Back to School Support


By Anne Salazar RH(AHG), Lead Clinical Herbalist

  The transition from summer to the school year can be exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure, for parents and kids alike! Going back to school is never without its obstacles. Two important factors–immunity and focus– are what we want to address to help ease the back-to-school switch. For parents looking for peace of mind about smaller kids being in constant contact with their classmates, check out my blog on Natural Medicine for Children.

FOCUS

  Focus and concentration are often challenges in any situation for many children. Extra time in front of a computer screen without a balancing amount of activity and social engagement, can exacerbate this issue. Some tools to consider would be supplements that feed and support brain health as well as calm the spirit.

  Providing gentle herbs that calm and ground children can go a long way in allowing for learning and focus to be easier to facilitate. A lovely product that grounds and calms the spirit and mind is Calm Child by Planetary Herbs. I have seen this formula take the edge off many-a-child (and adults too for that matter), allowing for relaxation and aiding focus and learning. Calm Child combines the soothing nervine botanicals Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Catnip, with the nourishing tonifiers Hawthorn, Zizyphus, Gotu Kola extract, and Amla. Additional herbs and nutrients, traditionally used by cultures around the world support alertness and focus in children.

  Also- let us not forget the simple, yet effective, Lavender essential oil! A good quality lavender gently wafting from a diffuser, massaged onto the feet, or added to a relaxing tub can work wonders on the agitated soul.

  The essential fatty acid DHA ( Docosahexaenoic acid) which is found ubiquitously in fish (and certain algae), is known for its capacity to nourish and support brain health. A deficiency in DHA can be associated with deficits in learning (2). The other fatty acid in fish, EPA, is also important. Taken together is the ideal balance.  A product like Nordic Naturals Nordic Omega-3 Fishies for children is a great addition for supporting focus and calm.

  These are but a few options. Utilizing a consult would be very beneficial in assessing what is appropriate for each individual. There can be multiple factors involved in focus and attention. Integrative/natural medicine looks at the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

IMMUNITY

  Autumn is a good time to build and support immunity in everyone. By now we should all know the importance of a strong immune system! School-aged children are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections as their immune systems learn to adapt and strengthen. There are multiple ways to do this safely and effectively, while still allowing their innate immune systems to become stronger. The goal is to mitigate acute symptoms and to minimize time spent being sick. 

  A healthy gut is key to keeping immunity strong and flexible. A healthy microbiome means a strong immune response (3). Supplementing with child-specific probiotics is the first step in supporting this response. The types of strains and the strength of the probiotic (expressed as Colony Forming Units or “CFUs”) is predicated on the child’s current health history. If they already have some immunity issues (eczema, allergies, digestive issues, ear infections,etc) then a comprehensive formula such as Metagenic’s chewable UltraFlora Kid’s Probiotic would be appropriate. If the child is otherwise healthy, perhaps Jarrow’s Yum Yum Dophilus (back end of September) would be the ticket for maintenance. Consistent intake of healthy bacteria is important either way.

  It is also crucial to mention that a healthy gut also means a healthy brain. There is clear evidence that the “Brain/Gut Highway” is a very real phenomenon (1)! Clinically speaking, whenever working with anyone with emotional issues, focus issues, etc. I always address gut health as well.

  Another important tool for strengthening immunity is herbal medicine. Not only do herbs safely support innate immunity, they also work to ameliorate acute symptoms of all kinds; all the while working with and strengthening natural immunity. To support immunity, products like Wish Garden’s “Daily Immune For Kids” can be taken daily. Its main ingredient is Astragalus (along with Echinacea, etc); long known for immune defense (4). It is tinctured in delicious, healthy vegetable glycerin; perfect for kids. This pairs brilliantly with probiotic supplementation.

  If cold, cough, flu, or some other acute symptoms arise, there are multiple options.  For colds, there is Wish Garden’s “Congestion Rescue for Kids”, which features Thyme, Elder, Yerba Santa, Sage, and other medicinal herbs that fight and curb cold symptoms. If a persistent cough arises, along comes Remedy’s “Kid’s Bronchial” with cherry bark and lobelia, which really helps open the lungs and fight infection. If stomach issues present themselves, we have Digest Rescue for Kids. All of these can be taken frequently during the day, for acute challenges.

  I also highly recommend that parents have information readily available for those ‘scary’ moments that may feel like an emergency room trip is necessary. One of my favorite herbalist authors for this purpose is Rosemary Gladstar. Her writing is thorough and easy to understand and utilize. We carry one of her books, Herbs for Children’s Health. This could easily empower you to be prepared for common childhood illnesses, without running to the ER.

 These are but a few choices we can bring to you and your family. Please come in (or call!) and we can help you and your young ones hit the ground running with back-to-school preparation. And, again, if you need more comprehensive help for anything you can always schedule a consultation.

 

Sources

  1. Faraj J, Takanti V, Tavakoli HR. The Gut-Brain Axis: Literature Overview and Psychiatric Applications. Fed Pract. 2021 Aug;38(8):356-362. doi: 10.12788/fp.0159. PMID: 34733087; PMCID:

  2. Bradbury J. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): an ancient nutrient for the modern human brain. Nutrients. 2011 May;3(5):529-54. doi: 10.3390/nu3050529. Epub 2011 May 10. PMID: 22254110; PMCID: PMC3257695.

  3. Zheng, D., Liwinski, T. & Elinav, E. Interaction between microbiota and immunity in health and disease. Cell Res 30, 492–506 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41422-020-0332-7

  4. Zheng Y, Ren W, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Liu D, Liu Y. A Review of the Pharmacological Action of Astragalus Polysaccharide. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 24;11:349. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00349. PMID: 32265719; PMCID: PMC7105737.