Herbal Tea Remedies : Exploring the Ethnobotanical Landscape of Medicinal Plants in Infants and Child Healthcare.

Abstract

Herbal medicine occupies a prominent position as one of the most ancient and globally recognized forms of medical treatment. It offers a compelling alternative for achieving healing and recovery without the potential risk of generating new ailments. Despite the advancements made in conventional medicine, the increasing number of medical practitioners, and the establishment of social security systems, many parents have turned to herbal medicine when searching for remedies for their children. The demand for "natural remedies" perceived as being "risk-free" has been steadily rising. Among the accessible methods of harnessing the benefits of herbal medicine, herbal teas have garnered significant popularity. Consequently, our study aims to acquire comprehensive information pertaining to the composition, methods of administration, and diverse plant varieties employed in these herbal teas. Additionally, we seek to ascertain their positive effects and potential toxicity. The current research encompasses an ethnobotanical survey conducted over a period of one month, spanning from January 6, 2021, to February 19, 2021. The survey involved 753 respondents, predominantly consisting of primiparous or multiparous mothers, who actively participated by completing an electronic questionnaire. The findings reveal that a total of 684 mothers utilized herbal teas for their infants, employing 55 herbal remedies to address various indications. The most frequently sought-after effects included carminative properties and relief from colic. Moreover, 9% of the users reported experiencing adverse effects associated with the administration of herbal teas to their infants. In conclusion, the utilization of herbal teas as a natural remedy by Algerian mothers is widely embraced; however, it is crucial to recognize that the "natural" attribute of plants does not automatically guarantee their harmless nature.

Keywords

• Herbal medicine
• Herbal teas
• Children
• Mothers

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