors warn against the casual use of herbal medicine for children. If a child is taking a prescription drug as well as an herbal remedy, the combination could be dangerous. "Remember, an herb is a drug," said Dr. Paula Gardiner, a clinical research fellow at Harvard Medical School "Just because it is natural doesn't mean it is safe."

Among the herbal treatments that have been most successful in treating kids are:

• Peppermint oil, for irritable bowel syndrome: After two weeks of capsules, 75% of 42 children ages 8-17 taking peppermint had reduced severity of pain. (Journal of Pediatrics, 2001)
• Fennel seed oil, for colic: In a group of 125 infants age 2 weeks to 12 weeks, those who took fennel seed oil showed a significant improvement in symptoms over those who took a placebo. (Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 2003)
• Chamomile, for colic: Prepared as an herbal tea, it eliminated colic in 57% of 33 infants, whereas a placebo helped only 26% of 35 infants. (Journal of Pediatrics, 1993)
• Otikon Otic solution (a naturopathic extract containing Allium sativum, Verbascum thapsus, Calendula flores, for pain from an ear infection: Researchers found some lessening of ear pain in a group of 103 healthy children ages 6 to18 who took an herbal extract, with no side effects. (Archives of Pediatrics, 2001)

[via Los Angeles Times]

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