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AlternativeMed

Children & Teens

Children, teens and natural remedies: children metabolize substances differently, many supplements are untested in children, hidden drugs in weight-loss and bodybuilding products, storage and poisoning prevention.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

Ask a pediatrician before giving a child or teen any herb or supplement. This page does not give child amounts.

Why children are different

  • Children's metabolisms are unique, and at different ages they metabolize substances at different rates; supplements taken with medicines can lead to adverse events. [1]
  • Many dietary supplements have not been tested in children. [2]
  • In 2012, about 5% of US children used natural products other than vitamins and minerals, according to NIH. [2]

Teens

Products marketed for weight loss, sexual enhancement and bodybuilding may contain prescription drugs or other ingredients not listed on the label. [2][3] See Unsafe products and warnings.

Poison prevention at home

  • Store medicines and chemicals out of reach of children, ideally locked away. [4]
  • Keep liquid products in their original containers. [4]
  • If a child may have swallowed something: Poisoning: what to do first.

Other remedy types

Essential oil safety, Herbal tea safety, Natural ingredient safety (including honey and infants).

What we could not verify

Proper evidence was not found in the sources we read for age-specific amounts of herbs or supplements. We do not give them.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give my child an herbal supplement?

Ask a pediatrician first; many supplements have not been tested in children. [2]

References

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health. Read 2026-10-22.
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Read 2026-10-22.
  3. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Safe Use of Complementary Health Products and Practices. Read 2026-10-22.
  4. NHS (United Kingdom). Poisoning. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.