tea for babies and bellies: using tea for common conditions in pregnancy and infancy

Tea for Babies and BelliesUsing tea to

promote health and treat illness

in pregnancy, infancy and

children

Dr. Lisa Watson, Naturopathic Doctor

WHY TEA?

❉ Simple to Prepare❉ Easy to Administer❉ Safe and Effective❉ All natural, no additives, no sugar, no artificial flavours or colours❉ Tea is delicious!

All “true” tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant

True teas are white, green and black tea

Herbal teas are not actually tea – but are “tisanes” or “infusions”

Safety of Tea in Pregnancy

True teas are safe in moderation. However, there are some concerns you should know about…

❉ Tea can decrease iron absorption

❉ Tea can decrease folic acid absorption

❉ Tea contains caffeine

Coffee Caffeine

Tea Caffeine

Starbucks grande coffee 330mg Black tea, grande 90-200mg

Starbucks grande latte 150mg Green tea, grande 40-80mg

Tim Hortons medium coffee

140mg White tea, grande 30-50mg

Espresso 75-90mg Starbucks grande Chai tea latte

100mg

Pregnant women should consume no more than 300mg caffeine per day

Health Canada

Steep your tea for less time to decrease the caffeine content…

Steeping for one minute decreases caffeine content by 50% compared to steeping for three minutes

Herbal Tea in Pregnancy

Herbal teas are:

❉ The oldest form of medicine

❉ Naturally caffeine-free

❉ Unique with specific actions and indications based on their plant origins

❉ Safe in pregnancy – at least some of them are! Some are not…

Negative Actions of Herbal Teas in Pregnancy

Stimulation of the uterus, causing contractions

Increased risk of birth defects

Increased risk of miscarriage

Excessive urination

Allergic reactions

Dizziness, headaches or digestive upset

Health Canada considers six herbal teas safe for use in pregnancy…

Ginger

Lemon Balm

Orange Peel Linden flower

Citrus Peel

Rose Hip

Additional Teas that are Safe for Use in

Pregnancy

Dandelion leaf

Rooibos

Peppermint

Dandelion root

Slippery elm

MarshmallowOat and oatstraw

Fruit teas

Herbal Teas to Avoid in Pregnancy

There are MANY teas that should be avoided in pregnancy. The ones we will discuss are just the most common herbs that should be avoided.

When in doubt – ask a Naturopathic Doctor if the tea is safe for you.

www.drlisawatson.com/herbs-in-pregnancy

Tea Use SafetyRed raspberry leaf Tonifies the uterus,

increases milk production and eases labour pains

Controversy exists over safe usage. Err on the side of caution and use only after first trimester

Alfalfa Source of vitamin K. Used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage

Use in third trimester only

Nettle leaf General pregnancy nutritive and tonic

Use in second and third trimester only

Tea Use SafetyHibiscus Used to decrease blood pressure

and for cardiovascular diseaseMay increase risk of miscarriage. Do not use in pregnancy.

Lemongrass Used as a cancer treatment and for nausea and cramps.

Uterine stimulant and menstrual stimulating effects. Do not use in pregnancy.

Licorice root Used for ulcers, adrenal fatigue, low blood pressure and infections

May increase risk of miscarriage. Do not use in pregnancy.

Sage and Rosemary

Used for diarrhea and digestive upset.

May increase risk of miscarriage. Do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Lobelia Used for smoking cessation Do not use in pregnancy

Teas forPregnancy

Teas for Morning Sickness and Nausea

Affecting up to 80% of women in their first trimester, nausea is the most

common complaint in early pregnancy.

Thought to have developed over many

generations to prevent pregnant women from

ingesting toxic foods (like plants!)

Peppermint

An excellent relaxant for the digestive tract

Volatile oils in peppermint calm the stomach, decrease feelings of nausea and alleviate the desire to vomit

Peppermint is safe for use during pregnancy in moderate doses – 2-3 cups per day

It may worsen heartburn in some women, especially later in pregnancy

Ginger

Preparing Ginger Tea

Boil 4 cups of water in saucepanPeel a 2 inch piece of fresh ginger and add to boiling waterCover and simmer 15-20 minutes

Drink 1 cup as needed for nausea

The best known and most effective treatment for nausea from all causes – including pregnancy

Ginger is safe for use during pregnancy in moderate doses – 2-3 cups per day

Tea for Constipation In Pregnancy

One of the most common complaints in every trimester of pregnancy

Occurs as a result of the high levels of progesterone in pregnancy, pressure from a growing baby and the use of iron supplements

Best treated with a multi-faceted approach including diet, exercise and tea

Overcoming Constipation in Pregnancy

❉Exercise daily

❉Increase intake of fresh and dried fruits

❉Increase dietary fiber intake

❉Increase daily fluid intake – at least 1.5L of water and herbal teas

❉Take a daily probiotic

❉Dandelion root tea

Tea for Heartburn In Pregnancy

Heartburn also occurs as a result of increased progesterone levels and a growing baby

Teas can be used in combination with lifestyle changes and other therapies to significantly relieve the symptoms of heartburn in pregnancy

www.drlisawatson.com/heartburn-in-pregnancy

Marshmallow

Soothing and heals the damage caused to the throat by heartburn.

Drank cold (will be slightly slimy).

Prepare cold tea by infusing 2 tsp marshmallow in one cup warm water overnight. Drink ½ cup three times daily or as needed.

Slippery Elm

Soothing and heals the damage caused to the throat by heartburn.

Very gentle and easily tolerated. Tea will be slightly slimy.

Prepare tea by infusing 1 tsp powdered or cut root in one cup water. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Drink ½ cup three times daily or as needed.

Tea for AnemiaIn Pregnancy

While white, green and black teas can contribute to anemia, many herbal teas

can help prevent it by providing a rich source of vitamin C.

Teas that are rich in vitamin C

❉Rosehips

❉Blackberry

❉Black currant

❉Elderberry

❉Dandelion leaf

❉Nettle leaf (only during second and third trimesters)

Remember…

True teas can decrease iron absorption – and contribute to anemia

❉ Don’t drink green, white or black teas with iron-rich meals or when taking iron supplements

❉ That includes iced teas!

Tea for Muscle Cramps

in Pregnancy

The single best treatment for muscle cramping in pregnancy:

Registered Massage Therapy

But there are some teas that can help too…

ChamomileAn antispasmodic that relaxes both the muscles and the nerves.

Prevents and treats muscle cramps in the legs

Safe for use in second and third trimester in moderate doses (2-3 cups per day)

ValerianAn effective muscle relaxant and nervous system tonic. For some people it also acts as a mild pain reliever.

Eases muscle cramps that occur primarily at night.

Tea for Sleep DisturbancesIn Pregnancy

When tea becomes ritual, it takes its place at the heart of our ability to see greatness in small things.

Muriel Barbery

Teas for Sleep Disturbances

Tea Best Uses for SleepChamomile Relaxes the mind and calms the body

Non-sedatingBest for a restless mind or bodySafe for use in second and third trimester

Skullcap Soothes nervous tension and revives the nervous systemBest for anxiety, insomnia, restless sleep and nightmares

Valerian An effective sleep aid that promotes normal sleep without disrupting REM patternsRelaxes muscle tension and calms the mindBest for chronic sleep disturbances

Teas for Immune Health

In Pregnancy

Immune function is naturally suppressed in pregnancy to protect the fetus from the mother’s immune system

Colds and flus contracted during pregnancy tend to have worse symptoms and last longer

There are teas that can be used to enhance your immune system and help prevent and treat colds and the flu

Herbal Teas forImmune Health

Elderberry – an antiviral herb that can prevent, treat, and decrease symptoms and severity of colds and flu

Echinacea – decreases severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. Gentle immune stimulant.

Cinnamon – antiviral and enhances immune function and fever

Ginger – warms the body, relaxes muscles and relieves nausea and encourages healthy digestion

Wild Cherry Bark – calms cough, especially dry cough

Slippery Elm – soothes sore throat

Teas toStrengthen the

Uterus

Red Raspberry Leaf

The best known uterine strengthening tea…

❉ strengthens and tones the uterine muscles

❉ strengthens contractions during labour

❉ decreases duration of labour

❉ decreases hemorrhage during labour

❉ decreases incidence of interventions during labour and delivery

Black Cohosh Nettles Partridge Berry

Produces intermittent contractions*Should only be used under supervision of a qualified Naturopathic Doctor

Gentle stimulation of the uterine muscles. An excellent tonic for the third trimester of pregnancy.

Combined with red raspberry leaf it is one of the best teas for preparing the uterus for labour. Taken for final 4-6 weeks of pregnancy.

Tea for New Moms

Tea to support healing

Using an herbal tea blend in the bath can speed healing of the perineum following delivery.

The most common herbs for the perineal healing tea are calendula, comfrey, plantain, thyme, yarrow and lavender.

Tea forEnhancingMilk Supply

ENHANCING MILK SUPPLY

❉Stay well hydrated

❉Rest when possible

❉Allow the baby to suck often

❉Eat flax seed oil, avocado, apricots, asparagus, green beans, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, leafy greens and whole grains, especially oats.

Galactagogues

There is an entire class of botanicals that are used to encourage milk production and increase total milk volume.

These herbs are known as galactagogues.

Galactagogues

Goat’s Rue Stimulates production and flow of milk. In some studies milk input has increased by up to 50%.

Galactagogues

Goat’s Rue Stimulates production and flow of milk. In some studies milk input has increased by up to 50%. Fennel seed Increases milk flow. Also supports digestion and treats colic in infants. Also consider adding fennel bulb to your diet.

Galactagogues

Other galactagogues Used in combination, these herbs can support milk production.

Blessed Thistle Oatstraw Alfalfa Comfrey

Tea for Babiesand Toddlers

How to Give Tea to Babies

1. A breastfeeding mother can consume the tea.

Pros: Easy to do. No concerns about

flavour or allergic reactions.

Cons: Takes time for effect. Less potent than direct administration.

How to Give Tea to Babies

2. Tea can be given directly to baby using a spoon, medicine dropper or in a bottle with water

Pros: Easy to control dose. Fast acting.

Simple to administer.

Cons: Some teas have strong flavours. Slight risk of allergic reaction.

How to Give Tea to Babies

3. Tea can be put into a bath with the child. Some absorption occurs through the skin and through inhalation of essential oils.

Pros: Easy to do. Gentle and non-toxic.

Cons: Difficult to control dose. Slight risk of contact allergic reaction.

Teas for Colic

Nothing is more upsetting thanthe inability to soothe your baby.

Colic is most common in the firstthree months of life.

Most experts suspect that colic occurs as a result of an immature digestive tract and resulting indigestion and gas.

Teas for Colic

Chamomile – a well-known soother, relaxant and

carminative herb

Carminative – a botanical that increases blood flow to the digestive tract, decreases formation of gas and

promotes expulsion of gas from the digestive tract

Teas for Colic

Chamomile – a well-known soother, relaxant and

carminative herbDosage: Mother – one cup two to three times dailyInfant – 1 tsp two to three times daily for 3-4 days then decrease to 1 tsp twice daily

Chamomile is not appropriate for people with ragweed allergies and may worsen heartburn.

Check with your baby’s Naturopathic Doctor before starting chamomile tea with your infant.

Teas for Colic

Fennel – the best herbal tea for colic. Relieves gas while also stimulating digestion and appetite.

Can also increase milk flow in mothers, ensuring an adequate supply to breastfed babies.

Dosage: Mother – one cup three times dailyInfant – dilute one cup of fennel tea in two cups of water. Give 1tsp of diluted tea four times daily

Teas for Colic

Lemon balm – a relaxing herb for both the nervous and digestive systems.

Calms the mind, relaxes the body and encourages elimination of gas from the digestive tract.Dosage:

Mother – one cup two to three times dailyInfant – dilute one cup of tea in two cups of water. Give 1tsp of diluted tea four times daily

Teas for Colic

Cat nip – another relaxing herb for both the nervous and digestive systems. Calms the mind and body and clears gas.

Dill – a powerful carminative that can be effective in clearing gas and relieving colic pains. Best used as a spice in mother’s food rather than as a tea.

Peppermint – relieves spasms of the digestive tract, speeds emptying of the stomach, enhances digestion and helps relieve gas. Best taken as a tea by the mother, but may be given directly to the infant if no other herbs are effective.

Teas forFever

Teas forFever

Fever is a natural defense mechanism that our body uses

to fight off viral and bacterial infections.

Increasing the body’s

temperature allows our immune system

to function optimally and makes it difficult for viruses and

bacteria to replicate.

Teas forFever

Diaphoretic: a herb that:• temporarily raises the body temperature• activates the immune system,• encourages sweating (which brings down body temperature)• improves circulation• minimizes symptoms of cold and influenza including sore muscles, chills, congestion and sore throat

Teas forFever

Very high fevers (above 102F/ 38.8oC in a child or above 101F/ 38.3oC in an infant) should be treated with appropriate medications (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to manage fever while using tea as a supportive treatment.

Do not give aspirin to a child with a fever.

Teas for Fever

❉ Chamomile

❉ Cinnamon

❉ Elder flower

❉ Ginger

❉ Bayberry

❉ Lemon balm

❉ Lime blossom

❉ Peppermint

Teas for Fever

BayberryA traditional Native American tea for fever.

Scientific research supports it’s ability to reduce fever due to the myricitrin content.

Dosage:Prepare one tbsp leaves in one cup boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and allow to cool.Child over one year – one tsp every 3 hours up to four doses daily

Dr. Watson’s Hot Baby TeaMix equal parts lemon balm, chamomile,

peppermint* and elder flowers.

Place 1 tsp of herbal tea in a tea potAdd 1 cup boiling water and cover

Infuse for 10 minutes

Dosage:Infants 0-1 years: 1 tsp every 3 hours up to 4

doses per day Child 1-2 years: 2 tsp every 3 hours up to 4

doses per day Child 2+years: ½ cup every 3 hours up to 4

doses per day*Omit peppermint for children under one year of age

Tea forTeething

Tea forTeething

Homeopathy is the treatment of choice for teething

Tea forTeething

Chamomile tea can be given as a cool tea to teething children to:

❉ calm the child ❉ soothe the gums❉ decrease inflammation❉ decrease risk of infection in the gums

Thank you for attending!

Dr. Lisa Watson, NDNaturopathic DoctorIntegrative Health Institute

www.integrativehealthinstitute.cawww.drlisawatson.com@drlisawatson