Pediatric Herbal Dosing Calculator
Herbal Dosing for Children
Children require adjusted doses based on age and weight. This guide provides reliable methods for calculating pediatric herbal doses.
Method 1: Clark’s Rule (By Weight)
Most accurate method for children of varying sizes.
Formula:
Child’s dose = (Child’s weight in kg ÷ 70) × Adult dose
Example:
Adult dose: 30 drops of tincture
Child’s weight: 20 kg
Child’s dose: (20 ÷ 70) × 30 = 8-9 drops
Method 2: Young’s Rule (By Age)
Useful when weight is unknown. For children over 1 year.
Formula:
Child’s dose = (Age in years ÷ (Age + 12)) × Adult dose
Example:
Adult dose: 30 drops
Child’s age: 6 years
Child’s dose: (6 ÷ 18) × 30 = 10 drops
Method 3: Age-Based Fractions
Simple approximation for quick reference:
- 0-1 year: 1/10 to 1/8 of adult dose (with caution)
- 1-2 years: 1/8 to 1/6
- 2-4 years: 1/6 to 1/4
- 4-7 years: 1/4 to 1/3
- 7-11 years: 1/3 to 1/2
- 11-16 years: 1/2 to 2/3
- 16+ years: Full adult dose
Tea Dosing for Children
- Infants (6-12 months): 1-2 teaspoons, 1-2 times daily
- Toddlers (1-3 years): 2-4 tablespoons, 2-3 times daily
- Children (4-7 years): 1/4 cup, 2-3 times daily
- Children (8-12 years): 1/2 cup, 2-3 times daily
Syrup Dosing
- Children 1-3 years: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon
- Children 4-7 years: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
- Children 8-12 years: 1 to 2 teaspoons
Gentle Herbs for Children
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) — Calming, digestive
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) — Calming, antiviral
- Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) — Fever, colds
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) — Immune support
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria) — Calming, fever, digestive
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) — Colic, digestive
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis) — External use
Safety Notes
- Always confirm allergies before giving any herb
- Start with the lowest recommended dose
- Infants under 6 months: consult practitioner first
- Glycerites (alcohol-free) are preferred for young children
- Watch for adverse reactions
- When in doubt, do not administer
