Children Dosage

When using alcohol-based tinctures dilute the tincture in breast milk (or formula), juice or water to administer. Children under 6 months of age should only be given tinctures in rare circumstances. It has been shown that if a breastfeeding mother takes a full dose of a tincture, she can pass the healing benefits through the breast milk. 

Please keep in mind, however, that these are just guidelines. The weight and overall health of the child must be taken into consideration, as well as the nature of the child's illness. 

If a baby under 6 months is in acute distress, such as from gas or colic, and if the baby is not breastfed, a small amount of non-alcohol tincture or diluted tea can be given directly to the baby on an occasional basis.  Babies over 6 months of age can be given the herbal tinctures directly, but as each child is different, it’s always a good idea to monitor your baby for any abnormal adverse reactions, although extremely rare, and discontinue if necessary. 

Age -- Dosage
6 to 9 months -- 4 drops
9 to 12 months -- 5 drops
12 to 18 months -- 7 drops
18 to 24 months -- 8 drops
2 to 3 years -- 10 drops
3 to 4 years -- 12 drops
4 to 6 years -- 15 drops
6 to 9 years -- 24 drops
9 to 12 years -- 30 drops

Other ways to determine dosage:
Young's Rule - Add 12 to the child's age. Divide the child's age by this total. Example: dosage for a 4-year-old: 4 divided by 16 (4+12) = .25, or 1/4 of the adult dosage.

Cowling's Rule - Divide the number of the child's next birthday by 24. Example: dosage for a child who is 3, turning 4 would be: 4 divided by 24 = .16, or 1/6 of the adult dosage.