Is it good for children to drink traditional Chinese medicine to regulate their bodies

It is usually feasible for children to drink traditional Chinese medicine to regulate their body under the guidance of a doctor, but it should be chosen reasonably based on their constitution and symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine regulation may involve different directions such as strengthening the spleen and reducing food intake, nourishing qi and stabilizing the surface, nourishing yin and clearing heat. Common medicinal herbs include Taizishen, Poria cocos, Yam, Astragalus membranaceus, Ophiopogon japonicus, etc. Children's organs are delicate, and medication should follow the principles of light dosage and balanced properties, avoiding long-term or excessive use.

1. Strengthening the spleen and reducing digestion

Weakness of the spleen and stomach can easily lead to loss of appetite and indigestion. Medicinal herbs such as ginseng, Poria cocos, and yam can be used in combination. Tai Zi Shen tonifies qi and spleen, Fu Ling promotes diuresis and dampness, and yam nourishes spleen and stomach, suitable for children with poor appetite and loose stools. This type of prescription should be avoided from being taken with raw or cold foods, and should not be used continuously for more than two weeks.

2. Nourishing Qi and Strengthening the Surface

Children with recurrent colds and excessive sweating can choose medicinal herbs such as Huangqi, atractylodes macrocephala, and Fangfeng. Huangqi replenishes qi and promotes yang, Atractylodes macrocephala strengthens spleen and dries dampness, prevents wind and dispells wind, and can enhance external defense function. During the period of taking, it is necessary to observe whether the internal heat has worsened. Those with yin deficiency and excessive fire should use it with caution.

3. Nourishing Yin and Clearing Heat

Children with hand, foot, heart heat, and night sweats are suitable for nourishing Yin herbs such as Ophiopogon japonicus, Shengdi, and Zhimu. Ophiopogon japonicus nourishes yin and generates fluids, clears heat and cools blood in the raw land, and nourishes yin by promoting diuresis. It can alleviate symptoms of deficiency heat. People with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold need to combine warm Chinese medicinal herbs to avoid damaging yang qi.

Fourth, calm the mind and regulate the body.

Children who have restless sleep and are prone to palpitations can choose calming medicinal herbs such as sour jujube kernels, yuanzhi, and baizi kernels. Suanzaoren nourishes the heart and soothes the mind, expands the mind and resolves phlegm, while Baiziren moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movements, making it suitable for the type of heart and spleen deficiency syndrome. The effect is better when taken at night, but it should not be used together with stimulating foods.

Fifth, expectorant and cough suppressant

For cough caused by excessive phlegm, medicinal herbs such as almonds, Fritillaria thunbergii, and loquat leaves can be used to reduce phlegm. Almonds lower qi and relieve cough, Fritillaria thunbergii clears heat and phlegm, loquat leaves clear the lungs and stomach, suitable for cough caused by external infection or food accumulation. Wind cold cough requires the combination of ginger, perilla and other warm and detoxifying surface medicines.

Parents should closely monitor the reactions of children taking traditional Chinese medicine. If there is a decrease in appetite, diarrhea, or rash, it should be stopped immediately. During the recuperation period, keep the diet light, and add some digestible foods such as yam Congee and pumpkin soup to avoid cold and greasy food. Combined with pediatric massage techniques such as spine massage and abdominal massage, the effect can be enhanced. It is recommended to seek treatment based on syndrome differentiation in formal traditional Chinese medicine institutions, and not to self mix medicinal herbs. Follow up every two weeks to adjust the prescription.