In Nature’s Choice, we have noticed a large increase in the number of parents seeking help and advice about children suffering from worry, anxiety and panic attacks.

Anxiety is rife among us, and unfortunately our children are not exempt.

Young children are very sensitive to any change in their environment and may easily become unsettled, distressed and anxious.

Starting school, a change of teacher, a family bereavement, the loss of a family pet, the arrival of a new sibling, feeling upset at home or at school, or moving house, may all be causes for anxiety in a young person’s life.

When we feel stressed or anxious, our body responds as if we are under attack, resulting is a surge of adrenaline.

In adults, this can result in heart palpitations, sweating and a shortness of breath.

Stress and anxiety in young children however often presents itself in different ways.

Tummy pain, irritability, temper tantrums, constant squabbling, bed wetting and insomnia may be signs that all is not well in the life of a young child.

A more timid child may become withdrawn, quiet, disinterested and tired when suffering from inner turmoil.

When children are 12 years and over, they are old enough to take adult supplements, and there is therefore more for us to choose from when offering help. When children are under 12 years, the choice is more restricted, but nonetheless help still does exist.

Avena Sativa is a herb with a long traditional use in herbal medicine as a tonic for the nervous system.

It is derived from the seeds of oats and contains compounds that are both soothing and sedative to the brain and nervous system.

Avena Sativa is a powerful nerve restorative and has been used for a long time to treat those suffering from nervous and emotional exhaustion.

With the increase in stress and anxiety associated with modern day living, we have come to appreciate the almost immediate action of Avena Sativa.

It exerts a very calming effect on the nervous system and quickly restores a sense of peace and an ability to cope.

It is excellent in helping to treat anxiety and insomnia in both adults and children.

In Nature’s Choice, we have recommended Avena Sativa for many years for children who have become stressed and anxious when undergoing the transfer process, with very positive results.

Parents have told us their child has become more settled when taking the herb and they get to sleep more easily.

This demonstrates how effective and beneficial Avena Sativa might be for children during any time of change, turbulence and difficulty in their lives.

Avena Sativa may also be useful for hyperactive children and children with learning difficulties such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Studies report that not only do children become more settled and relaxed within themselves, but they also benefit from better focus and concentration.

Avena Sativa is a very safe herb to take, it has no known drug interactions, and can be safely given to children from two years onwards.

The herb comes in tincture form and you can give your child one drop per year of age in water three times per day. Save the last dose for bedtime if insomnia or bed wetting are an issue.

Flower essences are used for emotional health and are often formulated in combination for a particular emotional need.

Child Essence is a combination of flower essences combined specifically to exert a calming effect on nervous children, helping them to relax and feel more at ease in whatever situation may be causing them to feel stress.

It is safe for children from two years up and it has no drug interactions. Child Essence is given in water and should be given first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and several times during the day.

The more a child is given Child Essence, the more likely it is to produce a good result quickly.

Child Essence is a useful adjunct to Avena Sativa for treating anxiety in children. Avena Sativa works on the physical symptoms caused in response to anxiety, while Child Essence works on the underlying psychological and emotional issues that cause a child to feel anxious.

This combination of herb and flower essence often helps to restore a greater sense of inner calm and peace to children in their time of need.

 

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