Colic, Croup & Constipation ~ Gentle Remedies with Essential Oils

An uncomfortable baby is an unhappy baby...

...and if baby's unhappy, the entire household is unhappy.  Colic, croup and constipation are on every parents "dislike" list.  Oh how I wish I'd known about essential oils when my kids were babies, I could have saved myself a lot of worry, grief and long, long nights sitting on the commode in a steamy bathroom with a very unhappy baby on my lap.  Makes me shudder even reminiscing about it!

Colic & Croup:  Would you believe you only need one essential oil to rescue your sweet baby from the grips of colic OR croup? 

Hello Marjoram!

Colic is any extended period of crying and fussiness that occurs frequently in babies.  The exact cause is unknown but it's speculated that the cause is from indigestion, gas build-up lactose intolerance or a lactose intolerance or a lack of probiotic bacteria in the intestines

How to apply:

Dilute 1 to 2 drops of oil in 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, I like fractionated coconut oil and massage a small amount gently on stomach and back.

Croup is a viral respiratory infection that causes inflammation of the area around the larynx and a barking cough.  Sometimes, taking baby outside to breath cool night air can help open the restricted airways, so can humidity (steamy bathroom).

How to apply:

Diffuse marjoram into the air, set a diffuser in the nursery.  Dilute 1 to 2 drops of oil in 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil and massage a small amount gently on stomach and back.

Constipation: This unfortunate condition calls for the lovely rosemary.  However, once upon a time we were without rosemary and wild orange works wonders too!

Hello Rosemary!

Constipation is occurs when waste becomes too hard and dry to expel from baby's little body.  

How to apply:

Dilute 1 to 2 drops of oil in 2 tablespoons carrier oil and massage on stomach and the bottoms of baby's feet.

Keep in mind that when using essential oils on babies and children, it's always best to dilute pure essential oils with a carrier oil.  For older children, dilute 1 to 2 drops in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.  For newborns and infants, dilute 1 to 2 drops in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.

Keep essential oils out of children's reach.  If an oil is ever ingested, give a child an oil-soluble liquid like milk, cream or half & half.  Then seek emergency medical attention.  A few drops of essential oil shouldn't be life threatening but it's always best to take precautions.

It's comforting to know that natural remedies like essential oils are available and fast acting.  Over the counter drugs aren't always the best choice for infants or children nor the most effective, and modern research tells us that there WILL be side effects.  

Please choose responsibly!