Herbal Remedies to Support Your Child’s Immune System Before School Starts

(Plus a cozy applesauce recipe & a story about why I believe in starting young)

There’s something about the back-to-school season that feels both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, like we’re standing on the edge of change. New shoes, sharpened pencils, fresh routines… and for many families, a renewed focus on keeping our little ones healthy as they dive into classrooms and new germs.

In my home, this season always nudges me to reach for simple, time-tested herbal remedies. Not out of fear, but from a place of empowerment. I believe in teaching kids, even the youngest ones, that plants can be helpers, food can be medicine, and their bodies are wise.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just about herbs. It’s about how we introduce them.

Apples, Tiny Hands & the Power of Involvement

A few years ago, I had one of my nieces over, and we decided to make applesauce from scratch. Nothing fancy, just apples, water, cinnamon, and a little honey. She cut the apples (carefully), stirred the pot like a tiny witch-in-training, and hopped around the kitchen while the scent of warm cinnamon filled the house.

That moment stayed with me. Not because of the recipe (though it was delicious), but because I realized how early we can start teaching children that health isn’t a punishment, it can be cozy, creative, even fun.

So whether you’re new to herbalism or already deep into your journey, here are five gentle, nourishing herbs you can use to support your child’s immune system this season — and maybe create some sweet memories while you’re at it.

1. Elderberry: The Immunity Powerhouse That Tastes Like Candy

Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and they’ve been used for centuries to support the immune system — especially during cold and flu season.

Why it’s great for kids:
Elderberry syrup is naturally sweet and berry-flavored, making it one of the easiest remedies to introduce to children. You can take it daily as a preventative, or more frequently if something is going around.

Try this:
Simple Elderberry Syrup

• • 1 cup dried elderberries

  • 3 cups water

  • 1–2 cinnamon sticks

  • 1 tsp dried ginger

  • ¾ cup raw honey (after cooling)

Simmer berries, cinnamon, and ginger in water, covered, for 45 minutes, strain, cool, then stir in honey. Store in the fridge for up to 2 months. Give kids 1 tsp/day as a preventive (children over 1 year old only, due to honey).

Tip: Try making your own elderberry syrup at home and let your child help stir.

2. Chamomile: Gentle Support for Rest and Resilience

Chamomile isn’t just for calming nerves (though it’s wonderful for that), but it also has mild immune-supportive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Why it’s great for kids:
Chamomile tea is naturally sweet and floral. Offer it warm with a drizzle of honey (for kids over 1 year old), or turn it into a fun herbal popsicle.

Try this:
Honey Chamomile Bedtime Tea

• • 1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers (or 1 tea bag)

  • 1 cup hot water

  • Drizzle of honey (for kids 1+)

Steep for 5–7 minutes, strain, and cool slightly. Offer in a fun cup before nap or bedtime. Bonus: Pour into silicone molds and freeze for a soothing popsicle!

Bonus: Chamomile also helps soothe tummy aches and promote better sleep, which are both key for a strong immune system.

3. Rosehips: A Vitamin C Superstar That’s Kid-Approved

Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant and one of the best natural sources of vitamin C, vital for immune function and tissue repair.

Why it’s great for kids:
Rosehips have a tangy, fruity flavor and blend beautifully into teas, syrups, or even applesauce. (Yes, really. Try simmering rosehips with your apples next time!)

Try this:
Immune-Boosting Rosehip Applesauce

• • 4 apples, chopped

  • 1½ cups water

  • 1 tbsp dried rosehips

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1–2 tbsp honey (to taste)

Simmer everything except honey for 30 minutes, then strain out rosehips and mash apples. Stir in honey once cooled slightly. It’s fragrant, sweet, and packed with benefits.

Connection Tip: Tell your little one they’re sipping on “rose fairy tea,” a trick I learned from writing my children’s book Mother Goose’s Herbal Tales: Nature’s Little Helpers, where herbs come alive to help and heal.

4. Marshmallow Root: For Soothing Throats and Little Coughs

No, not the squishy white ones. Marshmallow root is a gentle demulcent herb that helps coat and soothe irritated throats and dry coughs.

Try this:
Marshmallow Root Cold Comfort Tea

• • 1 tbsp Marshmallow root

  • 1 tsp cinnamon chips (or a cinnamon stick)

  • 1–2 cups cool water

Steep herbs in cold water for 4–6 hours (a “cold infusion”), then strain. Serve with a little honey if desired. This tea is incredibly soothing for dry, scratchy throats.

Why it’s great for kids:
Its mild, earthy flavor blends easily with sweeter herbs like licorice or cinnamon. Make it into a tea or a homemade herbal syrup.

5. Lemon Balm: Calming + Antiviral = A Parent’s Dream

Lemon balm is uplifting, antiviral, and soothing to the nervous system, the perfect remedy for kids heading back into busy, overstimulating environments.

Try this:
Lemon Balm Sunshine Tea

• • 1 tbsp dried lemon balm

  • 1 tbsp dried chamomile

  • 1 cup hot water

  • Optional: honey or a citrus slice

Steep, strain, and enjoy warm or chilled. It’s perfect for winding down after school or when emotions run high.

Why it’s great for kids:
Its lemony taste is delightful, and it pairs well with chamomile or peppermint for a calming afternoon tea ritual.

Start Young, Stay Curious

One thing I always remind myself (and my readers) is that children will remember how something made them feel more than the ingredient list. If you make herbal moments cozy and joyful, not strict or stressful, they’ll grow up associating health with love, not restriction.

A Note on Safety

Always consult your pediatrician or a trusted healthcare provider before introducing herbs, especially for children under age 2. Start small, and pay attention to how your child’s body responds. Every child is different, and herbs should always support, not overwhelm.

If you’re looking for a fun way to introduce these ideas, my book Mother Goose’s Herbal Tales: Nature’s Little Helpers is filled with rhyming stories that teach kids about plants in playful, memorable ways. It’s designed to be read aloud and enjoyed — together.

Want a Head Start?

If you’re curious about introducing more natural remedies, toxin-free swaps, and holistic rhythms into your family’s life, I’ve put together a free 5-day reset challenge just for you.

Each day gives you a small, doable step toward building a healthier, more harmonious home, even during busy seasons like back-to-school.

You’ll also get my 40+ swaps checklist to help you make your home safer without overwhelm.

👉 Grab your free spot here

And if you’re ready to go deeper, Herbalism for Real Life is my go-to ebook for understanding how herbs can become part of your daily rhythm, no degree or expensive apothecary needed.

A Final Note from My Heart

I didn’t grow up in a home packed with health and wellness. I had to learn this all slowly, often after pain, loss, tragedy and a lot of research. But what gives me hope is knowing we can change that story, starting now, starting small.

With warm tea. With homemade applesauce. With cinnamon and honey and your child standing next to you on a stool, learning that plants are friends.

Here’s to healthy homes and resilient little ones, and may this season be both grounded and magical.

With love,
Bailey