It can be hard to watch your child struggle with anxiety, so you want a remedy that is safe and effective. The relief of symptoms can increase your child’s enjoyment in daily activities and take away some of your concerns. Natural remedies for anxiety in children show promise for helping boys and girls relax and avoid emotional low points.
Instead of relying on prescription medicines that could have harsh side effects, you and your child might be more comfortable with a holistic approach that eases feelings of irritability and restlessness. These three herbal supplements have benefits for many younger children:
- Lavender gently calms the central nervous system and promotes relaxation.
- Lemon balm has proven effective in improving mood and concentration.
- Chamomile has many positive impacts as it decreases the stress hormone cortisol.
These herbs have an impressive safety record for younger children. They are especially apt for children under seven years of age.
Beginning the Journey
When considering the best anxiety medication for kids, you want to start soft and gentle. A too-fast approach can be scary for you and your child and could even mask your child’s natural personality. With a herbal approach to anxiety concerns, you get many positive benefits:
- No harmful side effects
- Not habit-forming
- Over-the-counter availability
- No contraindications with most other medicines
- Child-friendly tablets
By starting slowly and gently, you can monitor the impacts on your child. Since herbal remedies tend to work cumulatively, it is best to continue on with a supplement for a couple of months. This gives the remedy time to work and is a safe and sound approach.
For children between the ages of 10 to their early teens, you have other options for anxiety relief. St. John’s wort has been shown to reduce depression in adolescents as well as improve their mood. Valerian is an effective aid to helping your child get the sleep he or she needs for optimal performance in school. Finally, research has shown that passionflower helps reduce attention disorder symptoms in children up to 13 years of age.
Figuring Out What Works for Your Kid
Everyone is different and some herbal remedies may work well for your child, while others might not be as effective. It might take a month or so before knowing the impact of a particular remedy. Over time, though, you should be able to identify the best over the counter anxiety medication for your child. This will depend in part on the age of your child and his or her personality and physiology.
A homeopathic approach could have significant advantages for young children. Many prescription drugs have potentially dangerous side effects and the drug’s efficacy can wane over time. For many reasons, it makes sense to explore alternatives that are impactful and safe. When it comes to anxiety, herbal remedies can enhance clarity and reduce feelings of impulsivity and stress.
Now is a good time to consider herbal remedies for your child. It could lead to a greater sense of calm and relaxation in your home.