The start of any school year can be difficult for kids—there’s much for them to readjust to and even feel a little worried about, plus reentering the shared classroom environment often presents immune challenges. But as it did last fall, the transition this back-to-school season may prove especially tough, as they deal with the continued stressors and complications of receiving an education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of course, it’s not an easy time for you either, parents, watching them try to make sense of their unsteady and uncertain academic world—along with their ever-changing minds and bodies. Yet, plenty remains as it always has: You want to see them happy and healthy, learning and thriving so they can reach their full potential.
To do their best—during the first few tricky weeks and throughout the entire year—your children need to feel their best. Natural, plant-based, herbal supplements can help, providing gentle support for their physical and mental health.*
Here are five common challenges that can make it hard for kids to shine in school, along with herbal wellness solutions to consider adding to your children’s routines.*
Herbs to Help with Occasional Anxiousness & Nervousness*
Most kids feel some level of nervousness at the beginning of the school year. After all, there’s a great deal of newness to navigate—new classrooms and classmates, new teachers, schedules, subjects, expectations, and the list goes on. Still, other children may feel occasional jitters all year long, whether from homework, tests, lunchroom cliques, you name it.
When your children are feeling tense, GaiaKids® Calm Support may be able to help them relax and maintain a peaceful day.* Developed by a Pediatric Naturopath, this great-tasting liquid extract features a blend of calming herbs with long traditions of use, including American Skullcap, California Poppy, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and Vervain.*
Herbs to Help Maintain Focus*
Do you have a child who just can't seem to pay attention? It's a common problem that affects many kids, and even more so with remote learning situations. Our doctor-formulated GaiaKids® Focus offers great tasting support for cognitive function.* It features Gotu Kola, a regenerative nervine herb traditionally used for mental focus, combined with a blend of other gentle relaxing herbs such as American Skullcap, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and Oats to help maintain concentration.*
Herbs to Help the Occasionally Upset Stomach*
If your little one is suffering from an upset stomach, they probably aren’t going to make it to school in the first place, let alone learn while they’re there. When your child experiences an unsettled stomach, turn to our doctor-formulated GaiaKids® Tummy Tonic.* This delicious formula was developed using traditional herbal wisdom and contains a blend of soothing herbs such as Catnip, Chamomile, Fennel, Ginger, Spearmint, and Lemon Balm to help calm an upset or distressed stomach and support comfortable digestion.*
Herbs to Support Immune Health All Year Long*
As a parent, keeping your children healthy is one of your most important yet challenging goals. They’re exposed to so much at school, and their health impacts your health—because their needs frequently take priority. Help your children stay well throughout the school year with our Black Elderberry products.*
Black Elderberries are tiny but mighty and have been used for centuries for their immune-supporting properties.* Though traditional herbalists didn't know it then, these small, dark berries are rich in constituents called polyphenols, antioxidants that can support the immune system.*
Our best-selling GaiaKids® Black Elderberry Syrup is made with only organic Black Elderberries that are fresh-pressed shortly after harvest, and is lightly sweetened with honey for a taste kids love.* Our organic Kids Daily Black Elderberry Gummies taste great, too, and offer serious immune support in a fun format.*
Another popular choice for daily immune support to help your children stay feeling well all year round is GaiaKids® Echinacea Supreme.* This doctor-formulated liquid extract contains a harmonious blend of Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia grown on our own Certified Organic farm. The combination of these two specific varieties of Echinacea is known to support the body's immune defenses.*
Herbs to Help When They Need It Most*
Every parent dreads hearing the words, “I don’t feel good.” When your child is not feeling well, it can affect the entire household. GaiaKids® KidsDefense® provides great-tasting, doctor-formulated support for a healthy immune response.* This formula is made with Black Elderberry, Ginger, Bayberry, Irish Moss, Echinacea, and Marshmallow.*
GaiaKids® Bronchial Wellness Syrup is another great herbal option that can help keep your child's throat feeling well.* Made with a comforting blend including Plantain leaf, Eucalyptus, Grindelia, Helichrysum, and soothing honey, this Certified Organic syrup is designed to support your little one’s overall throat and lung health.*
And for support to help your children stay breathing easy, count on our doctor-formulated Sinus Support and its harmonious blend of Black Elderberry, Anise, Fenugreek, and Thyme.*
Natural Herbal Support Parents Can Feel Confident About
Many of the formulas in our GaiaKids® line were developed by Dr. Mary Bove, a well-respected Pediatric Naturopath and the author of An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children & Infants. Our entire GaiaKids line provides natural plant-based support that you can feel good about giving to your kids. We do not use any artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, colors, or added flavors in our herbal extracts and our formulas are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free. And as a reflection of our commitment to protecting the planet, our entire GaiaKids line uses eco-friendly, recyclable glass for its packaging.
New School Year, New Possibilities
It's the beginning of a new school year, full of challenges and possibilities. As you shop for backpacks and lunch bags and pens and pencils, consider adding herbal supplements to your children’s essential school supply lists, too, so the support they need is always within reach. Choosing the right herb or combination of herbs can help your kids feel their best and do their best, both in and out of the classroom.*
"Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world." —Malala Yousafzai