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Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Infant Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is caused when stomach contents back up into the esophagus. In an infant, those stomach contents may be swallowed or spit up. While most healthy infants spit up from time to time, spitting up with reflux can be forceful, sometimes projectile. Acid reflux in infants is usually caused by inadequate strength in the muscles at the top of the stomach. The stomach contents which back up into the esophagus are acidic and can damage the esophagus, throat, vocal cords and even nasal passages. Most children outgrow acid reflux before they are a year old.

  1. Homeopathic Remedies

    • Homeopathic preparations are called remedies. You can purchase individual remedies or combination products. Homeopathic remedies are available in various potencies or dilutions, which are shown on the product label as 30C, 6X, etc. Homeopathic remedies are safe to use with infants. Choose products designed for infants and children whenever possible; remedies for infants and children are prepared in a base of lactose (milk sugar) and designed to dissolve easily and quickly in the mouth. These are usually in the form of pellets, which are very tiny tablets. Other remedies are available in liquid form and include a dropper for easy dosing. Always observe dosage instructions on any product you purchase, and observe your child for signs of relief as well as negative or allergic reactions. If you are unable to find preparations for infants and children, you can crush three 30C pellets between two spoons, add a drop of water, and feed this to the infant. You can also take a small bottle of spring water from which you have removed about 1/3 of the water, and place three 30C pellets inside; let it sit for five minutes, then shake vigorously. One teaspoon of this liquid is one dose for an infant. You can keep this mixture for two days without refrigeration. Always shake before use.

    Chamomilla

    • Physician and homeopath Edward Shalts refers to the remedy chamomilla as "your homeopathic babysitter." Chamomilla, or homeopathic chamomile, is a traditional remedy for use with infants and children. It helps ease anxiety, irritability, restlessness and insomnia. Chamomilla is the remedy indicated for infants who are extremely sensitive to pain and discomfort, and who cry loudly and constantly, screaming in fact. The infant may want to be constantly carried. Try giving your baby a dose of chamomilla before a feeding to help her relax.

    Silent Reflux

    • Silent reflux is the name given when a baby has reflux but swallows the stomach contents rather than spitting them out. In some ways this is worse, because the esophagus is exposed to the acidic stomach contents twice rather than once. Homeopath Sam Adkins recommends the remedy Aethusia for babies who have silent reflux. It is also a useful remedy for babies who have trouble tolerating breast milk. Adkins also recommends Natrum Phos for aiding digestion and neutralizing stomach acid, Phosphorus for babies who throw up as soon as their milk has had a chance to become warm in their stomachs, Lycopodium for babies whose tummies gurgle or are flatulent, and Silicea for breastfeeding mothers whose babies throw up curds of milk after breastfeeding.

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