Comforting Your Baby with Chamomile
When your baby isn’t feeling well, you want to find an effective remedy that works quickly. But more than that, you want something that will be safe. As your baby gets older, they’ll have more options, but in the beginning, homeopathic, alternative remedies may well be the best option.
One of our favorite homeopathic solutions is chamomile, due to its versatility and safety.
Chamomile Basics
Chamomile is a plant that has been used for thousands of years as a homeopathic therapy. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are the two main types of this plant used to treat a number of conditions. Medicinal products such as tea or liquid essential oils are made from the flowering parts of the plant.
Chamomile extracts may be sold on their own or be added to a variety of products such as bath and personal care items. These products are widely available online and in stores, just be sure to look for pure, organic chamomile when shopping to be sure you’re getting a product that is of the utmost quality.
Benefits of Chamomile for Babies
Chamomile has long been a favorite homeopathic remedy for parents because of its calming properties without the harsh side effects of over the counter or prescription medications. This is what makes this herb safe for all ages.
When it comes to your baby, chamomile is most commonly used for the following issues:
- Colic
- Gas/indigestion
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Teething
How to Use Chamomile
If you’re interested in trying chamomile to help your baby, these are the three most common methods of application:
- Aromatherapy — You can put good quality essential oils like chamomile into a diffuser that will disperse the scent around the room. This can be helpful at bedtime to create a calming environment to help your baby relax. Please note that pure essential oils should never be applied directly to a baby’s skin.
- Tea — Giving your baby some cooled chamomile tea can calm an upset stomach and stop gas by reducing intestinal spasms. This calming effect is said to help with colic as well, which many believe is caused by digestive discomfort. Lastly, tea, will also help with any stress your baby is experiencing, easing their mind for a good night’s sleep.
- Topical — Chamomile essential oils can be found in many baby bath products, once again drawing on the soothing effect of the aroma.
- Homeopathic remedy – chamomile based homeopathic remedies can temporarily relieve symptoms of teething, including painful gums and irritability, as well as minor digestive disorders sometimes associated with teething.
In any application of chamomile, pay attention to how your baby reacts to it and stop use if their skin appears irritated or they display any other symptoms that could suggest an allergic reaction.
Chamomile is a homeopathic remedy the whole family can benefit from. Keeping chamomile tea and essential oil on hand can help you all feel better when you need it most.
