Children's constipation almost always responds to dietary change. Strong stimulant anthraquinone laxatives should be avoided with children. Breast-fed babies rarely experience constipation and may normally have bowel movements as infrequently as once in seven days. Treatment is indicated for painful passage of stools, inability to pass stools, or bowel movements occurring less than once in four days.

For diarrhea, astringent herbs like meadowsweet are particularly suitable. Seek medical attention for blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. For indigestion, palatable carminatives are key — if children don't like the medicine, they won't take it. Nausea responds readily to peppermint tea or ginger. A fennel and orange peel decoction makes an excellent digestive tea for children.

Many effective and safe herbal approaches to respiratory problems in children are recognized worldwide. Whether acute infections like bronchitis or immune issues like asthma and hay fever, herbal therapy makes a particularly valuable contribution. Licorice root lollipops are a tasty and effective treatment for hoarseness and sore throats.

Otitis media is one of the most common early childhood diseases, resulting from eustachian tube problems. Impaired drainage causes negative pressure in the middle ear, drawing in bacteria. Unfortunately, many pediatricians prescribe antibiotics based on a slightly red tympanic membrane. Key herbal actions include antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and lymphatic tonics. Warm mullein flower oil in the ear serves as an effective topical anti-inflammatory.