The first six months is a period most crucial to a newborn’s life. Parents give a lot of care and attention leaving no stone upturned in ensuring the well- being of their baby. In traditional Indian homes, simple remedies, which have been passed on from generations, are used to promote good health of a newborn. One among these is the use of the popular spice Nutmeg.
Nutmeg has a lot of medicinal properties. Apart from adding flavor to food, it serves as a remedy for various ailments. One might wonder about how nutmeg can benefit a newborn. Here is the answer:
Nutmeg is an effective sedative hence it is useful in treating abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation. During the first six months most infants have trouble digesting the mother’s milk as their digestive system is still immature and their gastrointestinal system is learning to function. Many babies due to this reason experience abdominal pain, bloating and constipation. Nutmeg helps relieve their pain and discomfort ensuring good health.
Nutmeg is very effective in treating indigestion. It relieves stomach aches and cramping, removing excess gas from the intestines. Most babies, even the ones who are breastfed, spit up occasionally. Spitting up commonly occurs when the baby does not burp well. But when a baby spits up excessively and frequently, it is mainly due to indigestion. Use of nutmeg aids good digestion in a newborn.
Nutmeg also improves appetite. Use of nutmeg can improve a newborns appetite promoting weight gain and growth.
Nutmeg is an effective brain tonic. It helps achieve relaxation and induces good sleep. Newborns sleep very less and for short periods. Use of nutmeg can help them sleep well, stay calm and relaxed.
Method of Administration and Dosage:
Take a whole nutmeg and steam it along with the rice you cook at home for at least fifteen minutes. In India we do not use raw nutmeg for babies thus steaming is essential. Use a grinding stone (a small one with a flat surface used for making paste), make sure it is washed thoroughly with warm water and wipe it dry with a napkin.
Add a few drops of milk (mother’s milk preferably) to the grinding stone and gradually rub the whole nutmeg in a circular motion (4-5 times) to make a smooth paste approximately 1 ml. The paste should be of a thin consistency similar to that of syrup.
This potion of nutmeg with milk should be given to the baby before bedtime. You can give this for a few days or up to a month, whenever the child develops indigestion or has difficulty in sleep. 0.5 ml for all infants up to 6 months. However, the results may vary from one infant to another.
A tried and tested formula, this potion not only improves a newborns health and appetite but also strengthens immunity and promotes growth. When a newborn feeds well and sleeps well, parents definitely feel happy and mothers especially are less stressed. So here is the secret behind a happy and a healthy baby. Try it and share it. Happy Parenting!
