Choose safe and non-toxic varieties Generally, Chinese herbal medicines contain tannins, alkaloids, and other complex chemical components. When infants and young children with underdeveloped liver function take these medicines, it is likely to increase the burden on the liver and damage its function. It is advisable to choose low-toxic or dual-purpose medicinal herbs such as Radish Seed, Tangerine Peel, Cardamom, and Chinese Plum for infants and young children.
Choose varieties with mild medicinal properties Due to the delicate organs of infants and young children, medications with strong bitter, pungent, cold, or hot properties should be used with caution.
Choose herbs that help invigorate the spleen and stomach Infants and young children often have weak spleen and digestive abilities. Therefore, it is advisable to use herbs such as Chinese Yam, Hawthorn, Tangerine Peel, Six Gentlemen Decoction, Malt, Chicken Gizzard, and White Atractylodes to invigorate the spleen and stomach and promote digestion.
Choose herbs that clear heat and calm the liver to prevent convulsions Infants and young children have a "pure yang" constitution and are prone to heat-related diseases. They often have excessive yang energy and may experience liver heat-induced seizures and wind disturbances. When treating pediatric diseases, especially external pathogenic diseases, with symptoms such as high fever, restlessness, and irritability, it is advisable to use herbs such as Cicada Slough, Hook Vine, Silkworm, and Rhizoma Dioscoreae to clear heat and calm the liver and wind.
Avoid excessive use of tonics Infants and young children have vigorous vitality and should focus on dietary regulation rather than excessive use of tonics. Otherwise, it may disrupt the balance of yin and yang in the body and affect the organs and Qi circulation. Even if there is a deficiency syndrome, supplements should be used with caution.
