Strengthen the body's defenses helps Echinacea for children. On the basis of this medicinal plant, syrups, tinctures and other drugs are produced. They have established themselves as effective tools to combat viral and colds. However, they have contraindications to use, so give children with caution.
Echinacea - useful properties
This medicinal plant is considered a real storehouse of valuable substances. Echinacea has the following chemical composition:
- vitamins A, C, E;
- sodium, potassium, magnesium, selenium, manganese and other elements;
- flavonoids;
- resins;
- organic acids;
- polysaccharides and so on.
Due to such a multifaceted composition, the Echinacea property has the following:
- restores the work of the digestive tract;
- intensifies the activity of phagocytes;
- restores protective functions of the body;
- replenishes vitamin stores;
- removes free radicals from the body;
- accelerates the healing of damaged tissues;
- has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiallergic effects;
- participates in hematopoiesis;
- has a beneficial effect on hair, nails, bones and teeth.
Prescribe echinacea to children in the treatment of such diseases:
- otitis media ;
- coryza;
- urinary and respiratory tract infections;
- angina;
- tonsillitis ;
- inflammatory processes in the body;
- physical and mental overwork;
- with burns, sores and wounds on the body;
- with herpes , carbuncles.
Is it possible to echinacea children?
Take this medication should be solely for the doctor's prescription. Self-medication is not permissible! Echinacea can be given to children, but it is important to observe the dosage and duration of the medication. This drug, even in the most inoffensive form (in the form of medicinal broth or tea) can cause harm to the baby, so you can not give it thoughtlessly.
Echinacea for children - at what age?
Pediatricians agree that this drug can be safely assigned to 2-year-olds. In some cases (provided that the situation is controlled by a doctor), the "drug" is prescribed to the crumbs of age 1 year. Echinacea for children 3 years can be used in the form of tea, syrup, decoction and in the form of tablets. To enhance the therapeutic properties of this drug, it is prescribed in combination with other drugs (vitamins, anti-inflammatory drugs).
How to take Echinacea for children?
The doctor's prescriptions must be strictly observed. He will write out how to give the child Echinacea and indicate what the optimal duration of therapy. Most often this medication is prescribed for a period not exceeding 8 weeks. It has been scientifically proven that only during this period echinacea possesses a stimulating immune system. After the reverse process is observed. Echinacea begins to suppress the body's defense system. As a result, even leukopenia may develop.
Syringe Echinacea for children
This drug produces in vials of 50 or 100 ml. As part of the Echinacea syrup, sugar and other taste enhancers are present. This medication is prescribed according to the following scheme:
- Echinacea for children 2 years - 3 drops per glass of water (reception of medicinal solution recommended twice a day);
- for 3-year-old kids - 4 drops (the scheme of reception as at children is younger);
- Echinacea for children 3-12 years - 1 teaspoon twice a day;
- from 12 years - 1 tbsp. spoon 2 times a day.
Tincture of echinacea for children
More pronounced medicinal properties is distinguished by a drug for alcohol. However, it is not recommended to give it to children under 12 years of age. Those who are older, tincture of Echinacea for immunity, the child prescribed 8 drops. This amount of the drug must be diluted in Art. spoon of chilled boiled water. Take the drug should be twice a day.
How to make a tincture of Echinacea?
Ingredients:
- 70% alcohol - 4 parts;
- dry raw materials - 1 part.
Preparation, use:
- Echinacea flooded with alcohol.
- Insist for a month at room temperature in a darkened place.
- Filter the tincture. Give this drug should be exactly the same as the drug.
Decoction of echinacea for children
In this form, the drug is often given to babies in the period of an epidemic of ARVI or influenza. In addition, a decoction prepared at home can be used as a compress. It is applied to the back or breast of a child with diseases of the respiratory tract. Also, the decoction can wipe abrasions and scratches on the baby's body. This will speed up the healing process.
How is the herb of Echinacea brewed for children?
Ingredients:
- water 250 ml;
- dry raw materials - 1 teaspoon.
Preparation, use:
- Water is boiled and filled with echinacea.
- Hold the solution for a quarter of an hour in a water bath.
- Filter and give the baby a drink. At a time, a 3-year-old child should drink ΒΌ cup of broth diluted with the same amount of warm boiled water. That the kid is more willing to be treated, you can sweeten the drink.
Echinacea in tablets for children
In this form, the drug is prescribed from the age of 6 years. He is prescribed to babies suffering from cold cough, cystitis or other ailments. Often, an extract of echinacea is prescribed in tablets, when it is difficult to give the child a decoction of the drug. The scheme of taking the drug is:
- children 6-11 years old - 1 tablet once a day;
- from 12 years and older - 1 pill twice a day.
Echinacea - contraindications
Although this medicine is of natural origin, it is not for everyone equally useful. Echinacea is not recommended for children suffering from the following ailments:
- autoimmune diseases;
- idiosyncrasy;
- with leukemia, tuberculosis and atherosclerosis;
- systemic diseases of connective tissues;
- after anaphylactic shock.
In addition, no therapy with this drug is prescribed for HIV carriers. If Echinacea is taken, an allergy may occur with a high probability in those children who are highly sensitive to marigolds, ragweed, chamomile and other members of the family Compositae. They are predisposed to such a reaction of the body.
The simultaneous administration of Cyclosporine or corticosteroids with Echinacea is prohibited. Such a tandem will lead to the opposite effect. The interval between taking these medicines should not be less than 3 days. Dangerous for the liver is the simultaneous administration of echinacea with such drugs:
- Methotrexate;
- Amiodarone;
- Ketoconazole;
- anabolic steroids.