Anise seed for babies is known to be an effective remedy for colic and digestive problems. Here is a look at some of the health benefits of anise seeds and ways to use anise seeds for colic babies.
Anise seeds, also known as aniseed or pimpinel seeds, are obtained from the Pimpinella anisum, a plant in the parsley family. Its liquorice-like flavor makes it a favorite ingredient in cakes, cookies, and sweet breads. In India and the Middle Eastern countries, anise seeds are used in soups and stews. In addition to its uses in cooking, anise is also used for medicinal purposes.
Health Benefits of Anise Seed
The health benefits of anise seed include antiparasitic properties that make it an effective remedy for treating the various digestive problems and relieving problems related to toothache and severe menstrual cramps. Its powerful phytochemicals are effective in the treatment for chest congestion and coughing. In fact, this sweet-tasting natural herbal remedy has a warming, antiseptic effect on the upper respiratory tract and helps in reducing the runny secretions.
Anise seeds are also known for stimulating milk production in a nursing mother by raising the prolactin levels. Anise seed is believed to be an effective treatment for colic and upset stomach. Colicky babies and those with digestive ailments can be fed anise water to encourage the secretion of excess digestive fluids and reduce stomach flatulence.
How to Use Anise Seed for Colic Babies?
Dealing with baby colic can be a harrowing affair. Most of the time, the babies will be screaming in pain and pulling up their legs to their abdomen. The pain in certain cases is related to gas and can be remedied by gripe water. Anise water has been used for ages to treat the colic conditions in children. Gentle on your toddler’s tummy, anise seed water can relieve your baby of the pain caused by gas. To make homemade anise seed colic water, you need ½ teaspoon of anise seeds and two cups of water.
For making the herbal colic infusion for babies, add slightly crushed anise seeds to the water and bring to a boil for around ten minutes. Strain off the seeds and let the anise seed water cool. Place this in a refrigerator for three days. You can administer the drops to babies by using a medicine dropper. Babies under six months of age should be given two to three drops of anise water, and up to half a dropper for babies less than a year old. Anise seed, unlike other medication, is free from all side effects and not harmful to your baby in any way. You can therefore repeat this colic treatment every three hours to four hours for best results.
It is important to keep in mind that you do not feed your child anise seeds in excess, as it can be neurotoxic to toddlers. In addition to being an effective digestive and colic cure in babies, these seeds are also used as a treatment for baby hiccups.
Anise Seed Hiccup Remedies for Babies
Hiccups in babies are a result of the contraction of the diaphragm muscles in the chest. Although it might be alarming for a new mother, but hiccups are quite a normal occurrence in babies. It may be caused due to swallowing of excess air while feeding, a sudden drop in temperature, or GERD. While patting the baby on the back or feeding him some gripe water can help, anise seed is also believed to be an effective hiccup remedy for babies. The method of making anise seed water is the same as the one used for colic babies.
Remember that overuse of anise seed for babies could have excessive diuretic effects, and therefore high dosages should be avoided so as to prevent possible dehydration. However in small doses, this natural cure is wonderful way of combating colic and hiccup problems in babies. Anise seeds are available in any local health food store and online as well.
