Diarrhoea in infants.

Date: Fri, 22 Dec 1995 13:12:15 -0500
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: Patricia Harper <IgorBladox.AOL.COM>
Subject: Diarrhea

> My little 5 month old daugther has diarrhea. What do you suggest (natural ways) that I should give her to stop this. I have been trying Slippery Elm, Acidophilus.
> Any suggestions.

Slippery elm is a good choice for infant diarrhea, so you've made a good herbal choice.

Now, since it is not working, call a doctor.

Infants can become dehydrated by diarrhea very quickly and this is a leading cause of infant mortality. Infant diarrhea should be taken very seriously.

5-10 drops of blackberry root tincture or raspberry leaf tea (1 or 2 tablespoons) can be tried. An oatmeal gruel, rice or apples are sometimes effective. White oak bark tea, cranesbill or other astringent teas can be used in teaspoon sized doses.

Do not let this problem last more than 1 or 2 movements while you try things; act quickly. If it is not an emergency, your doctor might be happy to monitor your baby's condition while you apply natural treatments, or have natural suggestions of his/her own. Do not hesitate to tell your doctor you prefer natural treatments, but if your child is becoming seriously dehydrated, follow your doctor's advice and be thankful for modern medicine.

Best wishes (and a happy solstice to you all).

Patricia Harper
igorbladox.aol.com

From: chris utterback <robertu.PC.JARING.MY>

This is excellent advise and should be taken very seriously. While in an adult you may be able to take a wait and see approach and *not stop the symptoms* diarrhea is life threatening in an infant. If you are still reading these messages (I hope you are not) then stop and get your child to a doctor. We're talking a matter of hours before a child can die from dehydration so there isn't time to fool around with bulletin boards and different approaches. What matters the most is this child's welfare. So get her to your family doctor now.

Chris