< previous page | page_66 | next page >
Page 66
| ing olive oil over loosely packed lavender, lobelia, catnip and/or chamomile and heat over simmering water in a double boiler or in a glass jar placed on a rack in a pan of simmering water for 1 to 2 hours. Strain and pour into amber glass bottles or glass jars, label and store away from heat and light. To help soothe the pain of colic, massage this oil around the stomach area and keep it warm with a warm towel just out of the dryer or a hot water bottle. If using a hot water bottle, protect the child's skin with a layer of toweling and use comfortably hotnot scalding hotwater. |
| Any relaxing herb (chamomile, hops, lavender blossoms, lemon balm, skullcap, passionflower or lobelia) can be brewed as a strong tea and added to the baby's bath water for additional antispasmodic therapy. Adding a cup or two of an extra strong fragrant tea to bath water creates a pleasant aromatherapy experience for both child and parent. |
| Constipation |
| Sluggish, infrequent bowel movements are almost always caused by insufficient fiber in the diet, dehydration and physical inactivity, though they are sometimes caused by food sensitivities (dairy products are a common culprit), prescription drugs or a physical obstruction. Assuming your bowel is not obstructed, these simple steps might help: |
| Drink a large glass of water every hour or two all day long. |
| Stir 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of psyllium husk powder, guar gum, pectin or a similar soluble fiber into a glass of water every morning and night. |
| As a last resort, take a mild herbal laxative, such as a small amount of cascara sagrada or senna |
| Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) is a bitter tonic and one of the oldest, most reliable remedies for chronic constipation. It is not habit forming and helps tone the intestines although, like all laxatives, it should be taken only as needed. Cascara is a common ingrediant in herbal laxatives sold in health |
< previous page | page_66 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!