How to Treat Acid Reflux With Herbs for Infants
Many parents have endured sleepless nights and struggled to soothe a baby afflicted by acid reflux. While most babies spit up occasionally, reflux is a chronic condition of stomach acids irritating the lining of the esophagus. Reflux in babies may be caused by a variety of factors, including food allergies, poor sleep position and anatomical problems. Relieve your baby's pain by using common and simple at-home herbal remedies.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Make a list of your baby's symptoms, noting when she cries, the appearance of her stools, if she extends her legs or keeps them pulled in, if she has diaper rash or bloated stomach. Noting these factors will help you determine the type of reflux that plagues your baby. According to Dr. Candice Davis, ancient Chinese medicine identifies two types of reflux based on whether your baby's system is "hot" or "cold." Babies with "hot" reflux may have an overactive digestive system that produces mucousy, smelly stools, blood in the stool, a bright red diaper rash and screaming fits during breastfeeding. "Cold" reflux is identified as underproductive digestion in a baby who pulls her knees up to her chest, has the tendency to curl up and acts "colicky" by crying after nursing.
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Mix a watermelon juice cooler to treat "hot" reflux. Press chunks of fresh watermelon down into a colander and collect the juice in a bowl underneath. Stir ½ tsp. nutmeg into the juice. Using a medicine dropper, place 10 to 20 drops in baby's mouth before nursing. Mom can also drink this mixture and pass along the benefits to the baby through her breastmilk.
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Brew homemade gripe water to stimulate baby's digestion if he has "cold" reflux. Blend ¼ tsp. powdered ginger into a cup of tepid water. Allow to cool, then place 30 to 60 drops in baby's mouth before he breastfeeds. At bedtime, add ¼ tsp. fennel to this mixture for added comfort during sleep.
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Steep ¼ tsp. coriander, ¼ tsp. cumin, ¼ tsp. ginger and ¼ tsp. fennel per cup of hot water for a tea to aid the mother's digestion. The naturally medicinal qualities of this herbal tea aid the baby through your breastmilk.
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Avoid eating raw foods during the lactation stage if you have a fussy baby. Raw foods are more difficult to digest, so cook vegetables and roast nuts. Improving your own digestion positively affects the baby's digestion.
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Tips & Warnings
Breastfeed your baby. Breastmilk is easier to digest than formula and contains the bacterial flora that naturally line your baby's intestines, thereby helping her digestive system establish itself. Consult a medical herbalist for additional diagnoses, remedies and precautions. While many pediatricians prescribe strong medications, simple home remedies may be less stressful to your baby. Always ask your doctor about the risks, benefits and side effects of any pharmaceutical treatment.
