An Herbal Remedy for Constipation in an Infant

Constipation--better defined as infrequent bowel movements--is a disturbance in the digestive tract that can lead to further complications in the body. Infants can become constipated when they transition to solid foods. Constipation can be very uncomfortable for anyone, especially an infant who is unable to communicate its discomfort in words. Fortunately, constipation is fairly easy to regulate.

Professional Consultation

• Always consult a professional before you begin an herbal or at-home remedy or treatment. Make an appointment with your pediatrician to see what types of natural remedies and doses are suitable for your baby. If your baby has any allergies, make notes of these items so you avoid products containing irritating ingredients. Many times, the infant's immune system and body functions are not quite able to handle changes and products that adults may easily adapt to. Use caution and extreme diligence as you investigate products and determine whether they are suitable for infant use.

Herbal Remedies

• Make sure your infant is getting enough fluids first and foremost. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods if you breast feed so that breast milk will be as nutritional as it can be. If your infant can eat food, two parts chapatti made from wheat to one part roasted black gram powder is a useful constipation aid. You can also give your infant a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses before bed. Add a few fennel seeds to warm water to normalize the digestive system or 1/2 tsp. of linseed with water works to clear out constipation. Mix a quarter of ginger powder with equal parts senna leaves in lukewarm water and have your child drink this before bed for proper stool passing in the morning. You may also use triphala powder with warm water or milk as a remedy. Simmer fennel with licorice root for 20 minutes, let it cool and feed your child 1 tsp. every 30 minutes until the bowel movement passes.

Monitoring and Prevention

• Monitor your infant's bowel movements by making a diary with the date, time and frequency to note any future changes or improvements. Check for consistency and regularity and note if there are any major changes. Pay close attention to any telling signs like constant diarrhea or bloody stools and make an appointment to see your pediatrician to rectify this. Keep your child on a regular eating schedule, avoid refined foods and include fiber in your infant's diet to keep him functioning soundly.