Tips for Toddlers by Martha Schindler Connors with Larry Altshuler, M.D.
Toddlers — children who may still be “toddling” instead of walking perfectly — fall into the second stage of childhood development: not babies anymore, not yet schoolkids. Between the ages of one and three, toddlers are exploring their world and encountering new health challenges along the way.
Ear Infections
Infections of the middle chamber of the ear are called otitis media (OM). In otitis media, the natural fluids within the ear don't drain properly, creating inflammation and pain.
Conventional medicine treats OM with pain-relieving drugs and, in many cases, antibiotics such as amoxicillin. But giving kids too many antibiotics can lead to recurrent infections and antibiotic resistance. Research suggests that as many as half of the children who are given antibiotics for recurrent otitis media will still have drug-resistant pneumococcus and other common OM bugs in their bodies.
If you think your child has an ear infection coming on, you might be able to stop it before it requires antibiotics. If an infection is already established, you can use these remedies in conjunction with antibiotics to reduce pain and speed healing.
• Garlic (Allium sativum) |
Garlic is a proven antimicrobial that can be used topically (as oil-based drops) to treat otitis media in young children. |
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) |
This is a classic herbal remedy that can be used internally and externally to fight ear infections. Its most beneficial constituent (at least as far as humans are concerned) is berberine, a potent antibacterial that seems to prevent germs from attaching themselves to cell membranes. |
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) |
A natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory, lavender oil, applied in a compress, can relieve the pain of an ear infection. |
• Saint John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
This herb is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. A recent study found that ear drops containing Saint John's wort and calendula (Calendula officinalis) were better than a pharmaceutical anesthetic at relieving OM pain. |
<B>Tummy Troubles</B></h2>
<p>Stomachaches can be caused by many things, including infection (like gastroenteritis, or “stomach flu”), constipation, or a reaction to certain foods. Stress can also contribute.</p>
<p>Although most gastrointestinal (GI) problems in children resolve themselves, conventional doctors may recommend pharmaceuticals like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), which can cause allergic reactions in some children and can also interact with other medications. Herbal alternatives include these:</p>
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<td><p>• <B>Fennel</B> (<B>Foeniculum vulgare</B>)</p></td>
<td><p>Fennel is a natural anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and analgesic, so it helps relieve stomach pain. It's also a natural antacid, meaning it can neutralize excess stomach acids.</p></td>
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<td><p>• <B>Ginger</B> (<B>Zingiber officinale</B>)</p></td>
<td><p>This ancient remedy is gentle and safe for use in children. Research has demonstrated its effects as an antiemetic (it combats nausea and vomiting) and gastric stimulant (it speeds the movement of food through the GI tract).</p></td>
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<td><p>• <B>Peppermint</B> (<B>Mentha x piperita</B>)</p></td>
<td><p>Peppermint is a traditional remedy for all sorts of GI problems, including diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. The oil contains menthol, which relaxes smooth muscles in the stomach and small intestine (and gives peppermint its kid-pleasing flavor).</p></td>
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<td><p>• <B>Psyllium</B> (<B>Plantago ovata, P. Psyllium</B>)</p></td>
<td><p>This high-fiber plant works as a gentle bulk-forming laxative.</p></td>
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<p>If your child is vomiting a lot or is in significant pain, or if you suspect that she has food poisoning or a food sensitivity, contact your pediatrician. Most cases of gastrointestinal distress in kids go away on their own, but vomiting, diarrhea, or other problems could be signs of a more serious problem.</p>
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<li class="btO">Tips for Toddlers</li>
</ul><ul class="col2"><li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/emotional-and-behavioral-problems.htm">Emotional and Behavioral Problems</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/kids-colds-and-flu.htm">Kids, Colds, and Flu</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/other-childhood-infections.htm">Other Childhood Infections</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/the-grade-school-years.htm">The Grade School Years</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/teenagers.htm">Teenagers</a></li>
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