How to Prepare and Administer Chinese Medicine to Children?
How to Prepare and Administer Chinese Medicine to Children?
When preparing herbal decoctions for children, methods such as pre-boiling, adding later, wrapping for boiling, and dissolving for direct administration remain largely the same as for adults. However, differences exist in decoction duration, frequency, and volume extracted.
Due to children’s weaker constitutions, smaller stomach capacity, and difficulty in taking medicine, decoctions should be made in smaller, concentrated doses. For children under 3 years old, prepare about 40 mL, divided into four doses. For children aged 3–7, prepare 45 mL, divided into three doses. For children aged 7–12, prepare 60 mL, divided into three doses. For children over 12, prepare 90 mL, divided into three doses.
Decoction Methods: For herbs that release exterior (e.g., flowers and leaves), short decoction time is recommended. For tonifying herbs (e.g., seeds, stems, shells), longer decoction time is preferable—always use gentle heat (low flame). After boiling, release-type herbs should be decocted for 10 minutes; tonifying herbs for 20 minutes.
Medication Timing: Give medicine between meals (or between feedings) so drugs can be fully absorbed and take effect. Taking medicine before meals may irritate gastric mucosa; taking after meals may cause vomiting.
Administration Method: Medication temperature should be moderate—too hot risks burning the infant’s throat, esophagus, and gastric mucosa; too cold causes gastric discomfort, intestinal disturbance, and reduces efficacy. Do not pinch the child’s nose to force medicine down, risking aspiration into the trachea. Use a small spoon to slowly feed medicine along the corner of the mouth. Do not add sugar to the medicine, as it may impair efficacy.
These are basic guidelines for preparing and administering Chinese medicine to children. Specific prescriptions or individual herbs require professional guidance from a licensed physician.