Peppermint is a medicinal herb known for its many health benefits and is available in different forms. It is safe to use peppermint water for babies when offered in the right amount. Mix the herb or peppermint oil in water and feed your baby a diluted version to alleviate the symptoms of different digestive problems.
This herbal home remedy has several healing properties and can help reduce gas-related heartburns and cool the stomach.
Read on to know more about the use of peppermint water for your little one, including its benefits and things to consider while using it.
More About Peppermint Water For Babies
A single cup of peppermint water produces antispasmodic effects in the body. It can bring instant relief from extreme gas pain, infant reflux and heartburn. The leaves of peppermint contain methanol, which has a coolant effect. Methanol accelerates the flow of bile secretion and digestive juices in your baby’s body. Thus, the effect of the menthol present in the soothing beverage fights against stomach ache, soothes the irritated stomach muscles, reduces gas, colic and bloating in your baby.
Peppermint Water To Soothe Gas Pains In Babies
Are you wondering if you should consider peppermint water for your infant with colic? The health of your baby could be compromised by the buildup of gas that can be extremely painful and cause discomfort to your baby. Your angel may experience severe abdominal pain, flatulence, or feel bloated. Doctors may prescribe certain medications to minimize the extreme tummy ache. But there are certain herbs to cure the gas pains.
Peppermint water can be used as a home remedy, as it has a soothing effect on gas pains in babies. You can add a few fresh peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling water and then strain the solution. Let the peppermint water cool. Taste the solution first. If it is bitter or even minimally strong for your throat (makes you gag, or cough, or opens your nasal passages), it is too concentrated. Dilute the solution with more water. Offer a small amount, around half to one teaspoon of the cold peppermint solution. If the solution brings instant relief from pain, and your baby may recover from the extreme stomach ache.
But it is always recommended to consult with your physician before feeding your baby such herbal solutions.
Peppermint Water To Cure Stomach Disorders In Babies
A small amount of peppermint water, nearly one or two drops is easy for your baby to ingest and is a calming drink. As the solution has antibacterial properties, it produces a numbing and calming effect that cools the upset infant stomach.
Infant wellness can be promoted by burping which provides relief from the build-up of gas. Some of the other natural remedies to soothe stomach disorders include gripe water which is also made from herbs, warm cloth to the belly while massaging, swaddling with a gentle rock and calming white noise. A warm bath can soothe the baby’s abdominal muscles, providing gastrointestinal relief.
Peppermint Water To Cure Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Babies
Peppermint water is an ancient herbal natural remedy to cure stomach ailments including irritable bowel syndrome. The diluted solution helps attain a healthy digestive system. It enhances bile flow leading to improved digestive health and healthy bowel activity in your baby’s system. Peppermint acts as a calming agent and relaxes the stomach and intestinal muscles and reduces stomach cramping.
Using A Peppermint Diffuser Near An Infant
To ensure the safety of babies and toddlers under 30 months old, it is not recommended to diffuse pure peppermint oil around them. Experts advise avoiding peppermint oil in this age group to prevent potential health risks, such as seizures (3).
High concentrations of menthol from peppermint oil can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, nausea, and double vision. These symptoms can be particularly harmful to young children. If you intend to use peppermint oil around children over 30 months old, it should be done cautiously in a well-ventilated room. You may utilize professional blends specifically formulated for children with small amounts of peppermint oil (4).
Points To Remember
- If your baby’s age is below five years, prevent an overdose of peppermint water. The methanol contained in the peppermint water can induce a risk of choking in your baby.
- Pure peppermint oil can be dangerous to infants or small babies if applied directly to their skin. So, avoid direct application of peppermint oil to your baby’s face or other body parts.
- If your infant suffers from colic, remember it is a short period of their life even if it seems like an eternity. Speak with your physician to see if there is an underlying issue and get your patience going.
Because of its several healing and antibacterial properties, Peppermint water for babies is considered an effective herbal home remedy to soothe gas-related heartburns and stomach cooling. Add a few fresh peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water, strain the solution, and cool it. Also, keep tasting while preparing, and if it’s too bitter, dilute it with more water before giving it to your little one.
Key Pointers
- Peppermint water is a safe and effective remedy for digestive problems in babies.
- Methanol in peppermint water has antispasmodic effects that can relieve stomach aches and bloating in babies.
- Peppermint water is also known to cure various stomach disorders in babies, including irritable bowel syndrome.
- It is important to consult a doctor before using peppermint water on babies, and to use the correct amount to avoid overdosing.
