When babies get sick, some health-conscious moms like having home remedies readily available. If a common illness has its onset at night, it is convenient to have basic remedies available. The kitchen pantry contains many common remedies, although some may cause side effects. If using herbal remedies, individuals should check with a health practitioner beforehand to learn how they should be administered. Parents should seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Garlic Oil for Earaches
Garlic oil is an old folk remedy used to treat earaches, according to "Herbally Yours." It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for use when needed. Parents can use organic olive oil or sweet oil, which is available from drug stores. Organic olive oil is free from impurities and makes longer-lasting remedies.
Individuals should crush three to four cloves of fresh garlic and add it to a cup of oil. They should then heat on low for 30 minutes, but not boil, and allow the oil to cool before removing the garlic. The preparer should then pour the oil into a glass jar and refrigerate. The oil can be used by warming it and then placing two to three drops in the affected ear. A piece of cotton big enough not to be pushed into the ear canal should be placed in the ear. Individuals should never leave garlic oil on the counter for extended periods, because it can develop botulism spores. Parents should not use garlic oil on children under 1 year of age. Individuals should consult their child's pediatrician before trying a remedy with regular or organic olive oil or sweet oil.
Homeopathic Chamomilla for Teething
The homeopathic remedy chamomilla has been used to help babies and young children through episodes of teething, according to "Homeopathic Medicine at Home." The remedy is indicated for children who are cranky, angry and weeping from pain. The child may scream excessively and throw things. They are irritable and can usually only be consoled by being rocked or walked while being held up on the parent's shoulder. Chamomilla can be purchased over-the-counter at health food stores. Individuals should consult their child's pediatrician before trying a remedy with chamomilla.
Calendula Ointment for Diaper Rash
Calendula officinalis is an herbal extract made from marigolds that is frequently employed for the treatment of skin irritations, according to "Medicinal Plants of North America: A Field Guide." Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties and is also considered an anti-viral, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." It is available in extract form, but is often mixed with alcohol, so it is not advised for use in this form.
However, it is also available as an ointment and may be soothing for use in cases of diaper rash. It can be smoothed on a baby's bottom instead of petroleum jelly or other pharmaceutical ointments. Considered safe for use in children of all ages, there are no reported side effects. Individuals should consult their child's pediatrician before trying a remedy with calendula.
Eucalyptus Oil for Congestion
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that eucalyptus oil has bacterial properties and also acts as an expectorant, which may break up congestion in the chest and sinuses in babies. A few drops of eucalyptus oil can be mixed with hot water and added to a room vaporizer to emit steam during an illness. Eucalyptus oil is available at health food stores. Parents should not use eucalyptus oil if homeopathic remedies are in use, as it causes them to be ineffective. The oil is generally considered safe when used in this manner. Individuals should consult their child's pediatrician before trying a remedy with eucalyptus oil.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sinusitis
- "Herbally Yours"; Penny C. Royal; 1982
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- "Medicinal Plants of North America: A Field Guide"; Jim Meuninck; 2008
- "Homeopathic Medicine at Home"; Maesimund B. Panos, M.D.; 1980
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