Offering herbal remedies to our children is a wonderful way to support their immune system and help them recover should they become unwell. Often when our children catch a bug, it spreads to the rest of the family so very quickly. Parents and caregivers are then thrust into the role of caring for an unwell child, whilst being unwell themselves. Herbal medicine can be safe for children and breastfeeding mothers, when taken at the right dose, using the right herbs and when prepared in the right way. Two brands that we carry at Tonic Room are Kiwiherb and Wild Dispensary. These are high quality, potent formulations that have products that are safe for the whole family. 

Kiwiherb 

Kiwiherb specialises in 100% natural herbal products for the whole family, with a focus on creating safe and effective formulas for infants and children. Their products are created by a team of experienced medical herbalists and pharmacists and made using certified organic herbs. Kiwiherb prioritises the use of New Zealand grown herbs when possible and incorporates native herbs that have long-standing traditional use and unique healing properties. 

Children’s Echinacea offers general immune support that may help protect against ills and chills, reduce the duration of symptoms and support recovery. It is particularly beneficial for infants and children that are frequently unwell or are slow to recover. This product is a wonderful general support and is formulated for use from ages 0-12 years. It may also be taken by adults and is a great choice for adults that are sensitive to herbal medicine. 

Children’s Throat Syrup is formulated to help soothe irritable or sore throats. It may also help the respiratory system and provide general support to the immune system, helping to reduce the severity and duration of colds. It is formulated for infants and children aged 0-12 years. 

Children’s Chest Syrup is formulated to help soothe a cough, clear mucus from the respiratory tract and provide general support to the respiratory system. It is formulated for infants and children aged 0-12 years. 

Herbal Throat Spray is the first line of defence product that helps to soothe a dry, irritable throat. The targeted action of a spray offers relief from a sore, swollen and inflamed throat. it is formulated for adults and children over the age of 6 years. 

Kid’s Calm is formulated to calm unsettled infants and children. This is a generalised formula that may be effective when children are suffering from wind, colic, upset stomachs, are teething, or are generally irritable or unsettled. It is formulated for infants and children aged 0-12 years.

Wild Dispensary 

Wild Dispensary is passionate about using herbal medicine that is grown locally, utilising the potent plant medicine that New Zealand has to offer. Their formulations contain certified organic and wild-harvest herbs, using native and other local herbs that are sustainably harvested. The wild element in each formula offers a deeper connection to nature, and our local surroundings and gives a nod to traditional plant medicine practices. Formulated by medical herbalists, their products offer safe and effective support to individuals and families that are looking to support their health and natural immune defences. 

Immunity Tonic is a general tonic to offer immune system support. It can be taken as preventative medicine to help with immune protection, as well as used to reduce symptoms of ills and chills. It is formulated for adults (safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding) and children above the age of 2 years. 

Vira Defence Elixir may be used as a first response when children are feeling unwell, providing support for the immune and respiratory systems. It is formulated for adults (safe in breastfeeding) and children above the age of 5 years and may be used in pregnancy when taken at the recommended children's dose. 

Daily Boost Tonic provides plant-based vitamins and minerals that support energy, vitality, and immune and adrenal health. It is formulated for adults (safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding) and children above the age of 2 years. 

If you are considering using herbal medicine for your family, please be aware that this information is generalised and the products recommended may not be suitable. If you are pregnant or your children are under the age of 2 years, please reach out to one of our naturopaths. We can support you via phone, email or in-store. If you would like more in-depth support on how to support your family's immune system this winter, you can book in with one of our practitioners here. 

Written by Naturopath & Medical Herbalist Natasha Lubas