1) it is an overall quality of life, of vitality, energy, and a general habitual freedom from sickness and

2) it is a way of dealing with injuries and sicknesses when they do occur.

Quality of Life

Let’s talk about the overall quality of life, first, and I’ll give my own background to explain what I mean. The most serious injuries/illnesses I’ve had probably all occurred in my early childhood: a couple of trips to the e.r. for stitches due to overzealous games with my sister. Past that, not much eventful in the line of health problems. And uneventful is the best adjective for health.

I’m not very athletic, but I was always active, outside playing, running, swinging, riding bikes, building forts, climbing trees. No broken bones, no serious illnesses. A cold or two every year or so, maybe. The occasional stomach bug which no one can escape.

As an adult, I have a pretty high energy level most of the daylight hours. My attention and energy go down and I’m ready for sleep around 9, though if I’m focused on something or interested I can be alert and awake for much later than I should.

The only recurring sickness or pain I deal with is muscle tension in my neck and shoulders, which is almost always a result of stress and improper posture, and which can result in pretty nasty tension headaches. I consider those pretty much my own fault for 1) not dealing with stress as and when I should and 2) slumping over and 3) not taking a break and working the knots out when they start getting to me.

Thanks, Mom and Dad

Can I take credit for this great state of being? No. Youth is on my side; I’m still under 30, and youth does a lot for a person’s health and energy level. Except that even as I write that I’m not sure it’s true, because I have many, many peers – some a little older, some a little younger – who are sick, sad, and droopy most of the time.

I still can’t take credit. Much of it is genetics. Much of it has to do with the way I was raised, simply and happily. Much of it probably has to do with my own lifestyle now, which remains pretty simple and very happy.

And, I think, much of it has to do with the fact that I’ve shied away from traditional medicine. If I get a cold, I don’t really treat it as far as taking cold medicines; I generally just up my Vitamin C, make a garlicky soup, drink hot tea with honey and lemon, and let it run its course.

Plan A: Stay Healthy

I plan on continuing my life in this healthy state of being. I have too many interesting things to do to waste time on being sick, so I’m doing all in my power to keep myself, my husband, and our three children healthy. I have had three healthy pregnancies and three natural childbirths at home, and now have three healthy kids who, as of this date, have never darkened the door of a doctor’s office. They haven’t needed to. The oldest is 3 1/2.

Plan B: When Bad Stuff Happens

Now for the part about dealing with sickness and injury when it does happen.

There are a few sickness and injury repercussions that I’d like to eradicate from our lives completely. One is this cough-cold-congestion that begins, possibly as an allergy, and then morphs into a genuine cold and we pass it around and it lingers for several weeks before we’re completely better.

The other is the continual snotty nose syndrome which affects my kids for weeks at a time.

Another is the achy muscles and joints my husband has from years of skateboarding, especially his right foot which sustained a good sprain a couple of years ago, and his knees.

Another is the high estrogen level that I have, which is probably a result of three successive pregnancies plus genetics; my mom died of estrogen-induced breast cancer.

Full Disclosure of My Hospital Anti-Bias

Speaking of my Mom, I guess a full disclosure is in order.

For over five years of her life, I watched a circus of doctors juggling medicines try to keep Mom’s cancer at bay. Some treatments worked well, some not at all, some for a while and then less, some impossible to tell. Now please understand that I don’t dislike doctors, nurse, or the medical profession in the least. But my conclusion at the end of that experience was this: they don’t have it all figured out either.

And More Random Mumblings about Holistic Health, Drugs, and Niquil

I think health is far more holistic than any of us Westerners care to admit. And I think man-manufactured drugs, unless proven otherwise, are dangerous. I try to stay away from them. I don’t care to be part of the trial-and-error process of determining that the new wonder-drug has some kind of debilitating side effect. No, thanks, not for me, not for my kids.

I’m also pretty sensitive to medicines, even simply over-the-counter stuff like a cold medicine. Niquil knocks me out for at least two days. It’s effective, it’s just too effective. I can’t function. Since I’m never sure exactly how I’m going to react to a medicine, there’s a good chance that the treatment is going to be worse than the sickness. So I generally just let things go. And, generally, things go away on their own.

A Whole New World!

However, I know there’s a whole world of herbs and natural medicines that I think can be very effective at helping me build up our immune systems, so we avoid those viruses and bugs that go around, and helping us deal with the injuries, illnesses, and allergies that might come upon us.

No one is immune from life. We’re going to deal with sickness and pain, and I’d like to be prepared and ready to do so in a natural, holistic way that involves drugs, doctors, and hospitals as little as possible.

And maybe, just maybe, I’m influenced by the fact that we don’t have health insurance and I’d prefer not to be in debt for the rest of my life for something unpleasant like sickness.

So a big part of my summer this year is going to be growing herbs and learning about herbs, natural medicines, healthy eating, and how we can be good stewards of our bodies… and then choosing (out of the overwhelming wealth of information and possibility) a few ways to change for the better. I know a little, but there’s so much more I’d like to learn.

My first projects are
1. Planting my herbs and
2. Putting together a natural first aid kit.

I’d love to gain wisdom and get a head-start from those further on in this natural living thing… If you’ve got a blog or site with natural health or herb related information, please share a link in the comments below. Or if you just have a bit of advice, share that too!

Images

1. hippie self – courtesy of ashnape93 on Flickr.

Colds are the bane of our existence, in my humble opinion. You’re not sick enough to stay in bed, whine, and be waited upon; but you sure don’t feel good, and you have to do your normal life-stuff with all the cold symptoms hanging around, your new bff. Ick. When it’s your baby who is fighting the cold, you still feel the pain. Stuffy noses, sinus pressure, congestion waking baby and you up at night. Runny noses getting sore during the day. Achiness and fatigue making everything more difficult. Coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and general no-fun components of the cold: we need to get rid of them.

Cherry Cough Syrup

Wong gives a recipe for a cherry cough syrup which seems wonderful to me. I’ve adapted it a bit to work for babies; he makes his with honey, which isn’t safe for babies under a year old.

Use about 3 cups of fresh, unpitted, washed cherries; put them in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Add 1 sliced lemon and let the whole pot simmer for a good 20 or 30 minutes. Strain out the cherries and lemon, return the liquid to the saucepan, and put it back over heat. Add 1 1/2 cups of raw or brown sugar and simmer gently, stirring continually, until the mixture gets syrupy. Remove from heat, let cool, and store in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in the refrigerator. Give 1 to 2 teaspoons to babies, as needed, to soothe coughing. Give 1 to 2 tablespoons to toddlers and children as needed for coughing.

Mullein

A reader recently asked me about using mullein for babies, and I didn’t have an answer at the time. Since then, I’ve done a little research and here is what I’ve found: mullein is “used as an expectorant, decongestant, and mucus reducer” according to Wong. Page recommends it as an “anti-spasmodic and astringent herb, effective for a wide range of respiratory problems.” She also mentions its expectorant properties. That sounds great, so far. However, Avila and Fetrow say not to give mullein to children; why not, they don’t say.

Castleman states that mullein should not be given to children under 2; for older children, dosage should be adjusted according to the child’s weight. Both Castleman and Duke recommend mullein for coughs and colds. Duke says that a mullein flower tea “provides throat-soothing mucilage and also has an expectorant effect” (138). Mullein has a bitter taste, which Duke recommends masking with the addition of lemon, other herbs, and/or honey (147).

My conclusion on mullein is this: it doesn’t fit into the “safe herbs for babies” category. It sounds like an effective (if bitter) herb to use for older children and adults. I’ll give it a try, but in the meantime for babies, I’ll stick with

Licorice, Anise, Chamomile, and Lemon Balm Infusion

These herbs will fight colds, increase healing time, and reduce the symptoms. Licorice is soothing for coughs and sore throats. Anise is an expectorant and antiviral. Chamomile I’ve already talked about at length. Lemon balm has a host of good benefits: antiviral, antioxidant, plus it is a sedative and soothing to the stomach, which can get kind of iffy with lots of mucus draining down into it. And the bonus is that all of these herbs taste good. Licorice tastes like, well, itself. Anise tastes like licorice. Chamomile is mild and sweet and kind of apple-y. Lemon balm (surprise) tastes lemony.

To make the infusion, take 1 teaspoon each, dried, of the four herbs (crush the aniseed a bit). Steep the herbs in very hot water for 10 to 15 minutes (keep it covered to trap the steam). Sweeten with sugar to taste (honey for babies over a year old). Give 1 to 2 teaspoons by eyedropper, or for older babies dilute half-and-half with water and give in a bottle or sippy cup.
The only caution about this tea is that licorice, used long-term, can have an adverse effect. So don’t drink this tea every day for the next year, or give it to your baby every day for the next three months. Use it for the duration of the cold or flu, then discontinue. Or just drop the licorice.

Eucalyptus Aromatherapy

For helping deal with the stuffiness and loosen up those congested areas, a little eucalyptus aromatherapy is wonderful. Page says it has “strong antiseptic properties” and recommends it “externally for chest congestion.” Follow the same instructions given for using lavender for aromatherapy.

Get the book: the information you need, when you need it.

Disclaimer:

I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for professional health advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

Sources

Avila, Juan R. and Charles W. Fetrow. The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation, 2000.
Castleman, Michael. The New Healing Herbs. Rodale, 2009.
Duke, James A., Ph.D. The Green Pharmacy. New York: Rodale, 1997.
Houdret, Jessica. Practical Herb Garden. London: Hermes House, 2003.
Page, Linda, N.D., Ph.D. How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: Herbal Traditions, Expert Formulations. Healthy Healing Publications, 1991, 1997.
Wong, James. Grow Your Own Drugs: Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Fixes. London: Collins, 2009.

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Image courtesy of |Chris| on Flickr.

Skin problems for babies can range from a little bit of baby acne to full-blown, painful cases of eczema. At the very least, you want to keep baby’s skin clean and moisturized with something that isn’t toxic. Babies normally have sensitive skin, and some will react to almost anything with fragrance or synthetic preservative in it. Babies also tend to get dry skin very quickly, sometimes with chapping and flaking. Using care in how you bathe and moisturize baby’s skin can help a lot, both in keeping sensitive skin happy and in easing dry skin. And there are herbs which can help relieve skin problems like diaper rash, eczema, itchiness, and baby acne.

Bath Time for Baby

I recommend bathing with a very gentle bar soap, preferably one that’s all-natural. I like Burt’s Bees baby products, and I use the soap for body and hair. If baby’s skin is very sensitive, just cut out the soap altogether and simply bathe baby in warm water. Sometimes less is more. I haven’t tried making my own soap yet, but it’s on my list. In the meantime, if that’s something you want to try, you can find great instructions here and here and here.

Moisturizing the Skin

You have a few options. You can go standard baby lotion route. You can pay a lot more for organic/all-natural baby lotion. Or you can make your own very simple and effective moisturizing balm, which is (obviously) what I recommend. Second best to making your own is buying something like Burt’s Bees Apricot Oil, but even that contains fragrance so for babies with very sensitive skin it might be too strong.

To make your own moisturizing balm for baby, purchase coconut oil (which you can find in the baking/oil section of any major grocery store for around $5; it’s food-grade, which is as good or better than cosmetic grade; or you can find a source of organic coconut oil) and a bottle of another good oil such as extra virgin olive oil, or jojoba, or wheat germ. Then buy a little bottle of Vitamin E oil, which you can find in most pharmacies.

Now you can either make a very simple balm out of these three oils, or you can infuse it with herbs. If you don’t use herbs, your oil will have a slightly coconut-y smell. Light. If you do use herbs, it will take on some of their fragrance.
To make a simple balm without herbs, simple melt the coconut oil over a double boiler or in a sauce pan or even in a glass bowl in the microwave or float it (closed in the container) in very hot water until it liquifies. Mix the liquid coconut oil with the other two oils – the olive or jojoba or whatever you got and the Vitamin E – and then pour into containers with tight-fitting lids.

Use one container at a time, and keep the others in a dark, cool place (like the back of a cabinet in the pantry). Rub the moisturizing balm on baby’s skin after every bath, rub on his bottom while changing diapers, apply to dry patches as frequently as you think of it. It’s gentle and with no additives, very unlikely to irritate sensitive skin. The only possibility is that of an allergy to the coconut oil or the other oil you use. If you’re concerned about this, use the balm on a small patch of baby’s skin and watch for a reaction. Allergic reactions usually don’t take long to show up. If baby’s skin is fine after a few hours, put on a little more and then check it the next day.

To make a simple balm infused with herbs, choose the ones you want to use. Find an organic source, if at all possible. Use a large saucepan or double boiler and melt the coconut oil, then pour in the other oil you purchased (leave the Vitamin E out for now). Keep the oil at a very low simmer, and put in your herbs: about 2 tablespoons each of fresh or 2 teaspoons each of dry. Simmer the herbs in the oil for 15 to 20 minutes, then strain the herbs out through cheesecloth, add the Vitamin E to the oil, pour it into containers and let it cool.

Herbs for Skin

General skin health: Lavender is a great all-around herb for skin health, plus it smells great and induces calmmmmmness, which any baby could use a bit of.
Dryness: Really, for dryness it’s not herbs you need as much as that good oily moisturizing balm. Avocado oil is another good one to use. Drinking lots of water is also good to help the body moisturize itself from the inside out; if you’re nursing, be sure you are drinking lots of water. If baby is eating solid foods, you might start giving a bottle or sippy cup of water every time you offer the solid foods.
Eczema: Castleman reports that topical application of borage oil has been shown to help reduce skin welts from eczema (page 113). (Borage oil should not be used internally for children.) You can buy borage or borage seed oil from an herbal or natural health food store and apply it directly or mix it into your moisturizing balm. Chamomile and echinacea are two other herbs to try for eczema. Both have skin soothing, anti-inflammatory properties which may help in clearing up eczema. Read also about aloe vera, below.
Itchy skin, insect bites, stings: Calendula is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, so it’s great for using on minor scrapes and sores and insect bites. It will help things heal up sooner. I’d use a cotton ball soaked in straight witch hazel (buy at any pharmacy for about $1) to ease the itching. Witch hazel is very cooling and soothing to irritated skin. See also aloe vera, below.
Baby acne: Aloe vera gel or juice is a super treatment for any skin problem. Grow a plant in a pot by a window and use it straight up on itchy spots, rashes, red areas, or minor burns, cuts, and scrapes. You can also buy aloe vera gel or juice at any pharmacy; just read the ingredients on the gel label to be sure you’re not getting a lot of synthetic additives with the aloe. Aloe helps fight infection, which is nice if baby scratches open a little acne spot. Dot a little fresh aloe gel on any acne spots, sores, or rashes, let dry, then cover with a moisturizing balm.

Dealing with Cradle Cap

Cradle cap doesn’t require herbs so much as it just requires a little time. Cradle cap is caused by baby’s over-productive glands on the head, spurting out a little more oil than is necessary and then caking things up, with the resulting flakiness and scabs. First things first: you want to be really gentle. I don’t know a Mommy who can resist picking off those little flakes, but be gentle. If you pull off the wrong one, or are just a little rough, you can easily create an open sore that can get infected. Not so good.

To deal with cradle cap, I’ve had some success with the following method:

• Bathe baby in nice warm water.
• Soap up the scalp and rinse thoroughly, then apply one of the following: your moisturizing balm, Burt’s Bees Apricot Oil, straight Vitamin E oil, or straight olive oil.
• Massage the oil into the scalp, making sure you cover all the areas of cradle cap, and, of course, being gentle.
• Let it sit on there for ten minutes, or for as long as you can keep baby entertained.
• Dab off the excess oil, then use a fine-tooth comb all over baby’s head.
• Rinse, comb again if baby will let you, then rinse and pat dry.
• Follow up with a light coat of moisturizing balm or lotion or oil, to soothe any irritated spots.

I found that the oil really softened up all those little scabby, flaky spots and I got a lot of the cradle cap off this way. It’s time consuming, and it’s best if you have somebody else to hold wet-slippery-bath-baby while you do the combing.

Frankly, my common way of dealing with cradle cap was pick at it whenever I nursed, then pop on one of those cute baby hats whenever we went out until enough hair grew in to cover things up. Cradle cap will clear up on its own as baby’s body develops and grows.

Disclaimer:

I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for persistent symptoms, illnesses, and injuries.

Sources

Avila, Juan R. and Charles W. Fetrow. The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation, 2000.
Castleman, Michael. The New Healing Herbs. Rodale, 2009.
Duke, James A., Ph.D. The Green Pharmacy. New York: Rodale, 1997.

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Image by theodens on Flickr.

A general restlessness or irritability can keep baby from sleeping well, eating well, and can definitely interfere with the natural rhythm of your life. Actually, a rhythm is the first thing you should focus on, before you get to herbs and treatments. A regular, steady rhythm to your daily routine and normal life will help calm a lot of restlessness, in you and in your baby.

Creating a Rhythm

Try to set up a regular schedule for yourself and your baby.

Get up at the same time in the morning, eat meals at the same time every day, and create a little pattern that you follow. Sure, some days are going to vary, especially if you’re out and about, but you can control how things go when you’re at home. Don’t try to cram so much in. Give yourself a little space and breathing room to get things flowing on a regular schedule, and then you’ll know if you have room for more in your life.

Set up a regular sleep-time routine for your baby.

Go through the same routine for nap time and bed time; maybe cuddling, singing a song, reading a book. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated, but it does need to be consistent. Even the most active, energetic, adventurous babies (and toddlers, and children) like the security of knowing what comes next; and if you create a consistent routine and don’t vary from it, you’ll get less fussing and “arguing” from baby about when it’s time to sleep. Remember: you’re the parent. You need to be the one giving baby the cues about what’s best and what comes next, not the other way around.

Watch the stimulants…

…which may come in the form of what you eat (if you’re nursing) or what baby eats (sugar, carbs which convert to sugar quickly) or from social interaction, loud music, talking, and the like, or lots of unfamiliar places and experiences. New experiences are great, but you need to watch out for getting baby so wound up that it’s hard to come back down again. When those days happen, sticking to your consistent sleep-time routine will help a lot. Just use common sense in what you let baby experience, and when. It’s okay to say no.

Get outside with baby; fresh air, sunshine, movement, exploring.

Being out in nature is the kind of new experience that stimulates without straining. In bad weather, of course it’s more difficult; but even then you can bundle up when it’s cold and take a quick 5-minute walk, or stand under the porch in the rain and breathe in the fresh, clean, wet world. Getting outside and just being is calming, refreshing, relaxing, and restful.

Herbs for Restlessness

Lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and catnip (or catmint) are the major players when it comes to relaxation for baby. There are some other herbs which have a stronger effect, but they’re used internally for adults, not for babies. You can get the herbs to baby in several ways.

Relaxing Herbal Tea

Combine chamomile, lemon balm, and catnip (1 teaspoon each) and pour hot water over. Let steep, covered, for about 10 minutes. Sweeten with a little sugar. Give 2 teaspoons by eyedropper for very young babies. For older babies, dilute half and half with water and let them have a bottle or sippy cup full. For toddlers, if you don’t make the tea extremely strong, they’ll drink it straight up (if it’s sweet enough).

Aromatherapy for Relaxation

Lavender is superb herb for aromatherapy. Use it in baby’s bath: first, make an infusion by steeping a handful of fresh or dried lavender flowers in almost-boiling water for about 10 minutes. Then strain it and add it to the bathwater. Or you can steam things up: put a few drops of lavender essential oil, or a handful of lavender flowers, in the bathroom sink, then cover with very hot water. Shut the door and sit in the bathroom with baby, breathing in the steam.

Topical Relaxing Treatments

If you’ve made a simple moisturizing balm, you can add a few drops of lavender essential oil and use as usual. Or you could infuse your oil with chamomile, lemon balm, and/or catnip to get their benefits, then just use the balm as you normally would.
Massaging the balm or another oil into baby’s skin can also help with restlessness. Make sure the atmosphere is calm and quiet, and preferably dark. Keep a little hall light on, or light a candle (just don’t forget to blow it out). You could put on some soothing music or just let it be quiet. Lay baby down on a soft blanket, curl up, and get some balm on your finger tips. Rub balm into feet and hands, all over chest and belly, using slow, soft motions. Talk  to baby, cuddle, and just be relaxed together. Make sure you don’t fall asleep before baby does…

Disclaimer:

I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for professional health advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

Sources

Avila, Juan R. and Charles W. Fetrow. The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation, 2000.
Castleman, Michael. The New Healing Herbs. Rodale, 2009.
Duke, James A., Ph.D. The Green Pharmacy. New York: Rodale, 1997.
Houdret, Jessica. Practical Herb Garden. London: Hermes House, 2003.
Page, Linda, N.D., Ph.D. How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: Herbal Traditions, Expert Formulations. Healthy Healing Publications, 1991, 1997.
Wong, James. Grow Your Own Drugs: Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Fixes. London: Collins, 2009.

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Image courtesy of Simple Insomnia on Flickr.

When you think of herbs, you think of a sprig of thyme or a big basil plant, or maybe a crushed mint leaf in your tea or a sachet of dried lavender. You think of plants which accompany food, perhaps, but you don’t often think of food itself. The definition of an herb, however, is pretty wide. Houdret says that “a herb is now generally understood to mean a plant, some part of which, roots, stem, leaves, flowers or fruits, is used for food, medicine, flavouring or scent” (1).

Common foods, of course, we use as a source of nutrition. But many also have qualities which can help treat minor medical problems, improve appearance, and/or simply build up overall health.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerhouse. I think of it primarily as a way to build up our immunity, and I happen to love the way it tastes. If you’re not particular to the sharp taste of raw garlic, try it roasted. Roasting mellows the flavor incredibly and turns the cloves into a spreadable mush. Mix roasted garlic with a bit of sweet butter and spread it on a piece of French bread. Heavenly. Wong talks about garlic’s “significant antifungal properties” and its ability to help “prevent or combat colds, flu, and bronchitis, and reduce nasal congestion” (2).

For babies, of course, you’re not going to just offer minced raw garlic. Here’s what you can do, though:

• Cook with fresh garlic. Add it to your soup, stirfries, casseroles, chicken, pot roast, carrots, mashed potatoes. As baby eats more table food, he’ll get more garlic. Mmmm.
• Roast a head or two: wrap the whole thing in foil, pop it in a 350 oven, and leave it for about 40 minutes. Remove, let cool, unwrap, and squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skin. Mix some of the roasted garlic in with any kind of mashed or pureed vegetable for a flavor boost and a health boost.
• Use raw garlic in syrups and infusions to help treat colds. Sweeten the mix with a little sugar (or honey, if baby is over a year old). Yes, garlic’s sharp flavor will be there but so will its health benefits. In such a small dose, and sweetened up as it is, most babies and children won’t mind it at all.

Berries

Cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are all vitamin-rich foods: and what’s not to love about the sweet, fresh flavor? Fresh  or frozen blueberries are a great finger food for babies to learn on (just pick up the dropped ones before they get squished into the floor).

Make your own cranberry sauce by boiling cranberries in an equal amount of water and adding sugar to taste. Take them off the heat when they break down and get thick. Mix a bit with baby’s cereal, mashed banana, or a simple rice pudding. Strawberries and blackberries are great eating all by themselves.

Figs

Wong says that syrup of figs is an “effective and gentle laxative suitable for all ages” (3). Figs are a great way to help prevent or treat constipation. Make raw figs a regular part of the diet; they’re great for breakfast, snack, or alongside any meal. They have a mild, sweet flavor. You can also cook with dried figs if you don’t have access to fresh. Eat dried figs as they are, like prunes, or rehydrate them to mix with cereal, banana, pudding, etc.

Side note: my grandfather grew a grove of fig trees for years, and every summer we had an overload of fresh, sweet, juicy-to-bursting figs. I transplanted a baby tree to my parents’ house while I was in college, and it’s growing and producing fruit every year now, too. They don’t require much care other than watering during very hot, dry times. Look into growing a few fig trees in your own yard.

Lemon

Lemon has that fresh, sharp smell that just makes you feel clean and sunny. It’s a great natural cleaning agent. It’s also a great astringent and is antibacterial. Page calls lemon peel a “purifying digestive and cleansing agent” (4 – 197). She recommends using it in a syrup with garlic and honey (or sugar) to treat colds and flu.

Add a bit to any sort of herbal preparation that needs a flavor boost. A super remedy for coughs and sore throats is a syrup made of fresh cherries, lemon, honey or raw sugar, and an herbal infusion of lemon balm, catnip, and echinacea.

Cucumber

Wong says of cucumber that it is a “gentle diuretic and good for intestinal health…excellent [to] use in topical beauty products…anti-inflammatory…soothing and cooling” (5). Cucumber slices on sunburned or dry skin supply instant coolness and relief. The stereotypical spa treatment of cucumber slices on eyes is reasonable, as they can relieve puffiness and redness. Eat lots of fresh cucumbers, in slices by themselves, on salads, on a vegetable platter. Kids usually like them; they’re kind of bland but great with a zesty salad dressing or dip.

Get the book: the information you need, when you need it.

Disclaimer:

I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for professional health advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

Sources

• Wong, James. Grow Your Own Drugs. Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Fixes. London: Collins, 2009.
• Page, Linda, N.D., Ph.D. How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: Herbal Traditions, Expert Formulations. Healthy Healing Publications, 1991, 1997.
• Houdret, Jessica. Practical Herb Garden. London: Hermes House, 2003.

Colic in babies is difficult for the baby suffering and for the parents who feel helpless to do anything. Safe herbs can be gentle enough to use to help ease the symptoms and possibly the causes of colic, and the same treatments will also be effective on similar/related complaints such as gas, indigestion, upset tummy, and cramps.

A Note About Dosage for Infants

Wong recommends use for infants “six months and older.” I’m not sure why six months is the magic age, and I tend to think that giving infants under six months a gentle herbal preparation is okay, in most cases. But I never needed to give an herbal treatment to my babies under six months, so I can’t speak from experience.

Susan Perri, a clinical herbalist, has this to say about treating postpartum babies: “The appropriate dosage can be given to the baby in tea (infusion) form. The tea should be warm, to a temperature consistent with breast-milk, and can be administered with an eyedropper. If necessary, slide the eyedropper into baby’s mouth alongside the nipple while nursing. Give the baby some tea in this way each time you nurse if colic is consistent, or use only at times of distress. These herbs can also be given at regular feedings as preventive care” (1). If you’re breastfeeding, you can take the adult-strength dosage of these herbal cures and let the baby benefit via breast milk.

A Note About Colic in General

Remember that some gas, some fussiness, and some tummy trouble may be just part of the infant life, as the digestive system matures, and may also be more about stress than tummy upset. The best things you can do to combat restlessness and irritability is to nurse regularly and on a stable schedule, to sit down, be quiet, and relax while feeding baby, to be sure your baby is sleeping enough (so fatigue isn’t a factor in the fussiness) and to be calm and relaxed yourself.

Sometimes infant massage can be helpful, as well as gentle exercises like bending baby’s knees up to her chest to help that gas work its way out. If you’re still dealing with colic, gas, upset tummy, and irritability/restlessness, you might try some of the remedies below.

Fennel Seed

Fennel Seeds were “traditionally used for centuries to soothe colic” (2). Two options for giving fennel seed to a colicky baby: you can either make a tea and give it by the teaspoon or make a very simple paste and swipe a bit inside baby’s mouth.
For a fennel seed tea, simmer about 1 tablespoon of fennel seed in 1 1/2 cups of water (Wong’s recommended proportions). Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then strain and let cool. Give 1 to 2 teaspoons as needed but, says Wong, don’t give more than twice an hour.

For the very simple fennel seed paste, crush up 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds into a powder. Use a mortar and pestle, or double-bag the seeds in zip-top storage bags and beat them with a rolling pin, or if you have an extra coffee bean grinder, use it. (If you use your regular coffee bean grinder, get the fennel residue out by grinding up a handful of white rice. If you don’t, your morning cup o’ joe might taste like cup o’ fennel. Ick.) Once the seeds are to a powdered consistency, moisten the tip of your finger and swipe up just a bit of the powder so it mixes into a paste on your fingertip. Put this under the baby’s tongue or along the gumline near the back of the mouth. Follow the same dosage by not giving more than twice an hour.

Dill Seed

Dr. Linda Page calls dill seed “the herb of choice” when it comes to dealing with “flatulence or colic in infants or children’s upset stomach” (3). For infants, you can make a dill seed tea following the same proportions and directions as for fennel seed tea. You can also powder the dill seed and mix it with a bit of water to apply as a paste. Page recommends using honey to make the dill seed paste, but for infants under 1 year old you should avoid the honey method.

Angelica and Anise

Angelica is a “digestive agent” (4). Wong gives a recipe for a tummy soother with angelica, but it also contains peppermint and juniper berries, both of which I would hesitate to give to a baby. Instead, I would combine angelica with anise (aniseed). Anise has a sweet, licorice-like flavor and is antispasmodic, which means it helps the walls of the stomach relax so gas can be expelled and cramping relieved.
Colic Relief Infusion
1 tablespoon fresh angelica or 1 teaspoon dried angelica (find in an herb or natural/health food store)
1 tablespoon anise/aniseed, slightly crushed
1 teaspoon star anise pods (optional; find in the spice section of larger grocery stores or in an Asian or Indian market or health food store)
2 cups water
Simmer the angelica, anise, and star anise, if using, in the water for 15 minutes. Strain out the herbs and let the infusion cool. Dosage: 1 teaspoon per dose, no more than twice an hour. This is something you could also use as a preventative, before feeding or before a regular “colicky time.”

Orange and Thyme

Orange peel is “a digestive stimulant” which is “helpful for food stagnation, abdominal pains with distention, indigestion, and gas” (5). Of course, it has loads of vitamin C, too, which is nice. Thyme is used for colic, gas, lack of appetite, and other digestive issues. It’s an anti-spasmodic. Combine thyme and orange into a sweet-tasting
Tummy Relief Syrup
Peel of 1 orange (remove the white pith)
2 teaspoons thyme (dry) or 2 tablespoons fresh
Step 1: Simmer the orange peel and thyme in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, then return to pan over heat.
Step 2: Add 1 cup raw or brown sugar to the orange-thyme infusion. Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly, and keep it there until it begins to get syrupy. Let cool, then pour it into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon of syrup, no more than 1 dose every hour.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for persistent symptoms, illnesses, and injuries.

Sources

1. Perri, Susan. HealthyChild.com. Herbs for Postpartum Baby, an excerpt from Perri’s book The Complete Herbal for Pregnancy and Childbirth. See the article at the HealthyChild website.
2. Wong, James. Grow Your Own Drugs: Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Fixes. London: Collins, 2009.
3. Page, Linda, N.D., Ph.D. How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: Herbal Traditions, Expert Formulations. Healthy Healing Publications, 1991, 1997.
4. Page, Linda.
5. Page, Linda.
Other: Healthy.net has a nice listing of herbs and their medicinal uses, including a summary of pharmacological research, the primary constituents in the herbs and their effects.

Below is a list of terms, a glossary of sort, that is kind of a minimum introduction to these words that pop up when you start learning more about using herbs in ways that aren’t strictly culinary. I’ve written a more detailed primer, which you can read here (Part 1) and here (Part 2). But for just beginning, and for the purposes of using safe herbs for babies, you really just need to know a few different ways to use herbs and a few special terms.
Here they are,

13 things you need to know about using safe herbs for babies:

1. Infusion: a tea made of fresh or dried herbs. Make an infusion by heating 2 cups of water, then pouring it over about 2 tablespoons of fresh or 2 teaspoons of dried herb. Proportions may differ according to different recipes and different herbs. You can also make infused oils by heating herbs and oil together or by leaving herbs in oil for about 2 weeks.
2. Decoction: a tea made by simmering herbs in water for 20 to 30 minutes. The simmering process used in making a decoction works better for the roots, bark, or stems of herbs, which need the additional heating time.
3. Syrup: a sweet, thick mixture made by simmering sugar, honey, or glycerin with an herbal infusion or decoction. These are great for children, who like the sweet taste.
4. Tincture: an alcohol-herbal combination, usually made with vodka. The alcohol should be at least 80 proof. Tinctures are made simply by leaving the herbs in an alcohol-water mixture in a tightly sealed bottle for up to a month; then the herbs are strained out. Tinctures are usually fairly concentrated and they have a long shelf life, up to 5 years according to James Wong’s book.
5. Internal: internal treatments are those taken, yep, internally. Capsules, infusions, decoctions, syrups, and tinctures are all internal treatments, though infusions and decoctions can also be used to make creams, lotions, ointments, and other topically applied treatments.
6. Topical: topical treatments are applied externally. A cream, lotion, or ointment can be applied to treat skin conditions or bruises, sore muscles or wounds. Poultices and compresses are also external treatments.
7. Dosage: the correct amount of an herbal treatment which should be taken or used, especially when referring to internal treatments. Most herbal preparations and recipes will indicate a dosage, and when using herbs for babies and children, that dosage should be altered accordingly. Dr. Linda Page recommends 1/2 dose for children 10 – 14 years, 1/3 dose for children 6 – 10 years, 1/4 dose for children 2 – 6 years, and 1/8 dose for infants and babies.
8. Ointment: a simple, oil-based salve or balm used topically. An herbal ointment is made by warming the carrier base (vaseline, lanolin, or an oil-beeswax combination) and simmering the herbs gently. The mixture is then filtered and allowed to cool. Ointments are fabulous for skin treatments, minor first aid, and sore muscles.
9. Poultice: a topical treatment of herbs applied directly to the skin. Herbs are often crushed or mixed into a paste, then spread over the affected area and covered with cotton cloth and plastic wrap.
10. Compress: a topical treatment, very simply made by soaking a rag or cloth in an herbal infusion, then applying it directly to the affected area.
11. Essential Oil: the oil of an herb or herbs in combination which have been extracted by steam distillation. It is extremely difficult (impossible?) to make these at home and they are very potent. Essential oils are not to be taken internally unless under the guidance of a certified herbalist, and you should be careful when using them, as some can burn or cause reactions if they touch the bare skin. Some essential oils are milder than others, but all should be used with care.
12. Preservative: an ingredient used in herbal preparations to extend shelf life. Alcohol is a natural preservative, which is why tinctures have such a long shelf life. Some herbal preparations, if they are to be used quickly, won’t need any preservatives. Others can benefit from the addition of Vitamin C powder, Vitamin E oil, or Grapefruit Seed Extract.
13. Shelf Life: the length of time an herbal preparation can be stored and still maintain its potency and freshness. Shelf life is effected by the ingredients you use, the type of preparation, the freshness of the herbs used, and whether you use a preservative.

References:

• Hylton, William H. and Claire Kowalchick, Editors. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Rodale Press, 1998.
• Page, Linda, N.D., Ph.D. How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: Herbal Traditions, Expert Formulations. Healthy Healing Publications, 1991, 1997.
• Grow Your Own Drugs: Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Fixes. London: Collins, 2009.

Disclaimer

I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for persistent symptoms, illnesses, and injuries.

This post is linked up with Thursday 13.