We interviewed clinical herbalist Mel Mutterspaugh of the The Herbalist’s Path about safe and practical uses of herbs for children in modern times. You can watch the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to provide your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue viewing the replay.
What Is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is the most ancient form of medicine known to humans. Today, it is used in healing modalities such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopathic medicine, functional medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Parents can work with these kinds of practitioners to help their children heal from symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Ear aches and infections
- Colic
- Coughs and colds
- Lyme disease
- PANS/PANDAS
In This Expert Interview
Mel Mutterspaugh, a clinical herbalist, helped us to answer the following questions:
- Is herbal medicine safe for use in children?
- How should herbs be used and dosed for children?
- What kinds of conditions and symptoms can herbal medicine help with?
- Which herbs can help kids with anxiety?
- Which herbs can help with sleep problems?
- Which herbs can help with gastrointestinal disorders?
- Which herbs can help with ear aches and ear infections?
- Which herbs can help with coughs and colds?
Key Discussions
Rediscovering Everyday Herbal Medicine
Many healing herbs are common “weeds” or culinary plants already around us (like plantain, dandelion, and kitchen herbs) and are often overlooked. Empowering families with this knowledge can make herbal medicine simple, accessible, and sustainable without needing exotic or expensive supplements.
Safe Use of Herbs for Children
Not all herbs are safe for children—individual needs, bio-individuality, and personal health context matter greatly. Start with widely recognized safe herbs (like chamomile, lemon balm, and marshmallow root) and always learn to identify both safe and unsafe plants. When in doubt, consult a knowledgeable herbalist and be cautious about “internet meme herbalism.”
Herbs for Common Childhood Ailments
Herbal remedies can address common issues such as anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, coughs, colds, and ear infections. Examples include using chamomile for anxiety, ginger and marshmallow root for digestion, and garlic/mullein oil for earaches. The best remedies often work by supporting underlying health (like gut health), not just suppressing symptoms.
The Importance of Individualized and Holistic Approaches
Herbal remedies are not “one-size-fits-all.” A good practitioner will look at the whole lifestyle, diet, constitution, and environment, not just symptoms. Herbalism works best when combined with broader holistic health—addressing root causes, not just taking an “herb for every ill.”
Cultivating Herbal Knowledge and Community
There is a renaissance in home herbalism, but good sources and mentoring matter. Families can benefit from trusted resources, local herbalists, books, and community learning (like plant walks). Sharing traditional and scientific herbal knowledge helps restore self-sufficiency and confidence in safe, effective home remedies.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Empowering families through herbal wisdom
10:58 Healing the gut with plantain
16:42 Doctrine of Signatures explained
18:15 Bronchitis helped by lungwort
26:03 Essential oils
33:22 Understanding herbal medicine and misinformation
34:40 Herbal education and remedies
41:39 Herbalism requires commitment, not quick fixes
47:17 Comfrey use: Risks and alternatives
54:37 Adaptogenic herbs for wellness
59:55 Sustainable slippery elm alternatives
01:03:22 Herbs for coughs and colds
01:06:19 Rest and immunity boosters
01:15:52 Constipation remedies and prevention tips
01:20:50 Herbal popsicles for kids
01:26:51 Advanced herbal remedies program
01:28:00 Boosting immunity naturally
01:33:38 Linden tree: Nature’s calming hug
01:39:18 Marshmallow root for acid reflux
01:44:50 Herbalist’s Path podcast and offers
About Mel Mutterspaugh
Mel Mutterspaugh has spent over 20 years learning from plants, with plants, for plants—and it’s been a wonderfully wild ride! From running her own herbal product line that was sold in major health food stores & even outdoor stores like REI, to training under the legends of herbal medicine, she has lived and breathed this world.
Her journey down this herbalist’s path began when she was a backpacking guide and wilderness therapist, always finding herself happiest outside, connected to nature.
Now, living in the mountains of Oregon, she has combined her love for nature and herbs into a mission: empowering moms to care for their families with herbal remedies that are not only safe and effective but also rooted in the deep wisdom of plants.
Whether you’re caring for your family or even your community, she is here to guide you every step of the way—making herbal medicine simple, accessible, and most of all, powerful. You can learn more about her and her work at her website: https://www.theherbalistspath.com/
Disclaimer
This expert interview is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Documenting Hope has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this expert interview.
Still Looking for Answers?
Visit the Documenting Hope Practitioner Directory to find a practitioner near you.
Join us inside our online membership community for parents, Healing Together, where you’ll find even more healing resources, expert guidance, and a community to support you every step of your child’s healing journey.
Sources & References
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Resources
Books
Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Healing Lyme: Natural Healing of Lyme Borreliosis and the Coinfections Chlamydia and Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis. Raven Press, 2015.
Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Herbal Antibiotics, 2nd Edition: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-resistant Bacteria. Storey Publishing, 2012.
Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Viral Infections. Storey Publishing, 2013.
Candee, Andrea, et al. Gentle Healing for Baby and Child: A Parent's Guide to Child-Friendly Herbs and Other Natural Remedies for Common Ailments and Injuries. Gallery Books, 2003.
Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbs for Children's Health: How to Make and Use Gentle Herbal Remedies for Soothing Common Ailments. Storey Publishing, 2015.
Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbs for Stress & Anxiety: How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies to Strengthen the Nervous System. Storey Publishing, 2014.
Hoffmann, David. The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies. Element Books Ltd., 1996.
McIntyre, Anne. The Herbal for Mother and Child. Thorsons, 2003.
Payeur, Jennifer. Ancient Plant Wisdom: How to Improve and Maintain Your Health Using Concentrated Plant Stem Cell Remedies. Gatekeeper Press, 2025.
Rawls, Bill. The Cellular Wellness Solution: Tap Into Your Full Health Potential with the Science-Backed Power of Herbs. Vital Plan, Inc., 2022.
