Re: Heather - peppermint caps, acacia and teas OK for children?
02/26/04 03:25 PM
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Heather
Reged: 12/09/02
Posts: 7799
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Hi - yes, they're all safe for children. Peppermint caps have actually been studied in children with IBS in clinical trials. Check the research library under the herb section (it's a forum here on the boards) for the trial info. Fennel has actually been used for infants with colic. The Acacia you'd just have to check the dose because children have a lower daily dietary fiber requirement than adults. But Acacia is just soluble fiber, and all soluble fibers are safe for children.
If the child hasn't been formally diagnosed with IBS, I'd wait for that, as there may be another motility problem in play. If that's the case the herbs may still help (and certainly shouldn't hurt) but the fiber might not make a difference.
For the pain, the best bet is peppermint. If she does have IBS, the Acacia should help the most with the constipation. And I'd also have her look into the IBS hypnotherapy program, as that tends to work even better for children, who are just more receptive subjects in most cases.
Best, Heather
-------------------- Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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