Herbs for Children and Teens: What Official Sources Say
What the NHS, NIH and European regulators say about herbal products for children and teens, including chamomile, echinacea, elderberry and peppermint, and when to call Poison Help.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read mushroom safety and interactions before you use any mushroom product.
If a child may have swallowed a herbal product, plant or supplement, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US). It is free, expert and confidential. [1] If a child collapses, has trouble breathing or has a seizure, call 911. For more steps see A Child Swallowed a Supplement or Natural Product.
What specific sources say
| Herb or product | What the source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, flower) | European regulators say the medicines are usually for adults and adolescents over 12, and only some preparations are recommended for children under 12. [4] NCCIH says combinations of herbs including chamomile may help children with diarrhea and infants with colic, but chamomile alone has not been shown to help. [5] | EMA (2016), NCCIH |
| Echinacea | NCCIH says E. purpurea extract is possibly safe for children for short periods, but some children in a trial developed rashes that may have been allergic. [6] | NCCIH |
| Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) | Raw or unripe berries and other parts of the tree contain poisonous cyanide-producing substances. [7] NCCIH's page, as we read it, gives no children-specific safety conclusion. | NCCIH |
| Peppermint leaf | European regulators say the medicines should only be used in adults and children over 4 years. [8] | EMA |
| Peppermint oil, menthol | Should not be inhaled by or applied to the face of an infant or small child, because it may affect breathing. [9] | NCCIH |
| Goldenseal | Should not be given to infants. [10] | NCCIH |
| Fenugreek | Not enough information on safety for children in amounts larger than in foods. [11] | NCCIH |
"Traditional use" is not "tested in children." The European chamomile listing rests on traditional use, and the regulator notes insufficient clinical trial evidence while judging the effect plausible. [4] See Chamomile and Elderberry.
Honey is not a herb, but it is often given with them
The NHS says not to give a child honey until they are over 1 year old, because honey can contain bacteria that cause infant botulism, a very serious illness. [12]Teens and products sold for muscle or weight
NCCIH says some products promoted for weight loss, sexual enhancement and bodybuilding may contain prescription drugs not allowed in supplements or ingredients not on the label. [3] See Teenagers and Young Adults: Bodybuilding, Weight-Loss and Energy Products.Practical points from the sources
- Ask a pediatrician or pharmacist before giving any herbal product to a child. The NHS advises checking with a pharmacist before taking a herbal medicine alongside other medicines. [2]
- For poisoning and dosing risks with gummies, teas and capsules, see Children: Supplements, Gummies and Herbs.
- Allergy: chamomile reactions are more likely in people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies. [5]
- Proper evidence not found for herbs shortening childhood coughs or colds beyond the limited statements above. We searched the NCCIH herb pages and NHS herbal medicines page we could read.
Frequently asked questions
Are herbal remedies safe for kids?
The NHS does not recommend herbal medicines for children because not enough is known about safety. [2] Ask a pediatrician.
Is chamomile okay for children?
European regulators say only some preparations are recommended under 12. [4] NCCIH says chamomile alone has not been shown to help colic or diarrhea. [5]
Is elderberry safe for children?
NCCIH warns raw or unripe elderberries and other tree parts are poisonous. [7] Its page gives no children-specific conclusion. Ask a pediatrician.
Can children take echinacea?
NCCIH says short-term extract use is possibly safe but some children developed rashes, and advises talking to the child's provider first. [6]
What if my child ate a plant or supplement?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. [1]
References
- Poison Control (America’s Poison Centers). Home page. Available at www.poison.org. Read 2026-10-23.
- NHS. Herbal medicines and complementary therapies (page last reviewed 1 May 2026). Available at www.nhs.uk. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH. Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
- European Medicines Agency, HMPC. Matricaria flower: summary for the public (EMA/490629/2015, 2016). Available at www.ema.europa.eu. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH. Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH. Echinacea: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH. Elderberry: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
- European Medicines Agency, HMPC. Peppermint leaf: herbal medicine page. Available at www.ema.europa.eu. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH. Peppermint Oil: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH. Goldenseal: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH. Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety. Available at www.nccih.nih.gov. Read 2026-10-23.
- NHS. Foods to avoid giving babies and young children. Available at www.nhs.uk. Read 2026-10-23.