Can newborns take Chinese medicine?
Just like adults, newborns can also take medicine when they are sick. As long as the herbal medicine is administered properly, it can be effective and provide quick results.
When newborns are sick, it is important to focus on the key issues. The herbal medicine should not have too strong of a taste. The dosage for decoctions should be 1/6 of the adult dosage, with a liquid volume of around 60 milliliters. Since the stomach capacity of newborns is small, they can take multiple small doses or be fed with a baby bottle. Alternatively, the medicine can be slowly dripped using a pipette. Some infants may have difficulty taking medicine when they have a fever. In such cases, certain Chinese herbs can be made into a paste and applied on the tongue. Depending on the condition, different administration routes can be chosen with the guidance of a doctor to help your sick child get better.
What is the appropriate dosage of Chinese medicine for children?
The dosage of Chinese medicine for children varies based on their age, the severity of the illness, and the duration of the illness.
The basic principle for determining the dosage of Chinese medicine for children is to calculate based on the general adult dosage. For newborns, the dosage is 1/6 of the adult dosage, while for infants, it is 1/3 to 1/2 of the adult dosage. For toddlers and young children, the dosage is 2/3 or equivalent to the adult dosage. School-age children can take the same dosage as adults.
For acute and new illnesses in children, the dosage for each administration should not be too large. Multiple doses can be given, but the treatment should be stopped once the condition improves.
Strong or toxic medicines should be avoided unless necessary. The dosage should start with the smallest amount, and once the fever subsides, the medicine should be stopped. Children should not be given multiple medications of the same type to prevent excessive accumulation.
How to prepare decoctions of Chinese medicine for children?
Preparing decoctions for children is similar to preparing them for adults, but the boiling time, frequency, and amount of medicine brewed differ from those for adults.
Since the dosage for children is very small, it is important to minimize waste during the decoction process. The herbs should be soaked in water for half an hour, and the amount of water should be limited to a slight excess after the herbs are fully soaked. Do not add too much water. When boiling the medicine, start with high heat and then reduce to low heat after it boils. Generally, for cold medicine, it should be boiled for 15 minutes, for tonics, 30 minutes, and for commonly used medicines, around 20 minutes. One decoction is sufficient. The amount of decoction retained should be based on the child's age:
- Under 1 year old: 60ml-100ml;
- 1-6 years old: 150ml-200ml;
- 7-12 years old: 200ml-250ml.
Decoctions can be stored in the refrigerator during the summer and heated before consumption.
What should be considered when children take Chinese medicine?
Frequency of administration: For new or acute illnesses, the medicine can be taken multiple times, while for chronic illnesses, it can be taken twice a day or intermittently.
Timing of administration: It is best to take the medicine 2-3 hours after a meal, but for acute illnesses, it is not necessary to adhere to this timing. However, it should not be taken too close to mealtime to avoid affecting appetite.
Based on the condition: If a child has a high fever, thirst, and profuse sweating, the Chinese medicine should be taken cold and followed by drinking warm water. If they have caught a cold due to exposure to cold, the Chinese medicine should be taken hot to promote dispersion. In general, Chinese medicine should be taken warm for common illnesses. Digestive medicines should be taken after meals, while worm-expelling medicines should be taken on an empty stomach. Pills and ointments should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning or at night.
Adjusting taste: Children are often averse to bitter and sour tastes. To address this, sugar or rock sugar can be added. For bitter and cold Chinese herbs, licorice water can be used to reduce the bitterness.
Administration method: The administration method for children varies based on their age. If they can take the medicine willingly, they can start by taking a few sips, followed by a small amount of sweet water or warm boiled water, and then slowly take the medicine. If they refuse, adults may need to hold their hands and head steady and use a small spoon to feed them the medicine, allowing them to naturally swallow it. School-age children should be taught to take the medicine themselves. Newborns can be fed with a baby bottle or have the medicine slowly dripped using a pipette. For critically ill or comatose children, nasal feeding can be used. Regardless of the child's age, administering Chinese medicine should not be rushed, and care should be taken to avoid accidentally entering the trachea.
