When administered properly, herbs can
be a great help treating minor ailments in infants and children. We have
mentioned how important it is to be careful with herbs during pregnancy
and the same is true with infants and children. It is vital that doses be
controlled, therefore, we suggest most remedies be taken in the form of
infusions. It is also recommended the herbs be purchased from a reputable
source that can verify the exact botanical names, organic certifications,
and wildcrafter's qualifications. This is a good recommendation to keep in
mind at all times for all age groups. By the way, if you harvest or
wildcraft your own, be absolutely sure that you know the herb.
BREAST-FEEDING VS. BOTTLE-FEEDING
In my opinion, nothing takes the
place of breast-feeding. It not only benefits your baby for the rest of
his or her life, it also benefits you. Women who breast-feed appear to
have a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer and post menopausal
osteoporosis. It will stimulate uterine contractions in early postpartum
and it helps you take off the extra weight gained during pregnancy.
Breast-feed every 2-4 hours for at least 3-4 weeks.
If you bottle-feed, for whatever
reason, be assured that commercial infant formulas provide all the
essential nutrients and babies thrive on them. However, regular cow's
milk should not be given to babies under one year of age because it is
difficult for them to digest.
LITTLE HONEY NOTE
Unpasteurized honey can cause food
poisoning in children under the age of 12 months. Small amounts of
pasteurized honey may be used to sweeten herbal remedies for young
children.
DIGESTIVE UPSETS, GAS & COLIC
No herbs or medicines should be
given to infants under the age of six (6) months without professional
advice. Mothers may take the following infusions while breast-feeding
infants under six months. Choose one of the following, or alternate to
discover the most effective remedy for your baby. Please do not exceed the
recommended doses and do not give more than one remedy at a time.
Take powdered ginger (Zingiber
officinale) with hot water 1-2 times a day. The dose for nursing mothers
and infants from 6-12 months is 1/4 level tsp herb to 1/2 cup water. For
children over one year old the dose can be increased slidingly up to
1/2 tsp herb to 1/2 cup water for 7-13 year olds.
Make an infusion of German chamomile
(Chamomilla recutita) and give up to 3 cups a day. The dose for nursing
mothers and infants from 6-12 months is 1 level tsp herb to 1 cup water.
For children over one year old the dose can be increased slidingly up to
1-1/2 tsp herb to 1 cup water for 7-13 year olds.
Make an infusion with anise seeds
(Pimpinella anisum) or fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) and give up to
2 cups a day. The dose for nursing mothers and infants from 6-12 months
is 1 level tsp seeds to 1 cup water. For children over one year old the
dose can be increased slidingly up to 1-1/2 tsp herb to 1 cup water for
7-13 year olds.
Mix slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)
powder with hot water to make a paste, then blend with cold or warm water
as required and flavor with honey (see honey note above), cinnamon, or
maple syrup. Nursing mothers and infants from 6-12 months can take up
to 50 g powder in small doses spread out through the day. For children
over one year old the dose can be increased slidingly up to 75 g
throughout the day for 7-13 year olds.
BABY PRODUCTS
The baby products on the market
are convenient and easy to use, but not necessarily the best thing for
baby's young tender skin. For instance, baby powder contains talc, baby
oil contains mineral oil, and petroleum jelly...well that's a petroleum
by product, of course. And, all of them may contain ingredients that
are not listed on the label.
We don't want to come off sounding
like "sticklers" but, we think herbal products are a better choice. Time
is a big factor for most of us especially when a new baby arrives and
convenience is important too. So how can I suggest that you consider
making your own baby products? Call me a dreamer and tell me to dream
on if you must, but these recipes ARE easy to make.
HERBAL BABY POWDER RECIPE
-
3-4 ounces arrowroot
(Maranta arundinacea) powder
-
1/2 tsp chickweed
(Stellaria media) powder
-
1/2 tsp myrrh
(Commiphora molmol) gum powder
-
1/2 tsp aloe vera powder
-
3 drops rose, lavender,
or sweet orange essential oil
Combine all ingredients and sift.
Put into a shaker can or powder box and use sparingly after bathing or
diaper changes. As with all powders, avoid contact with the face and
eyes.
HERBAL BABY OIL RECIPE
-
4 ounces cold pressed
extra virgin olive oil
-
1/2 tsp calendula
(Calendula officinalis) flowers
-
1/2 tsp German chamomile
(Chamomilla recutita)
-
1/4 tsp comfrey
(Symphytum officinale) leaves
Infuse the herbs in the olive oil.
This can be done by solar infusion or on the stove top. The solar infusion
method is accomplished by placing the herbs in a glass bottle, sealing with
a cork, and placing the bottle in a sunny window for two weeks. The stove
top method is accomplished by placing all ingredients in a nonmetal pot
covered and heating gently at a low temperature for 20 minutes. Strain
either infusion through a triple cheese cloth, pour into a sterile bottle,
seal with a clean cork, and store in a cool dark place. Use to gently
massage your infant. Excellent for dry skin patches and cradle cap.
BABY OINTMENT RECIPE
-
2 ounces soft beeswax
-
2 ounces cold pressed
extra virgin olive oil
-
1 tsp calendula
(Calendula officinalis) flowers
Melt the wax and olive oil in a glass
container over gently boiling water. Add the herb and simmer for 15 minutes,
stirring constantly. Strain through a coffee filter or jelly bag and squeeze
out excess. Pour into a sterile jar as the mixture begins to set. This one
is great for diaper rash or any skin rash.
NEXT WEEK
Children suffer with many little
annoying ailments like teething, earache, constipation, diarrhea, headaches,
and things that go "bump" in the night. We'll talk more about these next week.
Herbs have a gentle way of helping our kids get through these painful times
and it gives them an opportunity to learn that nature also takes care
of them.
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