Babies and Herbal Remedies

Babies and Herbal Remedies go hand in hand. Although it can be tempting to medicate cases of acid reflux (GERD) in an infant using traditional medicine, there are herbal alternatives that may help as well.

Parents, please be advised to remember, however, that even herbal remedies can have side effects or cause interactions with other drugs. For that reason, these remedies must be administered, particularly to babies, under the advice and direction of a trained and qualified herbalist.

In addition, any form of treatment administered to an infant should first be discussed with the baby’s pediatrician, to rule out any possible interactions with other medications, conditions, or treatments the child may be experiencing or receiving.

Some other methods for babies and herbal remedies you can try to treat your infant are:

• Aloe Vera - (also known as Aloe Barbadensis) This remedy is taken internally either in capsule form or as juice. It is believed to have the ability to stimulate the immune system. Further, Aloe Vera supplements contain anti-inflammatory fatty acids, which are believed to be helpful in treating ailments of the stomach and intestinal tract. Long proven to be effective in the treatment of burns and other skin irritations when applied topically, aloe is believed to have the same effect on the digestive tract, when taken internally.

• Licorice - (also known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL) This is another herb that may be effective in the treatment of an infant’s GERD. Like aloe, licorice has anti-inflammatory properties. Although the chewable lozenges are said to be the most effective way to take this remedy, it can be administered in other forms to young children and infants for whom chewing is not possible or recommended. Use this remedy with caution, however: Long-term use of it has been shown to lead to high blood pressure.

• Slippery Elm - (Ulmus Fulva) is effective in soothing the throat and digestive tract, and it is believed to protect these irritated tissues and help them to heal. Because of these properties, Slippery Elm is effective in treating ailments like GERD, even in children and infants.

• Mastika - Is another herb that can be used to treat GERD in infants. It has been suggestedthat this herb, also known as Mastic Gum, can reduce gastric secretions such as those responsible for the discomfort of GERD. Administering Mastika to a child with GERD may offer some relief.

A final option may be Meadowsweet, also known as Filipendula ulmaria. Also an anti-inflammatory and digestive salve, Meadowseet protects the digestive tract and reduces stomach acid secretions. Mixing a teaspoon of it into boiling water and then letting the mixture cool until it is of drinkable temperature for a young child is one way to administer this remedy.

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