As a naturopathic doctor, I never stop learning from the families I work with. Over the last year, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in my pediatric patients that led me to create a new herbal blend I’m now offering in my apothecary.
The Backstory: Why This Blend Was Born
One after another, children were coming in with dysbiosis—an imbalance in the gut microbiome. When I tested with the GI Map, I was surprised to see this common pattern:
- Overgrowth of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacterium
- Overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, a highly resistant species often found in hospital settings
- Presence of Helicobacter pylori, which can cause ulcers and other IBS type symptoms
Any of these species can take over the gut like weeds in a garden, crowding out healthy bacteria.
And by the way, I say “overgrowth” intentionally because these species are actually allowed to dwell in the gut in small amounts, but they can take the opportunity to overgrow if given the chance. That’s why we categorize them as “opportunistic species”.
What makes them overgrow? There are many possibilities, but one common theme is antibiotics. Many of the children I tested who had this overgrowth, had also a history of antibiotic use.
The Clinical Signs
Before I started performing regular GI Map testing, I was noticing a recurring theme of enlarged tonsils and allergies. I knew there was a tie to gut health, but I wasn’t exactly sure what it was.
Once I started to put the pieces together, I also noticed some other common themes. Here are some of the key findings I observe in kids who have dysbiosis:
- Enlarged tonsils
- “Strawberry tongue” — a thin white plaque with bright red speckles
- Peri-anal strep — irritation and redness around the anus that’s often mistaken for parasites
- Tantrums / Behavior issues
- Sleep disturbance
- Food reactions and allergies
- Eczema
- Anxiety
- OCD behaviors
Some children also had other types of pathogens or invasive species present in their body. For example:
- Yeast overgrowth (candida)
- Mold spores
- Parasites
- Viruses (CMV, EBV)
What struck me most was how common this picture was becoming. These pathogens seem to be thriving even in families who make all their food from scratch and pay very close attention to avoiding toxic exposures in the home.
This experience reignited my love for herbs—and especially for combining herbs with homeopathy to bring kids back into balance.
The Purpose of Flora Shift
I leaned on a few key tinctures during this time period, and they worked very well. I had families test before and after their 6 month protocol, and we saw phenomenal results.
Not only did the gut flora shift, but the symptoms and behaviors had also shifted. Before we even performed follow up testing, parents knew there had been a major change within.
But the dysbiotic pattern has continued to show up in younger and younger patients – some infants. I began to feel the need for a more targeted formula that used herbs I knew were safe in a younger population.
I also ran into the obstacle of allergens. The formulas I had relied on contained black walnut, which some of my more sensitive and allergic patients cannot tolerate. I needed something that could still break down biofilms without using walnut.
And, because I’m a mom, I understand the need to have something that tastes decent!
This tincture was thoughtfully designed to gently:
- Reduce overgrowth of non-friendly bacteria, viruses, yeast, and parasites
- Support the “good bugs” in the microbiome
- Encourage balance so kids can thrive
Think of it like tending a garden: pulling back the weeds so the flowers can grow.
What’s Inside
The blend combines herbs I’ve used successfully in practice:
- Oregon Grape – rich in berberine, helps discourage unwanted bacteria and yeast
- Usnea – antifungal and antiviral support
- Echinacea – supports the immune system
- Skullcap, Lavender, Lemon Balm – calming nervines to soothe the gut-brain connection and reduce inflammation
- Vegetable glycerine – makes the formula sweet, kid-friendly, and alcohol-free
Skullcap was a really important staple for this formula. I’ve seen this work wonders for kids with behavioral symptoms. It is a critical ingredient that helps calm the nervous system while actively working against invaders. It’s a really special plant – and I’m thankful to have been reminded of it.
A Nod to My Late Friend, Sharon
Actually, I’ll share a personal story with you. While I was in school at Bastyr, I had a study trio made up of myself and my two best friends, Sharon San Juan and Emily Takeuchi Miller. Sharon was a wizard in our botanical medicine class. She always led the way, having already studied the formulas before we arrived in class. Skullcap was her favorite. She used it in almost every formula she created – that’s how versatile it is. Whether she was making a hormonal support blend, or an immune tincture, Skullcap was there.
Sharon passed away suddenly just a few weeks after graduation. It was heart breaking. She had struggled with asthma, and a sudden attack escalated and then she was gone.
For several months, I had dreams about her and I felt her close by as I started my practice. But that was 6 years ago – and I haven’t felt her as much recently.
…until this summer.
It was right around her birthday in June of this year, when I felt inspired to create this tincture. Three patients in a row had asked me about Skullcap, and talked about their success with it.
I knew it was Sharon, reminding me to use her favorite herb.
How to Use It
So, in Sharon’s honor, let’s get excited about this special blend.
Here’s how to use it safely.
Because kids can be sensitive to “die-off” reactions (when microbes break down and release toxins), it’s important to start slow.
Suggested Use:
- Start with 1 drop daily in water or juice.
- Slowly increase every few days as tolerated.
- Work up to a max of 15 drops once or twice daily, or as directed by your provider.
- If symptoms flare (fatigue, irritability, loose stools, skin changes), hold steady or reduce the dose until they calm.
Every child is unique—so listen to their body, and when in doubt, check with a practitioner who understands functional gut health.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about easing symptoms, it’s about cultivating a healthy ecosystem.
I often compare the gut to a garden. There’s always the risk of weeds, right? But if we nurture the soil, the plants have more strength to overpower the weeds (and sometimes we have to get in there and pull the weeds out to make sure they don’t take over).
By gently shifting the microbiome, we can:
- Reduce the “bad bug” overgrowth that drives chronic irritation
- Support immune resilience
- Create the conditions for healthy digestion, calmer moods, and even clearer skin
When the gut finds balance, kids have more energy, better sleep, fewer flare-ups, and more freedom to just be kids.
Detailed Instructions
Serving Size: 1 drop – 15 drops , 1-2 times daily
This varies depending on age. Adults could definitely do more, but this is designed with kids in mind. I believe in low, slow dosing for kids for a gradual shift over an extended 2-6 month period.
How to Start:
- Begin with 1 drop once daily, mixed into a small amount of water or juice.
- It’s more effective on an empty stomach, preferably between dinner and bedtime
- Increase slowly, adding 1 extra drop every 4 days, as tolerated.
- If your child is sensitive, stay at the lower dose (1–5 drops daily) for a full week before increasing.
Don’t rush to increase the dose! In fact, you don’t have to increase it at all. MORE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER.
Goal Range:
- Infants under 12 months: consult your naturopathic doctor first
- Infants 1-2 years : up to 5 drops once daily
- Toddlers & preschoolers (2–5 years): up to 10 drops once daily
- School-age kids (6–12 years): up to 15 drops once or twice daily (that’s 15 drops each time)
- Teens (13+): 1 ml (~30 drops) twice daily
(Every child is different — listen to their body and adjust as needed.)
Tips for Use:
- Give with meals if your child is sensitive.
- Pair with plenty of water throughout the day. The detox process requires hydration!
- Watch for signs of “die-off” (fatigue, rash, irritability, looser stools). If they appear, pause or return to a lower dose until resolved.
- Consistency matters — use daily for at least 4–6 weeks before assessing results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I give this to my toddler?
A: Yes, but always start low (literally 1 drop), and increase slowly. Not for children under 1 year.
Q: Does it taste okay?
A: Yes! It’s a glycerite, which makes it naturally sweet and much more kid-friendly than alcohol tinctures. It does still contain alcohol, however, for preservation and effectiveness.
Q: How long will a bottle last?
A: Get ready for this math – one 2 oz bottle contains ~ 1800 drops. So, at lower doses, it can last several months and can be shared among family members. Talk about bang for the buck!
Q: Can this replace antibiotics?
A: No — this blend is designed to support balance, not replace needed medical care. It may help keep microbes in check, but always consult your provider for acute infections.
Q: What if my child reacts?
A: Some kids experience mild die-off (irritability, sleep disruption, loose stools). This means the formula is doing its job, but it’s happening too fast. Drop the dose back down, support hydration, and resume slower increases once symptoms ease.
Q: Can I use this alongside other supplements or homeopathy?
A: Yes. In fact, many families use this alongside probiotics, binders (like fiber), or gentle homeopathic remedies. Just introduce new supports one at a time so you can tell how your child responds.
