When your children board the school bus on the first day of school, you're full of hope for the brand new year. You want your kids to learn, make new friends, and do their best. One thing all students need to be open to learning, whether they're in kindergarten or college, is to feel good in their bodies. Here are five common health obstacles that can make it hard for kids to shine at school, and some herbal products that can help.
Jittery Nerves
Many kids feel nervous on the first day of school, wondering what their teachers will be like or if they will be in class with their best friends. But some particularly sensitive kids are prone to feeling occasional jitters throughout the year. GaiaKids® Calm Support features a blend of calming, relaxing herbs with long traditions of use, such as American Skullcap, California Poppy, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and Vervain.*
Trouble Focusing
Do you have a child who just can't seem to pay attention and struggles in school? It's a common problem that affects a lot of kids, even if they're highly intelligent. Developed by a pediatric naturopath, GaiaKids® Focus promotes concentration, memory, and alertness.* It features Gotu Kola, a regenerative nervine used to balance the nervous system, and is accompanied by other gently relaxing herbs such as American Skullcap, Chamomile, Lemon balm, Passionflower, and Oats.*
Restless Nights
Adults aren't at their best after a poor night's sleep and kids are no different. Cranky, irritable, or sleepy kids aren't in a good space to learn. If your child sometimes has trouble dropping off at night, GaiaKids® Calm Support provides gentle, calming support for a restorative night's sleep, with trusted herbs like American Skullcap, California Poppy, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and Vervain.*
Under the Weather
It happens every year. Soon after school starts, so do the coughs, sneezes, and sniffles. It's time to reach for GaiaKids® Black Elderberry Syrup, which supercharges your child's immune system in the most refreshing and delicious way.* The star of this formula is Elderberry, which has been used for centuries throughout Europe to support the immune system, while honey is added to soothe scratchy throats.* This syrup can be taken daily as a way to shore up the immune defenses or as needed in the thick of an immune challenge.*
Upset Stomach
Every parent dreads hearing the words, I don't feel good. A little one who's suffering from an upset stomach probably isn't going to make it to school, let alone learn there. GaiaKids® Tummy Tonic feature soothing herbs such as catnip, chamomile, fennel, ginger, lemon balm, and spearmint that support comfortable digestion, help the body expel gas, and soothe an upset tummy.*
You and your kids are on the cusp of a new year, full of possibility. Make sure they feel calm, rested, attentive, and physically well so they can fully embrace the opportunity for learning and fun.
The entire line of GaiaKids® products was formulated by our very own Director of Medical Education, Dr. Mary. Bove, who brings more than 40 years of herbalism experience and 25 years of work as a naturopathic physician to her role at Gaia Herbs. She is the author of An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants and is co-author of Herbs for Women's Health.
