Natural Therapies For Life

Babies’ Ailments – Colic

// August 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // Babies' Ailments, Bach Flower Remedies, Common Ailments, Homeopathy

Babies’ Ailments

Part 3: Colic

Sleeping, drinking milk and…crying are all part of a baby’s daily routine, especially in the first three months. However, if your baby keeps crying for more than three hours a day, without any apparent reason, chances are that he or she could be experiencing colic. By definition, colic is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams frequently and for extended periods without any discernible reason. Scientists have suggested an immature digestive system, lactose intolerance or even anxiety in breastfeeding mothers as possible causes for colic in babies but there is no established reason for this.

Generally, gripe water is the preferred remedy for many parents. It is a natural remedy that contains herbs such as dil, fennel, chamomile and ginger. Before purchasing a bottle of gripe water, it is necessary to check the ingredients’ list for the absence of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as this is not an ideal substance for your baby’s delicate system.

Baking soda is alkaline in nature and can upset the acid balance in your baby’s stomach in addition to producing other unwanted side effects. Thus, it is necessary to make an informed choice when selecting a suitable brand of gripe water for your baby.

There are several natural remedies that are excellent for your baby’s colic. The key to finding the right remedy is to match the symptoms of your baby with that of the remedy. If you are unsure, please seek the advice of a qualified homeopath.

Some suitable remedies for Colic

Mag Phos 30c – Abdominal pain that is relieved by massage, warm application and pressure. Your baby’s abdomen could be bloated.  There is release of gas but it does not relief the pain.

Chamomilla 30c – Your baby is extremely irritable and pacified only when carried about and petted constantly. The cheeks are red and there is hot perspiration. The stools are green.

Rescue Remedy is a combination of five Bach Flower remedies that is useful in any emergency situation when there is not enough time to select a specific remedy. If your baby is incessantly crying, take four drops of the stock solution and mix it in a bottle of water. Give this to your baby in sips until he or she is calmer.

Babies’ Ailments – Diaper Rash

// August 17th, 2009 // No Comments » // Babies' Ailments, Homeopathy

Babies’ Ailments

Part 2: Diaper Rash

While changing your baby’s nappy or diaper, you may have come across redness and tenderness on the buttocks and the surrounding area. This irritation is commonly known as diaper rash. There are many reasons for this, with the most common ones being prolonged exposure to a soiled diaper and use of new products.

The diapers that we use nowadays have very good absorption power. Hence, you may not find it necessary to change your baby’s diaper frequently. However, no matter how dry your baby may feel, it is necessary to change the diaper at least six times a day as exposure to a soiled diaper causes irritation and discomfort.

The wipes, powders and lotions that you use on your baby must be safe and gentle. In addition, some babies are sensitive to the detergents that are used to wash their cloth diapers. Hence, it is necessary to be mindful of these things that we may generally deem as insignificant.

Dietary changes may also contribute to diaper rash. This could happen when you introduce solids to your baby’s diet or if you are breast-feeding, it could be a response to changes in your own diet.

You must be extra mindful if your baby has been given a course of antibiotics as this generally upsets the balance of the good bacteria in the body, thus causing diaper rash. This also applies if you have taken antibiotics when breastfeeding your baby.

An excellent homoeopathic remedy for diaper rash is Calendula Q. This is available in cream form and should be applied to the affected areas each time you change your baby’s diaper. The rash should disappear in a couple of days.

Babies’ Ailments – Fever

// July 31st, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Babies' Ailments, Homeopathy

Babies’ Ailments

Part 1: Fever

A fever is our body’s natural way of coping with an infection. However, when a baby is down with a fever, there is a different level of fear and anxiety that pervades the home environment. As a concerned parent, you may fail to realise that although your baby may be in discomfort, a fever is the body’s way of combating an infection. Thus, it should be allowed to take its course. By giving your baby medicines to suppress the fever, you are actually not allowing your baby’s immune system to work for him or her.

As parents, it is necessary for you to consider carefully the therapies that you choose for your baby as the side-effects of some Western medication can leave a life-long impression on your child’s health and immunity.

Instead of turning to anti-fever medicines immediately, it is important to first determine the cause of the fever and monitor your baby’s temperature regularly. Be sure to seek the help of a doctor to ensure that your baby is going through a regular fever. Once you are sure of the diagnosis, it is best to be patient and choose therapies that can aid your baby’s immune system, rather than suppress it by resorting to a “quick fix”.

Homeopathic remedies work beautifully in boosting your baby’s immune system and gently bringing down the fever, without any element of suppression. These remedies work by restoring the balance in the vital force, thus enabling the baby’s own immune system to fight the infection. In identifying the correct homeopathic remedy, it is important to match your baby’s symptoms with that of the remedy.

Some Suitable Remedies for Fever

Aconite: Common name: Monkshood Homeopathic Remedy: Aconitum Napellus If your baby is down with a high fever that comes on suddenly, especially after exposure to cold, Aconite is a suitable remedy. This is accompanied with a flushed face, great restlessness and profuse sweat.  Your baby may also be very clingy. A very good remedy in the early stages of fever.	Aconite
Belladonna: Common name: Deadly Night-Shade Homeopathic Remedy: Atropa Belladonna Redness is the key characteristic in Belladonna fevers. The fevers are intense and your baby’s face will appear bright red and skin, hot and dry. The tongue will be strawberry red.	Belladonna
Chamomilla: Common name: Chamomile Homeopathic Remedy: Chamomilla This is also known as “The Children’s Remedy” in homeopathy. If your baby’s fever is due to diarrhoea, ear-aches or other infections, Chamomilla is the remedy of choice. Your child will feel better when carried around.	Chamomilla

In the next post, you can read about Natural Therapies for Diaper Rash.