Makers of botanicals are hoping to sell herbs specifically made for children

From CNN Health Correspondent Linda Ciampa

(CNN) -- Estella Cumberland has been taking herbs since she was an infant. Her parents use botanicals as a first line of defense against illness.

"It feels to me much safer than some of the synthetic processed products that are suggested," said Estella's mother, Katie Cumberland.

But safety is exactly what concerns many in the medical community when it comes to herbs. And this hot-button issue is likely to get even hotter as herb manufacturers target new customers -- children.

This week, North Carolina company Gaia Herbs is rolling out 21 new herbal products especially formulated for children. The line includes botanicals to treat everything from ear infections to sore throats to toothaches.

"They're completely natural, many of them [are herbs] people have growing in their home gardens, many of them on spice racks at home," said Estella's father, Greg Cumberland, who works at Gaia Herbs.

The new herbs designed specifically for children have sparked debate about whether they are safe for youngsters.

Many grow herbs in home gardens

Medical experts say research on the effects of herbs has been done with adults, not children.

"It can be dangerous to give children herbs without knowing the dosing or what's in the product itself," said Dr. Stanley Cohen of Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center in Atlanta. "There's no regulation right now to require that these products get specific testing in children before they're released."

David Shardt, a nutritionist for the Center for Science and Public Interest, said it's the lack of regulation and research on herbs that prevents him from giving botanicals to his children.

"Children are not tiny adults; they're different," he said. "Their bodies are changing very rapidly.

"They are much more vulnerable to what we call insults from the environment, so you have to be careful what you give children."

Despite concerns, herbal medicine sales are soaring and experts say the market for children is likely only to grow.