Herbal traditions have used these plants for centuries, but we like to go a step further and look at what modern research actually shows — especially important when a blend is meant for the whole family, including little ones. Below are six herbs in our Kids loose leaf blend, chosen for their gentle support of immunity, digestion, and calm, along with a plain-language look at the research behind each one.
Elder Flower (Sambucus nigra Flos) — for immunity support
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials found that elderberry supplementation substantially reduces the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms like colds. Elder flowers specifically have long been used in European herbal tradition as a gentle remedy for the early stages of a cold, valued for encouraging a mild sweat and supporting the body's natural defenses — a softer, tea-based counterpart to the more concentrated berry extracts used in most clinical trials. 🔗 Meta-analysis (PubMed)
Linden Flower (Tilia) — for calming
Pharmacological research on linden inflorescences found a genuine, dose-dependent anxiolytic and sedative effect, with the flavonoids quercetin, rutin, and isoquercitrin identified as responsible, working through the same calming GABA and serotonin pathways targeted by many conventional calming remedies. Linden has a long European tradition as a gentle bedtime tea for both children and adults, valued for its mild, pleasant taste alongside its calming reputation. 🔗 Anxiolytic/sedative mechanism study (PubMed)
An important safety note on linden specifically: dried linden flowers have been found to occasionally carry Clostridium botulinum spores, the bacteria responsible for infant botulism. For this reason, herbal teas containing linden flower — like honey — should never be given to infants under 12 months old. This blend is intended for older children and the wider family, not infants.
Mint (Mentha) — for gentle digestion
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 42 children with irritable bowel syndrome, an enteric-coated peppermint oil capsule reduced abdominal pain severity in 75% of children who received it. Mint tea itself has a much longer, gentler history as an after-meal digestive aid for occasional tummy discomfort and gas. 🔗 Pediatric IBS trial (PubMed)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) — for calming and gentle digestion
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 88 breastfed colicky infants, a standardized herbal extract containing lemon balm alongside chamomile and fennel significantly reduced daily crying time compared to placebo, from over 200 minutes a day down to under 80 minutes by the end of the study. Lemon balm's traditional reputation as a calming digestive herb for children is also supported by open studies showing combination lemon balm preparations improve restlessness and sleep difficulties in children under 12. 🔗 Infant colic clinical trial
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) — for calming and gentle digestion
In a classic double-blind clinical trial in 68 colicky infants, a chamomile-based herbal tea preparation effectively relieved colic symptoms in 57% of infants, compared to just 26% given a placebo tea. Chamomile has one of the longest and best-documented traditions of any herb for soothing an upset tummy and settling a fussy, overtired child before bed. 🔗 Infant colic clinical trial (PubMed)
Daisy (Bellis perennis) — for gentle immune and digestive support
Bellis perennis has a long traditional use for mild throat and digestive complaints in European folk medicine, and laboratory testing confirmed that extracts of daisy flowers are active against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, two bacteria commonly associated with childhood throat infections. Separately, daisy's aqueous extract was shown to have meaningful antioxidant activity, supporting its long-standing gentle, protective reputation in traditional children's remedies. 🔗 Antibacterial screening study
Why This Matters
Each of these herbs has a long tradition of gentle, everyday use specifically with children, and several have genuine pediatric clinical trial evidence behind them — most notably lemon balm and chamomile, both studied directly in colicky infants with real reductions in crying time. We combine them because their documented modes of action support a child's wellbeing from several gentle angles: easing occasional tummy troubles, calming an overtired or fussy mood, and giving the immune system a gentle helping hand during the sniffly season — all in a mild, pleasant-tasting tea the whole family can share.
This post is for educational purposes and summarizes existing scientific literature. It is not medical advice, and our blend is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your child's pediatrician before introducing any herbal tea, especially for infants under 12 months, children with known allergies (chamomile and daisy belong to the ragweed/daisy plant family and may trigger a reaction in children allergic to that family), or children taking prescribed medication.