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Infant & Children

Remember to ALWAYS have your infant's doctor approve any treatments BEFORE you attempt a treatment. The recipes listed are done so to show the historical uses of these herbs and are not intended as diagnosis or treatments.

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Colds:

Colic:
*First look at the baby's diet (as well as your own if you are breastfeeding). Spices, cow's milk, etc. can be the culprit.
*Keep both yourself and your child peaceful during feedings. You may want to try chamomile tea to relax mom between feedings
*Catmint infusion (1 teaspoon dried herb to 1 pint water) will soothe tummy spasms and encourage sleep. Give 1 to 2 teaspoons to child before meals. Dill, fennel and caraway can be used in the same manner. (If you are nursing, you may wish to take the dosage to pass into your milk and onto the baby)

Congestion:
*Decoction of elder flowers given at each feeding at the dose of one drop per pound of body weight.

Fevers:
*Make a warm elder flower compress and apply to forehead.
*Make a decoction of catmint and administer 1 drop per pound of body weight at each feeding.

Constipation:
Breast feed babies are almost never constipated due to the nature of breast milk. A breast feeding mom should carefully monitor her diet.
Formula is more binding and constipation is regularly seen in infants. Some symptoms can be so severe as to cause dehydration. Lack of bowel movement associated with inconsolable crying and even vomiting after feedings but with no fever. To treat ALWAYS consult a doctor to rule out more serious conditions. If baby is not having wet diapers seek immediate medical attention. Dehydration occurs quickly in babies.
*Glycerin suppositories may be used to soften stools. (The longer they go without a bowel movement the more dehydrated and more difficult it becomes to have a movement - Never overuse this treatment as it may cause a baby to become dependent on this in order to have a bowel movement)
*Give baby cooled tea of fennel and anise, sweeten the taste with rosehips.
*Only give water and diluted formula as full strength formula will only compound the problem.

NEVER use Lemongrass, Thyme, Peppermint or
Eucalyptus essential oils on children under three years of age

NEVER use Essential oils on infants (wait until at least 3 but preferably 6 months of age). Research carefully E.O.'s before using on infants/children as some are not suitable for young systems.