Infant Diarrhea
Saturday, June 24, 2006 (19:07:55)

Posted by Cougar

Infant Diarrhea

There are probably few babies that have not had a bout of diarrhea, or it’s counterpart, constipation. Diarrhea can be caused by a number of reasons, the most common being: reactions to or excesses of certain food groups, reactions to bacteria and viruses, teething, fever, emotional upset, or as a complication of infection elsewhere in the body.

The primary concern with infant diarrhea is to be aware of dehydration. It can occur quickly if fluid intake is not being carefully monitored and can be fatal if severe. Be mindful that the infant fluid intake is adequate. Monitor the amount of liquid the child drinks and give the child warm baths and/or enemas. These will help in the absorption of liquid.

Though liquid intake is essential, it is not necessary that the child eat solid food. It is actually best if they fast on liquids such as herb teas, vegetable broths, and chicken soup. Eating solid food will make the already stressed digestive system work overtime. It also means more runny diapers as everything eaten will quickly come out. If the child wishes to eat, allow foods such as yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, cottage cheese, potato soup, mashed potatoes (no gravy or butter), and slippery elm gruel. These foods are easy to digest and will contribute to healing the digestive system.

Along with a high fluid intake, herbal baths, and a very simple diet as suggested above, the following suggestions should remedy the diarrhea:

Blackberry Root Tincture. Mix 1 teaspoon of tincture in 1/2 cup warm water and administer 1/4 teaspoon of this preparation every hour.

Tea for Diarrhea
3 parts Blackberry root
2 parts Slippery Elm bark
1 part Comfrey root

To Make: Simmer 1 teaspoon of the herb mixture in 1 cup water for 20 minutes. Strain and cool. Administer 2 to 4 tablespoon every hour or more often as needed.

Administer 1/8 teaspoon of acidophilus culture every hour until diarrhea stops.