I’m the mom who owns three kinds of elderberry syrup, keeps calendula balm in every bag, and once tried to treat a cold with raw garlic and onion socks. So when I say I believe in the power of natural remedies, I mean it with all my crunchy, herbal-loving heart.
But here’s what I’ve learned—sometimes the line between “natural” and “not safe” is much thinner than it seems. And in the name of keeping things clean and chemical-free, I’ve made a few missteps that honestly? Could’ve been avoided with a little more research and a little less Pinterest inspiration.
So let’s have a real, grounded, mama-to-mama conversation: being drawn to natural remedies doesn’t make you naive or reckless—but ignoring the red flags might. This isn’t about scaring anyone off from elderberry syrup or herbal teas. It’s about balancing intuition with science, and staying smart while staying holistic.
Let’s unpack the signs that a “natural” remedy might not be safe—and what to do instead. Because empowered mamas make the best decisions when we have good information and trust our gut.
Why “Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
We hear it all the time—natural, organic, plant-based, clean. These words are comforting. They feel like a hug from Mother Earth herself. But in the world of health and wellness, they’re also often unregulated, overused, and misunderstood.
Here’s the truth: many toxic substances are natural. Poison ivy? Natural. Arsenic? Very natural. Essential oils? Natural—yet concentrated enough to cause burns, seizures, and even liver damage when misused.
According to the FDA, the term “natural” has no formal definition when it comes to supplements or over-the-counter remedies. That means a product labeled “natural” might still contain synthetic additives—or it could be pure but dangerously potent.
The CDC and the National Institutes of Health have both issued warnings about natural remedies causing adverse effects, especially when taken in large doses or used inappropriately for children.
So the key isn’t to avoid nature—it’s to understand it. Nature is powerful. And like all powerful things, it deserves a healthy dose of respect.
The Red Flags: When to Skip (or Seriously Rethink) a Home Remedy
Let’s get into the real heart of it. These are the red flags I now look for before trying any remedy—no matter how many mamas on Instagram swear by it.
1. It’s Not Safe for Kids (Or Not Studied in Kids)
Many herbal and natural remedies are formulated for adult bodies—and metabolisms. What’s safe for you might not be safe for your 3-year-old.
Certain herbs like goldenseal, licorice root, or even peppermint oil can be harmful to kids under certain ages. Essential oils in particular are not recommended for infants and must be used with extreme caution in children.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) cautions against the use of internal essential oils in children without direct supervision from a licensed provider.
If the label says “not for use in children,” or you’re relying on anecdotal internet info instead of a pediatric-safe source—it’s a red flag.
2. It Claims to “Cure” Anything
The moment a natural remedy claims to cure something? Pause. Especially if it’s framed as a miracle solution or “what doctors don’t want you to know.”
Cure is a heavy word. Natural approaches may support healing, ease symptoms, or promote balance—but any remedy claiming to cure chronic illness, cancer, ADHD, autism, or serious infection should be met with extreme skepticism.
We’re here to complement medicine—not replace it recklessly.
3. There’s No Trusted Source or Backing
One of my biggest shifts was learning to check the source. Is this remedy from a trained herbalist, integrative physician, or science-backed study? Or is it from a TikTok account with zero credentials?
Here’s a personal rule I now live by: if I wouldn’t feed it to my child on the advice of a stranger in a grocery store, I probably shouldn’t do it because I saw it in a reel.
When in doubt, I check resources like:
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
- Herbal Academy (for traditional herbalism practices)
- PubMed or NIH (for studies)
- A trusted integrative pediatrician
4. It’s Being Used as a Substitute for Medical Care
This one’s tough, especially if you’ve had frustrating or invalidating experiences in traditional medical settings. But skipping medical care entirely in favor of home remedies can be risky—especially for conditions that require monitoring or could worsen quickly (think infections, rashes, high fevers, or breathing issues).
There’s no shame in using both. You can hold a cool washcloth and give Tylenol. You can sip on elderberry and go to urgent care. It's not a betrayal of your values to seek expert help—it's honoring your child's safety.
5. It Burns, Stings, or Causes a Reaction—and That’s Considered “Normal”
This is a big one in the DIY world. I’ve seen so many remedies where a burning sensation is dismissed as “a sign it’s working.” Nope. That’s usually a sign of irritation or tissue damage.
Some examples to watch for:
- Apple cider vinegar on sunburns or eczema (it can cause chemical burns)
- Essential oils applied “neat” (undiluted) to skin
- Cayenne-based pastes for sore throats (hello, inflamed mucosa)
Pain isn’t always gain. And kids, in particular, can’t always articulate their discomfort clearly.
My Go-To Process for Vetting a Remedy Now
These days, before I try anything “natural,” I run through this quick internal checklist:
- Is it age-appropriate? (Would I give this to my child? What’s the dose?)
- Do I understand the why and how it works?
- What’s the source? (Am I reading this on a wellness blog or from an actual herbalist?)
- Have I checked for interactions with other meds or conditions?
- What would my pediatrician or naturopath say?
If I can’t answer those confidently, I pause. I wait. I ask questions. I let the remedy sit on the metaphorical shelf until I’m ready.
When “Home Remedy” Becomes Harmful: A Few Real Examples to Know
Sometimes, it helps to look at specific examples of natural remedies that can seem harmless—but have proven risks.
1. Honey for Babies
Honey is natural and has antibacterial properties—but babies under 12 months should never consume it due to the risk of infant botulism. Even a tiny amount can be dangerous.
2. Essential Oils in Diffusers
Essential oils can support wellness—but diffusing them in enclosed spaces, especially around pets or young children, can cause headaches, nausea, or respiratory issues. Oils like eucalyptus and tea tree are especially problematic for kids under five.
3. DIY Sunscreens or Bug Sprays
Natural doesn’t mean protective. Homemade sunscreen often lacks proper SPF coverage, and homemade bug sprays may not repel disease-carrying insects effectively. There are safer, low-tox commercial options tested for efficacy.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that many DIY sunscreen recipes provide very little real protection and may give a false sense of safety.
Balancing Natural with Evidence-Based: What Has Worked for Us
Now, I want to be clear: we still use a ton of natural remedies in our home. But we do it mindfully, with research, and with professionals on our team.
Here are a few things we regularly use (safely and with success):
- Chamomile tea for calming before bed
- Saline sprays and neti pots for congestion (child-friendly versions only)
- Elderberry syrup during cold season (with our pediatrician’s green light)
- Calendula salve for cuts and scrapes
- Probiotic-rich foods for gut health
They’re gentle, effective, and most importantly—well-researched and appropriate for our family.
Rhythm Reminders
- Natural doesn’t equal safe—check the source, not the label.
- Ask: would I still do this if it wasn’t labeled “natural”?
- Essential oils are powerful—think pharmacy, not fragrance.
- Look for herbalists or integrative pros when in doubt.
- If it stings, burns, or causes stress—it’s probably not the right fit.
Trusting Nature—and Your Instincts—Without Losing Sight of Safety
The path to holistic, heart-centered living isn’t paved with fear—or with blind trust. It’s somewhere in the middle. A space where we honor ancient wisdom and modern knowledge. Where we use nature as a partner, not a replacement. And where we model for our kids what it looks like to be curious, discerning, and empowered.
There is no shame in saying no to a remedy that feels trendy but doesn’t sit right. No guilt in calling your pediatrician before trying that garlic oil ear drop. No betrayal of your wellness values if you reach for Tylenol during a high fever.
You’re still a mindful mama. You’re still doing it beautifully.
So here’s to honoring the earth’s gifts and your own intuition—with equal reverence, and a whole lot of love.
You don’t need to do it all. Just do it with care.
