Top 5 Teas to Boost Your Kid’s Health

Tea, the second most consumed beverage on the planet after water, has been known to have a plethora of health benefits and has captured the interests of people since centuries - whether to kickstart our day or to soothe ourselves when we are feeling under the weather.

It is common for adults to occasionally reach out for a cup of tea when they are sick, as it helps in staying hydrated and also has soothing properties. But if you have ever wondered if you could have a cup of tea that has the same benefits for your children, when they are sick, then you have come at the right place- as we say, YES, YOU CAN!  

Of course, the concerns of whether tea is safe for your child and if it has any negative effects on their development are all legit. Hence we compiled the information based on scientific studies that tell us that there are some teas that can are safe to be given to children, especially when they are sick, in order to alleviate certain symptoms and provide effective relief.  

Herbal tea or green teas for children are safe options. Green tea is very healthy and has catechins, natural antioxidants which helps to destroy germs, enhance concentration, tackle cavities, and regulate and maintain heart health. 

Green tea has immense benefits for your child and can be had in moderation one or two times a week. Peppermint and chamomile teas are especially good with colicky infants. Children from all age groups can consume these teas for kids, including breastfeeding infants. 

Is Tea Safe for Children?

Child nutrition experts advise against offering tea or coffee to children under five years of age. Caffeine is the main reason for this, and you cannot predict what sort of effect it may have on them. It is known to be a stimulant, and adults are affected by it in all kinds of ways. When you drink coffee or tea, it stimulates the nervous system, and you feel refreshed. 

Caffeine should not be included in a child’s diet as it causes sleeping troubles, is low in nutrition, causes stomach problems, is a diuretic, increases sugar consumption and causes withdrawal symptoms. Children above the age of 6 months can drink a few varieties of herbal teas but should not have regular tea until they are above the age of 12 months. High amounts of polyphenols in tea can disrupt iron absorption in children. 

The Right Age for Children to Have Tea

Ideally, tea should be offered to children above the age of five years. It is recommended for children aged 4-6 years old to not have more than 45 mg of caffeine in one day. This is the amount in a single, mild cup of tea, lesser in some teas if brewed well. In moderation, tea is good for kids who are older than toddlers. Children aged under two years are very young and too weak to ingest tea’s nutrition and are susceptible to the adverse effects of caffeine; as for kids, any type of bad effects can be magnified. 

For children who are older than toddlers, it is not very difficult as their bodies have adopted a self-defence strategy and are stronger to take in more nutrition. So, children should be introduced to tea when they are above the age of toddlers. 

Thus, mentioned below are 5 types of herbal teas that your little one will enjoy having - with their benefits, uses and other useful information:

Chamomile for Good Digestion and De-stressing

• Chamomile aids digestion and is excellent for drinking after meals to activate the process of digestion. 
• For an infant with an upset stomach due to eating many sweets, chamomile is the perfect choice to alleviate the discomfort. 
• Also, chamomile tempers the nervous system and is also anti-inflammatory, an ideal herb for a teething child or a stressed and hyper child.

 For teething purposes, tea is frozen into small ice cubes and put in a feeder to chew and suck on. 

Ginger Tea for Cold and Cough and Treating Digestive Problems

• Ginger tea helps in treating ulcers, digestive problems, cough and cold and nausea. 
• You can allow your child to have this tea. 

Fennel for Treating Cramps, Gas and Poor Appetite

• Another excellent herb that aids in digestion is fennel. It helps with stomach cramps, gas and spasms. Children will adore the sweet taste.
•  This herb is specially recommended for children with low appetites or experiencing vomiting and nausea. If your child suffers from nausea and vomiting, it is good if you make them drink a few sips at one time. 

Peppermint for Constipation

• The oh-so-popular peppermint is excellent for kids who suffer from abdominal cramps, gas, spasms or bloating by stimulation of intestines to remove the body's contents. Constipation may result from a variety of factors and should be treated correctly if it continues for more than a week.
• Excess of peppermint tea may aggravate or lead to reflux, so it is recommended to not have more than 2-3 cups in a day. This is one of the great choices for teas for kids.

Rose Tea

Created from rose petals, rose tea is a fragrant and tasty beverage with amazing health benefits. Rose tea is very good for children as it has the following benefits:

• Rose tea is beneficial to the skin.
• Rose Tea can treat flu and sore throats.
• It improves digestive functions. 
• It boosts and improves the immune system. 

Conclusion

As is the case with anything new, it is essential to keep a watch on your child for any sort of reaction after offering the herbal tea. Reactions may appear as headache, rash or certain signs that have become worse before having the tea. If any of these are noticed, you should not let your child continue to drink them. Give these teas for kids to your ward in moderation. A medicinal herbal tea for toddlers will be perfect for your child, and he/she will enjoy the comforting, warm effects. 

Cheers!

Himanshi Hairiya