A Parent’s Guide to Natural Remedies

Portland pediatricians

Curious about natural remedies for kids? Our pediatricians at East Portland Pediatric Clinic want to help. Here are the answers to frequent questions we receive, plus tips on how to safely use them.

Do Natural Remedies Work?

It depends. Some may help, but they aren’t treatments for serious illnesses like cancer. Research is often very limited, but is ongoing to understand their effects, and what works for one child might not work for another.

Examples of some natural remedies that work include probiotics for diarrhea and magnesium, which can help some people with headaches.

Are All Natural Products Safe?

No. A lot of people assume natural means risk-free, but that’s not true—especially if your child has an allergy or sensitivity. Just because something is natural does not mean that it is gentle, mild, or safe. Many of our standard medications come from natural plant compounds, and any substance can have side effects. MedlinePlus is a good source to see what is known about how well a natural product works and its side effects.

Should I Tell My Child’s Pediatrician?

Yes. Bring along any products your child is using, or let us know if there are any natural remedies you want to try. Even natural products can interfere with prescription meds or treatments, causing harmful side effects.

Are Natural Products Regulated?

Sort of. The FDA oversees natural products and supplements, but does not have the authority to review or test products for safety and effectiveness before they are sold. This means that products may contain too little or too much of the active ingredient, or may be contaminated by things such as lead or pesticides. The FDA can take action once harm is done, but this can take years, as we saw when 10 babies died and hundreds were harmed by teething tablets containing dangerous levels of belladonna. 

How Do I Pick a Good Quality Natural Product?

Look for products that have been tested by third-party groups. These companies test supplements to make sure the product is what it says it is and is not co ntaminated. These include ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). Consumer Reports has more information about how to choose products.

Does My Insurance Cover Natural Therapies?

Maybe. Some plans may cover them through flexible medical spending accounts. Check with your insurance company to find out what’s covered.

Stay Informed

This helps you make smarter choices for your child’s health and well-being. And remember, you’re not alone—our team at East Portland Pediatric Clinic is here to help you navigate the world of natural remedies. Get in touch with us today!