Numerous herbs may treat your child's headache. According to the MayoClinic website, headaches are common in children and usually do not indicate a serious health problem. Children develop the same types of headaches as adults, including migraines and tension headaches, although their symptoms may differ. Before giving your child herbs to help treat her headaches, talk with her doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Valerian
Valerian is an herb that may be helpful in treating your child's headaches. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a plant native to Europe and Asia, although it also grows in North America too. Valerian, which possesses a sweet and spicy taste, has been used to treat numerous health problems, including headaches, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, trembling and irregular heartbeat. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that valerian is a sedative and analgesic, or a substance that relieves pain, including headache-related pain. Valerian is also a calmative and enhances blood flow to your child's head and brain. Before giving your child valerian to help treat his headaches, talk with his doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Feverfew
Feverfew is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your child's headaches. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that feverfew, also known as Tanacetum parthenium, is a short perennial plant native to southeastern Europe, although it now grows throughout Europe, North America and Australia. Feverfew, a member of the aster family, has a bitter and slightly sweet taste. The leaves are used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, especially headaches. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," feverfew possesses an aspirin-like action and relieves both fever and pain. Feverfew, notes Smith, may be particularly effective for treating headaches, especially migraine headaches. Before giving your child feverfew to help treat her headaches, talk with her doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is an herb that may be effective in treating your child's headaches. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, kava kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is native to the Pacific Rim and the Hawaiian Islands. Kava kava possesses a sharp, pungent taste, and has been used to treat numerous health problems, including anxiety, stress and insomnia. The root of the plant is used medicinally. Tilgner states that kava kava is a sedative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Kava kava, notes Tilgner, has been used to treat muscle tension, tension headaches, fibromyalgia and general pain from muscle spasms or inflammation. Tilgner cautions that long-term use of this herb can cause dry, scaly skin throughout your body. Before giving your child kava kava to help treat his headaches, talk with his doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
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