Chamomile for babies.

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 15:05:41 -0800
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: jonathan treasure <jonno.TELEPORT.COM>
Subject: Re chamomile tea

>Is it ok to give chamomile tea instead of water to a 3-week-old baby? She has a touch of jaundice and is supposed to drink lots of water, but does not like it. Are there other herbal teas a baby can safely drink?

Don't worry Chamomile tea is one of the very best things - but make it very weak for a three wk old. Make a standard strength infusion which you keep in the fridge and then dilute to 10% or further as needed. The stock will keep for 36 hours or more. Personally I would stick with Chamomile until baby is a little older. It is an "infants" remedy in many ways that cannot be surpassed. Use it later for colic, irritability and insomnia.

Homeopathic low dosage 3x, 6x etc will also work well. (Neonatal jaundice is self-limiting but if it worsens or persists check with your health care provider - to state the obvious)

From: Dorene Petersen <achs.HERBED.COM>

>Is it ok to give chamomile tea instead of water to a 3-week-old baby? She has a touch of jaundice and is supposed to drink lots of water, but does not like it. Are there other herbal teas a baby can safely drink?

Judith re Chamomile or other herbal teas to babies. I reared two daughters on herbal teas and found them especially effective for colic. You can make Dill water, fennel water and chamomile tea, they are all excellent for colic. To make use of Dill or Fennel seed, use 1 tsp. to 1 cup of water, and prepare as you would tea. Let the seeds steep for 10-20 minutes, strain carefully. Give a teaspoon as often as necessary. It is not necessary to add hoeny but if you do make sure it is not raw honey as there are cases reported of botulism in raw honey.

Also if you are breast feeding you can drink the tea and the benefits of the herb are passed on in the milk.

I have made teas from Catnip, Chamomile, Dill, Fennel, Ginger, Peppermint, Spearmint, and elderflowers for my kids. They are now 21 and 23.

You might try dandelion for the jaundice or homeopathic Chelidonium for you and baby.