DaVIP Natural Remedies Library

Part used or form

Fruit pulp and juice of an Amazonian palm

Also called

Açaí · Açaí berry · Assai

Children

Acai as a food is a food; acai supplements are not a children's remedy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally mashed into a thick pulp and eaten with meals; modern forms are juice, frozen pulp, powder and capsules.

Part used or form

Firm finger or band pressure on traditional points — no needles

Also called

Pressure points · Sea-band wristbands · Tui na pressure work

Children

Gentle pressure is low risk; travel-sickness bands are commonly sold for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Some points are traditionally avoided in pregnancy — ask a midwife or a practitioner experienced in prenatal work.

How it was traditionally prepared

Part of Chinese and Japanese bodywork traditions such as tui na and shiatsu, long practised without needles.

Part used or form

Very thin needles placed at specific body points by a trained practitioner

Also called

Needling · Zhen jiu

Children

Only with a practitioner experienced with children, and with a parent's consent.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Some practitioners work with pregnancy; tell them you are pregnant. Ask a midwife first.

How it was traditionally prepared

Practised for over two thousand years in China, historically with metal needles and detailed point systems.

Part used or form

Dried fruiting body, taken as powder, capsule or extract

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Agaricus subrufescens · Himematsutake · Sun mushroom · Cogumelo do sol

Children

Not established as safe in children and not recommended for them.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not studied for pregnancy or breastfeeding safety, so it is best avoided in both.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried and ground into powder or capsules; historically brewed as a folk tea in Brazil before becoming a manufactured supplement.

Part used or form

Dried unripe berries, whole or ground

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Pimento · Jamaica pepper

Children

Fine as a food seasoning. Concentrated allspice oil is not appropriate for children. Talk with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using it as a supplement or concentrated extract.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary use as a food seasoning is common. Talk with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using it as a supplement or concentrated extract.

How it was traditionally prepared

Whole dried berries added to stews, marinades, baked goods and mulled drinks, or ground into spice blends.

Part used or form

Whole nut — raw, roasted, or as a spread or milk

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Almond nuts · Raw almonds · Roasted almonds

Children

Whole almonds are a choking hazard for young children; smooth almond butter thinned into food is the safer form. Tree nut allergy can be serious — introduce new nut foods with a pediatrician's guidance if there is any family history of food allergy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary food for most pregnant people without a nut allergy; no special restriction is described in general nutrition guidance.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten raw or roasted, ground into almond butter or flour, or soaked and blended into almond milk.

Part used or form

Clear gel from the inner leaf, applied to the skin

How it is used

On the skin

Also called

Aloe vera gel · Aloe leaf gel

Children

Topical aloe gel is commonly used on children's minor sunburn; keep it away from open wounds and eyes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Topical use on intact skin is generally considered low risk; this does not apply to swallowed aloe products.

How it was traditionally prepared

Fresh leaf split open and the inner gel rubbed directly onto skin, or a stabilized commercial gel.

Part used or form

Clear leaf gel (topical) and dried leaf latex (oral)

Also called

Aloe · Burn plant · Lily of the desert

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Oral aloe is generally advised against in pregnancy. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

The cut leaf was traditionally split and the clear gel wiped directly onto skin; the bitter yellow latex was dried and swallowed as a purgative.

Part used or form

Dried or fresh fruit, fruit powder

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Indian gooseberry · Emblica officinalis · Amalaki

Children

Amla fruit is eaten as a food in some cultures, but concentrated supplements are not advised for children without a pediatrician's guidance.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Amla as a food is generally fine; concentrated supplement extracts have not been well studied in pregnancy. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Fresh or dried fruit was traditionally eaten, pickled, pressed for juice, or dried and powdered for inclusion in herbal blends such as triphala.

Part used or form

Dried aerial parts (leaf and stem)

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

King of bitters · Kalmegh

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There are concerns it may affect fertility or pregnancy.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally the bitter dried leaf and stem were simmered into a decoction or ground into a bitter powder.

Part used or form

Dried root

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Garden angelica · Wild celery · Archangel root

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried root was traditionally simmered into a bitter decoction, steeped in wine or liqueur, or chewed in small pieces.

Part used or form

Dried seed

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Aniseed · Pimpinella anisum

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried seeds were traditionally crushed and steeped as tea, chewed after meals, or infused into cough syrups.

Part used or form

Fermented apple juice, used as a liquid or diluted drink

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

ACV · Cider vinegar

Children

Undiluted vinegar is harsh on a child's mouth and throat; there is no established reason for a child to drink it as a remedy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary vinegar used in cooking or dressings is fine; there is no established reason to drink concentrated vinegar during pregnancy, and it should be avoided undiluted like anyone else.

How it was traditionally prepared

Made by fermenting apple juice first into alcohol and then into acetic acid; used undiluted in cooking or diluted in water as a folk drink.

Part used or form

Whole fruit, raw or cooked, with or without skin

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Apple

Children

Serve to young children as thin slices, cooked, or grated rather than whole or in large chunks, and remove the core and seeds. Whole raw apple is a common choking hazard in toddlers.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary food during pregnancy; wash the skin well and there is no established restriction.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten raw, baked, stewed into sauce, dried into rings, or pressed into juice or cider.

Part used or form

Fresh or dried fruit (not the seed/kernel, which is a separate, unsafe product covered under safety notes)

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Apricot · Dried apricots

Children

Fresh or dried apricot flesh, pitted and cut small, is fine for most children; apricot pits/kernels must never be given to a child.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary apricot flesh as food is fine during pregnancy; apricot kernels should be avoided by everyone, pregnant or not.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten fresh, dried, or stewed into preserves; kernels historically pressed for oil in some regions but not eaten as food.

Part used or form

Dried flower head, used topically as gel, cream or diluted tincture

How it is used

On the skin

Also called

Leopard's bane · Mountain tobacco

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Topical use has not been well studied in pregnancy; oral use is not advised. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried flower heads were traditionally infused in alcohol to make a tincture that was diluted before being rubbed on unbroken skin, or made into a salve.

Part used or form

Inhaled or diluted-topical plant essential oils

Also called

Essential oil therapy · Diffused oils · Inhaled aromatics

Children

Essential oils are a leading cause of household poisonings in small children, and menthol or eucalyptus oils must never be applied near a young child's face.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a midwife which oils to avoid; keep exposure light.

How it was traditionally prepared

Resins and aromatic woods were burned as incense; distillation of essential oils spread from the medieval Islamic world into Europe.

Part used or form

Guided drawing, painting or other visual art-making with a trained art therapist

How it is used

Whole-body practice — guided creative sessions with a trained therapist

Also called

Creative arts therapy · Expressive arts therapy

Children

Art therapy is commonly and safely used with children to help express feelings they may struggle to put into words.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Generally considered safe as a supportive, low-risk activity.

How it was traditionally prepared

Emerged as a distinct clinical profession in the mid-20th century, drawing on much longer traditions of art-making for reflection and healing.

Part used or form

Dried leaf extract

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Globe artichoke

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried leaves were traditionally steeped as a bitter infusion or pressed for juice before modern standardized extracts existed.

Part used or form

Dried resin from the plant's root, sold as a pungent powder

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Hing · Devil's dung

Children

Used in tiny culinary pinches in some traditional infant and toddler food remedies, but this is not medically established; check with the child's doctor first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Traditionally avoided in larger amounts during pregnancy in some South Asian practice; Talk with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using it as a supplement or concentrated extract.

How it was traditionally prepared

A pinch of the powdered resin fried in oil at the start of cooking lentils, vegetables or pickles.

Part used or form

Root, sometimes leaf

Also called

Indian ginseng · Winter cherry

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Traditionally avoided in pregnancy. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Classically the dried root was powdered and taken in warm milk or ghee; today it is sold as capsules, powders and extracts.

Part used or form

Root

Also called

Korean ginseng · Panax ginseng · Red ginseng

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally simmered as a decoction, steamed and dried as 'red ginseng', or sliced into soups and teas.

Part used or form

Root

Also called

Huang qi · Milk vetch

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally simmered as a decoction or added as dried slices to soup.

Part used or form

Fruit flesh — eaten fresh, mashed, or in oil form

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Alligator pear

Children

Mashed avocado is a common early food for babies and children; no special restriction beyond usual allergy awareness.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary food, commonly recommended as a source of healthy fat and folate during pregnancy.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten fresh mashed or sliced, blended into sauces and dips, or pressed into oil.

Part used or form

A broader diagnostic and treatment system combining herbal formulas, diet, bodywork, yoga and lifestyle guidance

How it is used

Whole-body practice and system of care, combining multiple therapies

Also called

Ayurveda

Children

Heavy-metal contamination risks make unregulated Ayurvedic herbal products particularly unsuitable for children without a qualified physician's involvement.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid unregulated Ayurvedic herbal-metal formulas entirely in pregnancy because of documented heavy-metal contamination risk; discuss any Ayurvedic treatment with an obstetric provider first.

Historical and cultural background

One of the world's oldest documented medical systems, deeply tied to Indian cultural and philosophical history; described here respectfully as a tradition, not as scientifically validated in the way conventional medicine is validated.

How it was traditionally prepared

Ayurveda's classical texts date back roughly 3,000 years in the Indian subcontinent and remain part of both traditional and, in India, formally regulated healthcare today.

Part used or form

Dried whole plant or leaf extract

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Brahmi · Water hyssop

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally the fresh or dried plant was made into a paste, juice, or simmered decoction taken as part of a daily Ayurvedic regimen.

Part used or form

Whole ripe fruit

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Banana · Plantain (cooking relative)

Children

A very common and easy first fruit for infants once solids are introduced; mash or slice thinly for younger children to reduce choking risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary food during pregnancy with no established restriction; its potassium content is part of normal healthy eating.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten raw and ripe, mashed for infants, or cooked (as with plantains) in savory dishes.

Part used or form

Dried fruit pulp, made into a powder

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Monkey bread tree fruit · Adansonia

Children

Baobab pulp is eaten as a food by children in the regions where it grows; concentrated supplement powders are not a children's remedy without a doctor's advice.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Food-amount use is common in traditional diets; treat concentrated supplement forms with the same caution as any new supplement. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Historical and cultural background

Baobab has been a staple wild food and household remedy across West, East and Southern Africa for centuries, with documented traditional uses recorded across many ethnic groups; long use in these communities reflects its place as a dietary staple, not proof that it treats disease.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally the dried, powdery pulp was scraped from the hard shell and stirred into water, milk or porridge; the leaves and seeds have separate traditional food and medicinal uses.

Part used or form

Dried root bark or berries

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Berberis

Children

Not for infants or young children; berberine-type compounds have been linked to a serious newborn risk. Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Root bark was traditionally simmered into a decoction; berries were dried, made into preserves, or used to add tartness to dishes.

Part used or form

Whole grain — cooked as a side, in soups, or milled into flour

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Pearl barley · Hulled barley

Children

Cooked barley is an ordinary grain food for children without celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary whole-grain food.

How it was traditionally prepared

Simmered whole or pearled in soups and stews, cooked as a porridge, or ground into flour for bread.

Part used or form

Thick, occlusive ointments (such as plain petrolatum-type products) applied over damp skin

How it is used

On the skin

Also called

Occlusive moisturizer routine · Petrolatum-based barrier care

Children

Plain, fragrance-free ointments are commonly used on children's dry or chapped skin; check with a pediatrician if cracking is severe or not improving.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Plain occlusive moisturizers are generally considered safe in pregnancy.

How it was traditionally prepared

Thick petroleum-jelly-type and lanolin-type ointments have been used since the 19th century as simple, effective barrier moisturizers, typically applied right after washing while skin is still damp.

Part used or form

Dried whole leaf

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Bay laurel · Laurel leaf

Children

Always remove whole bay leaves from a dish before serving to children, to avoid a choking or throat injury.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary culinary use in cooked dishes, with the leaf removed before eating, is common.

How it was traditionally prepared

A whole dried leaf added to simmering soups, stews and rice, and removed before the dish is served.

Part used or form

Granules collected from beehives

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Bee bread

Children

Honey-bee products including bee pollen carry an allergy risk; ask the child's doctor first. Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Collected directly from hive traps and traditionally eaten as granules or stirred into honey or food.

Part used or form

Root, eaten or juiced

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Beet · Beet juice

Children

Beetroot as a food is fine for most children; juice concentrates and supplements are not necessary for children. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Beets as food are commonly eaten in pregnancy; large amounts of concentrated juice or supplements should be discussed with a provider. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally boiled, roasted or pickled as a root vegetable, or pressed into juice.

Part used or form

Compound extracted from plants such as goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape

How it is used

By mouth

Children

Not for infants, and not a children's supplement generally. Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding because of documented newborn risk. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Historically taken as part of whole-plant preparations like goldenseal or barberry root decoctions rather than as an isolated compound.

Part used or form

Fresh or frozen fruit — strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and others eaten together

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Mixed berries · Berry medley

Children

Ordinary food for children; cut larger berries for toddlers to reduce choking risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary food; wash fresh berries well as part of general food-safety practice in pregnancy.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten fresh, frozen and thawed, stewed, or preserved as jam.

Part used or form

Fruit and leaf

Also called

European blueberry · Whortleberry

Children

The berry is a food; supplements are not a children's remedy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten fresh or dried, brewed as a tea from fruit or leaves, made into jam.

Part used or form

Sensors that display real-time body signals (such as heart rate or muscle tension) while a person practices relaxation techniques

How it is used

Whole-body practice — sensor-guided training sessions

Also called

Biofeedback training · Neurofeedback (a specific type)

Children

Used safely with children, for example for headache or elimination-related concerns, under trained clinician guidance.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Generally considered safe as a non-invasive relaxation and self-regulation tool.

How it was traditionally prepared

Developed from physiological research in the 1960s and 1970s using early electronic monitoring equipment; modern versions use computers and simple sensors.

Part used or form

Dried leaf (bark used topically and for tar/oil in the past)

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Betula · White birch · Birch bark

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Fresh or dried leaves were traditionally steeped as a tea, sometimes as part of a seasonal 'cleansing' regimen.

Part used or form

Peel and unripe fruit

Also called

Seville orange · Zhi shi · Synephrine source

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid supplement forms. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

The dried peel has long been used in cooking and in Chinese herbal formulas; concentrated extracts in pills are a modern invention.

Part used or form

Dried or canned seed (legume), cooked

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Turtle beans · Frijoles negros

Children

Well-cooked, mashed beans are appropriate for young children; always ensure beans are fully cooked and soft.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

A nutritious plant protein and fiber source during pregnancy as part of a balanced diet; no special restriction described in general nutrition guidance.

How it was traditionally prepared

Soaked and simmered whole in stews, soups and rice dishes, or mashed and refried.

Part used or form

Root and rhizome

Also called

Black snakeroot · Macrotys · Rattleweed

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not recommended in pregnancy. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

The dried root was traditionally simmered as a decoction or tinctured in alcohol.

Part used or form

Dried, ground or whole peppercorns

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Peppercorn · Piperine

Children

Ordinary seasoning is fine; concentrated piperine supplements are not advised for children without medical guidance.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary culinary use is common. Concentrated supplements are not advised. Talk with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using it as a supplement or concentrated extract.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried peppercorns ground fresh or used whole in cooking, and traditionally mixed with honey for a sore throat.

Part used or form

Seeds and pressed seed oil

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Nigella sativa · Black cumin · Kalonji

Children

Culinary use in cooking is common in many families; concentrated supplements are not established for children. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally the whole seeds were toasted and sprinkled on bread and dishes, or pressed for oil used in traditional remedies.

Part used or form

Fully oxidized tea leaves steeped in hot water

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

English breakfast tea · Ceylon tea · Chai base tea

Children

Black tea contains caffeine and is not recommended as a regular drink for young children; strong tea in quantity can affect sleep and iron absorption in children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Caffeine is generally advised to be limited in pregnancy; black tea's caffeine content counts toward that daily total.

How it was traditionally prepared

Leaves withered, rolled, fully oxidized and dried, then steeped in hot water, often with milk and sugar or spices for chai.

Part used or form

Dried seaweed thallus

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Sea kelp · Brown kelp seaweed · Sea wrack

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding; excess iodine can affect a baby's thyroid. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried seaweed was traditionally steeped as a tea, powdered into capsules, or applied as a topical poultice for joints.

Part used or form

Dried aerial parts (leaf and flower)

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Holy thistle

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Traditionally used while breastfeeding, but this has not been confirmed by research; not advised during pregnancy itself. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally the dried leaf and flower were steeped as a bitter tea.

Part used or form

Dried root and rhizome

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Papoose root · Squaw root

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

This plant is not something to use in pregnancy for any reason, including to try to influence labor. Documented cases describe serious harm to newborns. Speak with an obstetric provider about labor concerns instead. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Historical accounts describe the dried root being simmered into a decoction, a use this library records as history, not as a technique to repeat.

Part used or form

Fresh or frozen berry, eaten whole

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Wild blueberries

Children

Ordinary food for children; whole blueberries can be a choking hazard for infants and toddlers and are safer halved.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ordinary food.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten fresh, frozen, dried, or cooked into preserves and baked goods.

Part used or form

Cold-pressed seed oil (capsules or topical oil)

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Starflower oil · Borago officinalis oil

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Modern seed oil is cold-pressed and sold in capsules or bottled oil; this is a newer product distinct from the traditional whole-plant infusions once made from the leaf and flower.

Part used or form

Gum resin from the tree trunk

Also called

Frankincense · Indian frankincense · Salai guggal

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Resin tears were burned as incense, chewed, or prepared as extracts in traditional formulas.

Part used or form

Tree nut seed, whole or shelled

How it is used

By mouth

Children

Whole Brazil nuts should not be given to infants and young children because of choking risk. Because of their concentrated and variable selenium content, they are not an appropriate everyday snack food for children to eat freely.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Occasional Brazil nuts are not inherently unsafe in pregnancy for people without a nut allergy, but because selenium content is unpredictable and excess selenium is a real concern, treating them as an everyday snack food is not advisable; a prenatal care provider can advise on overall selenium and supplement intake.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten raw or roasted as a whole nut, or chopped into baked goods and trail mixes.

Part used or form

Slow breathing, muscle relaxation or guided imagery, done anywhere

Also called

Deep breathing · Progressive muscle relaxation · Guided imagery · Box breathing

Children

Simple slow-breathing games are commonly taught to children and are generally safe.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Widely used in childbirth preparation; generally considered safe.

How it was traditionally prepared

Breath control appears in yogic pranayama and in chanting and prayer traditions worldwide.

Part used or form

A guided practice of moving attention slowly through the body while breathing naturally, usually lying down

How it is used

Whole-body practice — usually done lying down with eyes closed

Also called

Body scan meditation · Mindful body scan

Children

Short, simplified body-scan exercises are used in some school-based mindfulness programs and are generally low risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Generally considered safe; use a comfortable side-lying position rather than lying flat on the back in later pregnancy.

How it was traditionally prepared

Rooted in Buddhist mindfulness meditation practices, the body scan was adapted into a standardized secular exercise as part of mindfulness-based stress reduction programs developed in the late 20th century.

Part used or form

Dried yeast flakes or powder

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplement

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Spent brewing yeast was traditionally dried and sold as flakes or powder to be stirred into food or drink.

Part used or form

Young sprouted seedling, eaten raw or lightly cooked

How it is used

By mouth

Children

Raw sprouts are generally not recommended for young children because of the higher risk of foodborne illness; cooked sprouts reduce but do not eliminate this concern.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Raw sprouts, including broccoli sprouts, are commonly advised against during pregnancy because of a higher risk of bacterial foodborne illness; cooking them reduces this risk.

How it was traditionally prepared

Grown from seed for a few days and eaten raw as a garnish or salad topping, or added to cooked dishes.

Part used or form

Enzyme extracted from pineapple stem and fruit

Also called

Pineapple enzyme

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Pineapple flesh and juice were used directly in traditional practice; purified enzyme powders and tablets are modern.

Part used or form

Whole grain (bran and germ intact), cooked

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Whole-grain rice

Children

Cooked, softened brown rice is a suitable food for children; a varied grain diet is reasonable to limit any one food's contribution to trace contaminants.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

An ordinary, nutritious whole grain during pregnancy as part of a varied diet; no special restriction described in general nutrition guidance beyond eating a varied diet.

How it was traditionally prepared

Cooked by boiling or steaming, similarly to white rice but with a longer cooking time.

Part used or form

Whole groat or flour, cooked or baked

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Kasha · Soba flour grain

Children

A suitable grain alternative for children, including those avoiding gluten; cook until soft.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

An ordinary, nutritious food during pregnancy; no special restriction described in general nutrition guidance.

How it was traditionally prepared

Roasted groats (kasha) simmered like rice, or milled into flour for noodles and pancakes.

Part used or form

Parboiled, dried and cracked whole wheat grain, cooked

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Bulgur wheat · Cracked wheat

Children

A suitable whole-grain food for children without wheat allergy or celiac disease; cook until soft for younger children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

An ordinary, nutritious whole grain during pregnancy as part of a balanced diet; no special restriction described in general nutrition guidance.

How it was traditionally prepared

Made by parboiling, drying and cracking whole wheat kernels, then simmered briefly or soaked before eating, as in tabbouleh or pilaf.

Part used or form

Root, eaten as a vegetable or dried for tea

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Gobo · Burr

Children

Burdock root as a cooked vegetable is a food eaten by children in some cuisines; concentrated supplements are not established. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Some traditional sources describe it as stimulating the uterus.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally the fresh root was peeled and simmered or stir-fried as a vegetable, or the dried root was steeped as tea.

Part used or form

Dried root/rhizome extract

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Ruscus aculeatus · Knee holly

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried root was traditionally decocted or powdered; modern products are standardized extracts, often combined with citrus flavonoids.

Part used or form

Root, rhizome and leaf

Also called

Blatterdock · Bog rhubarb · Petasites

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

The root was historically boiled or tinctured in Europe; modern use relies on processed extracts.

Part used or form

Leafy head vegetable, raw or cooked, or fermented

How it is used

By mouth

Children

An appropriate vegetable for children when cooked soft; raw, tough cabbage pieces may be hard for young children to chew safely.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

An ordinary, nutritious vegetable during pregnancy; no special restriction described in general nutrition guidance.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten raw in slaws, cooked in soups and stir-fries, or fermented into sauerkraut or kimchi.

Part used or form

Dried flower heads, used as oil, cream or salve

How it is used

On the skin

Also called

Pot marigold · Marigold

Children

Topical calendula preparations are commonly used on children's minor skin irritation in folk practice; check with a pediatrician for infants. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Topical use is generally considered lower risk than oral use, which is not advised in pregnancy. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried petals were traditionally infused in oil or made into a salve or wash applied directly to the skin.

Part used or form

Flower-infused oil, cream or ointment applied to the skin

How it is used

On the skin

Also called

Pot marigold cream · Calendula ointment

Children

Calendula cream is commonly used on children's minor skin irritation and diaper rash; discontinue if a rash appears.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Topical use on intact skin is generally considered low risk; swallowed calendula preparations are a different matter and are not covered here.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried flower heads infused into oil, then made into salves, creams or ointments.

Part used or form

Cream, gel or patch made from chili pepper extract

How it is used

On the skin

Also called

Chili pepper cream · Capsaicin patch

Children

Not recommended for young children; capsaicin burns are painful and children may rub it into their eyes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Limited safety data on topical use in pregnancy; ask a clinician before use.

How it was traditionally prepared

Historically, crushed chili applied in cloths or infused into fats and oils as a warming rub.

Part used or form

Dried seed (fruit)

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Caraway seed

Children

Caraway as a culinary spice is commonly used in family cooking; concentrated oil supplements are not established for children. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Culinary use is common; concentrated extracts and oils should be discussed with a provider. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally the whole or crushed seeds were chewed after meals or steeped as a tea to ease digestion.

Part used or form

Dried seed pods

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Green cardamom · Elaichi

Children

Cardamom as a culinary spice is used in family cooking across many cultures; concentrated supplements are not established for children. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Culinary use is common in pregnancy; concentrated extracts should be discussed with a provider. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally the whole pods were crushed and simmered in tea or milk, or the seeds chewed directly after meals.

Part used or form

Root vegetable, raw or cooked

How it is used

By mouth

Children

Serve raw carrot grated, thinly sliced, or well-cooked and soft for young children; whole raw carrot sticks and coins are a known choking risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

An ordinary, nutritious vegetable during pregnancy; no special restriction described in general nutrition guidance.

How it was traditionally prepared

Eaten raw, grated, juiced, or cooked in stews, soups and roasted dishes.

Part used or form

Dried, aged bark

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Sacred bark · Rhamnus purshiana

Children

Not advised for children in any form; this is a historical remedy, not a current one.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding; this is a historical remedy, not a current one. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Bark was traditionally aged for at least a year to reduce its harshness, then dried and brewed as a decoction or made into tablets and liquid extracts sold as an over-the-counter laxative.

Part used or form

Tree nut seed, roasted, whole or ground into butter

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Cashew nuts

Children

Whole cashews should not be given to infants and young children because of choking risk; ground or butter forms can be considered from an appropriate age if there is no nut allergy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

An ordinary food during pregnancy for people without a nut allergy; no special restriction described in general nutrition guidance.

How it was traditionally prepared

Roasted and eaten whole as a snack, ground into cashew butter, or blended into sauces and dairy-free creams.

Part used or form

Thick oil pressed from castor beans, applied to skin, sometimes under a warm cloth as a 'castor oil pack'

How it is used

On the skin

Also called

Ricinus oil for skin · Castor oil packs

Children

Patch-test on a small area first. For infants, ask the child's doctor before applying any new product to the skin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Topical use on intact skin is generally considered low risk; swallowing castor oil to try to bring on labor is not advised without direct medical supervision. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before regular use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Castor beans have traditionally been pressed for oil, which is rubbed onto skin or scalp, or warmed and applied under a cloth with heat as a 'pack.'

Part used or form

Inner bark and root of an Amazonian vine

Also called

Uña de gato · Life-giving vine of Peru

Children

Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

The inner bark was traditionally simmered into a long-boiled decoction.

Part used or form

Dried leaf and flower, brewed as tea

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Catmint · Nepeta cataria

Children

Historically given to fussy infants as a folk tea, this is not advised today. Not a children's remedy. Do not give herbal supplements to a child without asking the child's doctor first. This library never gives amounts for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Dried leaf and flower were traditionally steeped as a mild tea, sometimes smoked or made into a poultice for minor skin complaints.

Part used or form

Dried pepper fruit, eaten or taken as capsules

How it is used

By mouth

Also called

Cayenne pepper · Chili pepper · Capsicum

Children

Cayenne as a mild culinary spice is common in family cooking; concentrated capsules are not a children's remedy. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Culinary use is common in pregnancy; concentrated supplements should be discussed with a provider. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How it was traditionally prepared

Traditionally the dried, ground pepper was added to food and drinks, or infused in vinegar or oil as a folk tonic.

Part used or form

Dried seed (fruit) of the celery plant

How it is used

By mouth