Homeopathic Remedies for Teething Babies
We raised six children. Three boys and three girls. I'm not sure how we lucked out with such an even number, but regardless, when each of those babies reached the teething stage they were a bit cranky. What really stands out in my mind when I look back on this distant time, though, is that they were constantly drooling.
Thank goodness for bibs!
In addition to bibs, I was grateful to know about chamomilla, which was my favorite homeopathic remedy—at least back then throughout our baby stage. Since that time I've discovered so many more wonderful homeopathic remedies that have supported me through the many facets of my life. But those are for another blog on another day. Today, let's get back to teething.
Teething time can cause some stress for everyone involved. Baby can feel cranky and fussy, and when Baby is cranky and fussy, parents often feel the same. Discomfort & pain in our babies is hard for us. We just want to fix it!
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How Do I Know the Problem is Teething?
You'll know when your baby is trying to get those new teeth in by the bumps underneath the surface of the gums. These are those little teeth trying to push their way through. Babies will want to chew on a teething ring, or whatever else they can get their hands on, which makes it even more sure that those new teeth (referred to as the milk teeth) are getting ready to break through.
You will probably also notice a runny nose when Baby has teething pain. And don’t forget the drooling. These tell-tale signs of teething cause many wise parents to reach for homeopathic medicines, those that have a track record of helping to reduce the physical symptoms of a baby's teething.
Turning to a homeopathic remedy has been the choice of many parents over the years because it's a very safe way to deal with teething symptoms, especially for a little one who needs some pain relief. We as parents like to know we have a way to comfort our children when they aren't feeling well, and we like to know that we don’t have to worry that the “solution” could cause other problems. More and more parents make the choice to reach for something that is more natural. With so many natural solutions, it's nice to know that you have several options for your child that don't come with potential side effects. Homeopathics are some of the natural remedies that can set your mind at ease.
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How to Use a Homeopathic Teething Product
Homeopathic teething tablets often have a combination of active ingredients to soothe the symptoms of teething. Homeopathic teething products are also available in liquids or homeopathic teething gels. One example of the many homeopathic products for teething is a product called Camilia, which is made by Boiron. This is a product with liquid vials instead of tablets, which makes them easy to use with babies. Each little vial has a snap-off top. Once open you can easily squeeze this liquid into your baby's mouth, no need to rub it on the gums.
Camilia has a combination of three plant-based ingredients: chamomilla, phytolacca decandra, and rheum. The power of using a combination is that you are getting the synergistic effect of multiple remedies in one. It's nice that Boiron and other homeopathic makers have created combination remedies that don't require a lot of thought in order to address the various challenges that come with this time in a baby's life.
Not only are these homeopathics available in combination, they are also available as single remedies. Let's say you want to try using chamomilla as a remedy by itself. Or maybe that is all you can find at the health food store. Chamomilla can be very effective as a single remedy. In fact, that is exactly what I used when my babies were small because it was all I knew. If you choose to use single remedies, look at the individual benefits of each remedy to decide which one is most likely to be effective for your child.
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Single Homeopathic Remedies that are Often Used for Teething
Chamomilla
Chamomilla is probably the best-known homeopathic remedy for teething. When a child is upset and fussing to the point that they have to constantly be carried, Chamomilla is a good remedy to pull out. It has brought pain relief to many a teething baby. Not only can it help with the discomfort of the baby’s gums during teething, it can help to soothe other inconsolable children. I always think of it as a “whiny remedy,” which means its benefits don't stop once the child's teeth come in. This can be an ongoing beneficial remedy, for childhood and onward.
Phytolacca decandra
Phytolacca decandra comes from pokeweed, and in a homeopathic remedy it can relieve red swollen gums. If the pain radiates to the ears, this is another indication to choose this one. Another indication for this remedy can be if the baby presses his or her gums together or wants to chew on hard objects.
Calc Phos (Calcarea phosphorica)
This cell salt is used for relief in the case of bone growth pain. When a tooth is trying to erupt, Calc Phos can be helpful in getting nutrients to the sore gums where the first teeth are trying to push through.
Mag Phos (Magnesia phosphorica)
Another great natural remedy to soothe babies is Mag Phos, which is also a cell salt. This one is a great choice when a baby’s gums feel better with pressure or warmth.
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Fever
Sometimes teething causes fever. Belladonna has typically been used in the past for the type of high fever that can come with teething, red cheeks, and middle-of-the-night worries. However, in 2016 the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) cautioned against using this remedy for infants and children. They warned consumers that homeopathic teething tablets containing belladonna pose an unnecessary risk to infants and children. The American Academy of Pediatrics also advises against the use of Belladonna for infants and children.
While parents may be concerned about how to deal with their child’s fever, a fever can work to move the body-building nutrients to the part of the body where they are needed. In the case of teething, the body may be trying to move more calcium to the tooth bud site. An herbal remedy like horsetail (shavegrass) or nettle can give the child a form of calcium that is easy for the body to use. These can also be found in liquid form for easily giving to a baby.
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Other Tips for Helping a Teething Baby
Rub your child's gums to soothe them when they are teething.
Try letting them chew on a frozen washcloth. The cold can bring some soothing while the washcloth gives them something to chew on. Just get the corner of a washcloth wet and put it in the freezer so it's ready to pull out when you need it.
Let your child chew on a hard vegetable, such as a carrot. Just be sure that if they are able to bite off any small pieces they don't become a choking hazard.
Don’t underestimate the power of distraction. Engaging your baby in games like peek-a-boo or showing them things on a walk can make your baby focus on something other than discomfort.
By Melanie Skelton, Master Herbalist