Can children drink traditional Chinese medicine at the age of 10

10-year-old children can generally take traditional Chinese medicine under the guidance of a doctor, but they need to strictly follow the doctor's advice to adjust the dosage and course of treatment. Children's medication needs to consider factors such as physical differences, contraindications to drug compatibility, spleen and stomach tolerance, growth and development characteristics, and accuracy of syndrome differentiation.

1. Differences in physical constitution

There are significant differences in physical constitution between children and adults, with delicate organs and insufficient Qi and blood. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that children belong to the body of young yin and young yang, and some traditional Chinese medicines containing ingredients such as Daxin, Dahe, or bitter cold may damage the vital energy. If Ma Huang has strong sweating ability, it may consume body fluids, and excessive Huanglian can easily damage the spleen and stomach yang qi. Personalized prescription should be formulated based on the combination of the four diagnostic methods to determine the type of physical constitution.

2. Contraindications for drug compatibility

Children's traditional Chinese medicine compatibility should avoid contraindications such as "18+19+18" and "19+19", while also paying attention to reducing toxicity and increasing efficacy. Both Asarum and Resveratrol are incompatible, while Poria cocos combined with atractylodes macrocephala can enhance the effect of invigorating the spleen and removing dampness. Classic pediatric formulas such as Liujunzi Tang achieve mild conditioning through the scientific combination of ginseng, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, and other medicines.

3. Spleen and stomach tolerance

Children have weaker spleen and stomach transport function, and should choose a dosage form that is gentle in nature and easy to absorb. Soup can be flavored with licorice, jujube, and other ingredients, and water honey pills should be used instead of large honey pills. For bitter and cold medicines that are prone to vomiting, the method of taking small amounts multiple times or combining with ginger juice can be used to reduce stomach reflux.

4. Characteristics of Growth and Development

Some traditional Chinese medicines may affect the growth and development of children, such as cinnabar and realgar containing heavy metals, which should be prohibited. Tonifying drugs containing hormone like substances should be used with caution. The commonly used formulas for treating enuresis, such as Sangqiaosan, require adjusting the proportion of mineral medicines such as oysters and dragon bones according to age to avoid excessive intake that may affect bone development.

5. Accuracy of Syndrome Differentiation

Accurate syndrome differentiation is a prerequisite for the safety of pediatric medication. If a child has an external fever, it is necessary to distinguish between wind, cold, and heat. For wind and cold, Jing Fang Du San can be modified, while for wind and heat, Yin Qiao San should be selected. Incorrect differentiation of syndromes may lead to worsening of the condition. It is recommended to choose a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner with pediatric qualifications for face-to-face consultation. During the period when children take traditional Chinese medicine, parents should observe for adverse reactions such as decreased appetite and rash, and avoid taking it with cold drinks or greasy foods. It can be combined with pediatric massage acupoints such as spine massage and foot massage to enhance the efficacy. Daily diet should be light and easy to digest, ensuring sufficient sleep helps with drug absorption. If symptoms such as diarrhea and drowsiness occur after taking medication, stop immediately and seek medical attention. It is suggested that traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations for children should be selected preferentially, such as the clinically verified preparations such as Xiaoer Feiqiao Qingre Granule.