This question was asked a few weeks ago by Jennifer Martin, Publisher of Boulder County Kids as she was dropping
off Fall issues at the Local Roots Coop (an organic grocery and barista in Estes Park). I was doing my weekly volunteer shift
there when she walked into the store. I was doing my usual tea tasting event and gave her a sample of my Nourishing Tea. She
loved it! I told her that kids love my teas as well. This gets me excited because kids are exposed to so
many beverages that are unhealthy for them, it’s refreshing to introduce them to something that is actually good for
them and tastes great!
With the inundation of choices that mom’s have for their children, it’s quite the challenge to create
something new that children will choose over other products…one that will support them in their physical and psych-emotional
development. Parents can choose to find a product like this, but the bottom line is, it has to taste good
so their kids will come back for more.
This leads to the problems with most beverages on the market today.
Sugar, corn syrup and fruit juices are in most of the products these days. They give the sweetness
that children love, and yet they all cause a hyperglycemic reaction which can lead to hyperactivity followed by low energy.
These energy swings can drive a parent and teacher crazy! One of the greatest concerns is the low
energy which can cause a desire to eat and drink more of the same thing which can lead to obesity. A specific
concern with sugar is that it suppresses the immune system. Children are continuously exposed to viruses
and bacteria, so this is certainly this not a good thing!
Caffeine should also be avoided. This would include green tea,
which has been added to many products and beverages due to its antioxidant properties. However, there are
other ways to get antioxidants that do not cause the concerns with caffeine. Obviously, one of them hyperactivity.
But after the initial surge in energy comes a sudden drop which leads to a desire
to eat more, and most of the time the choice is something unhealthy with sugar in it. Again, this
can lead to obesity which is continuing to be a great concern amongst our children.
Dehydration is a concern for everyone, especially
living in the higher altitude here in Boulder County. Children are usually so active that they need
to constantly be reminded to drink more liquids to keep hydrated.
So, if there can be a healthy
beverage that children really like…they can make it priority to drink it and continue to make healthy choices!
So, now to create a kid’s
tea.
I thought about what kids need to be supported
these days. Their lives get so busy early on so I decided that Oat Straw would be great to tone their nervous system with
all the activities around them and it also contains a lot of minerals that children especially need. Nettle Leaf for the minerals
especially calcium and magnesium. Lemon Balm is a natural mood elevator which can help kids during emotionally challenging
times of growing up. Goji Berries & Orange Peel are very powerful antioxidants and high in vitamin C. Licorice Root tones
the adrenal glands and helps with stress management. It also helps balance blood sugar and its natural sweetness can help
curb overindulgence in sugar which actually depletes minerals. Peppermint is great for digestion and has an uplifting flavor.
Stevia Leaf for sweetness and to counter any bitterness of the other herbs.
I am often asked “How do I know what herbs to put
together to a make a tea?” First comes the idea of what you want the tea to do. Then it calls upon the knowledge
of the herbs and what will accomplish this. Finally, you have to make sure that one of the herbs will not overpower the rest
of them with a bitter taste so you adjust the amount of something like that in the formula and add a mint or Stevia leaf to
make it taste good. After that, it’s just plain fun!
So, coming soon! “A Kid’s Tea” by Herbal Touch…”just
for you”!
Mary Hunter
lives in Allenspark and still practices nursing part time. As well as being an herbalist, she is a nutritionist and
licensed massage therapist. Currently her teas are available at The Cupboard in Fort Collins, Local Roots Coop and Everybody’s
Business in Estes Park, and Distant Harbors Gift Shop in Allenspark. The Rock Inn in Estes Park and Meadow Mountain Café
in Allenspark.
