Child Care

Constipation : Remedies

Massage the child's chest with warm olive oil, warm mustard oil or warm ghee (add a pinch of salt for extra potency) for 1 to 2 minutes followed by a steam inhalation.
Turmeric powder mixed in warm milk. A pinch to tsp. of turmeric (according to the child's age) mixed in one cup of warm milk may be given.
Fresh Ginger juice with honey. Half teaspoon of fresh ginger juice with one teaspoon of honey may be given.
Regular dose of half a teaspoon of Chayawayanprash is helpful to prevent frequent episodes

Worm Infestation (Krimi) : Remedies

Onion juice removes thread worms. Three drops to one teaspoon twice daily to be given.
Neem powder removes all types of worms. 1 to 4 grams twice daily to be given.
Pinch of asafoetida wrapped in small pieces of jaggery to be given half an hour before meals.

Special Ayurvedic tonic for infants:

Take 1 almond and soak it in water overnight. In the morning remove the skin of almond and make a fine paste by grinding it. Mix in 1 gram of honey. Give to babies who are 4 months or older. It is a nice tonic for both mental and physical development of the child. Please note that the almond should not be bitter and the paste should be very fine.
Take 25 grams black chickpeas (kala chana). Soak them in 200 ml water in the night. It is advised to eat this next morning. The water can also be taken with or without mixing a teaspoon of honey. The sprouts made from black chickpeas can also be taken. They strengthen the lungs, help reduce cholesterol and are good in cases of heart disease. Those having a weak digestion or who develop heaviness after eating this, should discontinue.
Take 2-3 dry dates and soak them in water every morning. In the evening boil those in 250ml milk until half the quantity of milk remains. Cool and add one teaspoon honey as a sweetener. Eat the dates and drink the milk. This can be taken one hour before going to bed. Do not drink water for 2 hours after taking this tonic. This tonic helps to build all the 'Dhatus' (tissues), gives strength to lungs, increases blood circulation, cleans the bowels and alleviates Vata and Pitta.