Colic & Nappy Rash

Colic in young babies is characterized by wind pains, abdominal distension, flatulence, and irritability. For the usual nappy rash (rough, red, and covering the entire nappied area) use a herbal salve to heal and protect delicate skin. For the rarer nappy rash caused by Candida albicans (fiery red and in the creases of the legs and buttocks) avoid salves, and dust with herbal powder.

Foods to avoid to combat colic
Cow's milk is a primary cause of colic in bottle-fed infants; but even breastfed babies can suffer from colic if the mother has eaten something that the baby's sensitive digestive tract cannot tolerate. As a result, nursing mothers should avoid cow's milk products. spicy foods, and caffeine (found in tea, coffee, chocolate, and caffeinated soft drinks). Other dietary offenders that may cause colic include cabbage. cauliflower, garlic, wheat, citrus fruits, soy products. com, and eggs.

Ease colic cramps with chamomile
Chamomile is an antispasmodic and a gentle sedative; it soothes both the physical and emotional tension caused by colic.There are two ways you can use chamomile to ease your baby's colic. Put two drops of chamomile essential oil in a small tub of warm water and gently bathe the infant Or you can add five drops of chamomile essential oil to 30g (I oz) of almond oil and gently massage the baby's abdomen.

Herbal relief for colic
Chamomile and fennel promote digestion and help expel wind.
250m1(8fl oz) boiling water I teaspoon dried chamomile I teaspoon fennel seeds
Pour the water over the herbs. Cover, and steep for ten minutes. Strain, and give the baby a dropperful as often as needed.

Warm relief for colic
To ease colic pains, place a warm hot-water bottle on the baby's abdomen for a few minutes.

Bath for irritated skin
Oatmeal contains soothing mucilage, which helps calm irritated skin. Grind I OOg (3.5oz) of rolled oats into a fine powder in a blender; add to a tepid bath along with three drops of lavender essential oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Bathe the baby gently. Avoid using soap: it further irritates tender skin.

Herbal baby powder to prevent chafing
Herbal baby powder can absorb excess moisture and help to prevent nappy rash. Calendula has antifungal properties, and lavender essential oil soothes irritated skin.
15g (1/2oz) ) dried calendula flowers
100g (3 1/2oz) ) arrowroot powder
1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil
Pull the petals off the calendula flowers and grind them into a fine powder in a clean coffee grinder. Stir into the arrowroot, then add
the lavender oil drop by drop, mixing it thoroughly into the powder with your fingertips. Powder your baby's skin at every nappy change.

Calendula healer
To protect your baby's tender skin from chafing and to help heal irritated skin, apply a salve containing calendula at every nappy change.