Acid reflux is quite common among infants, but it’s quite painful for them. [1]
However, you don’t need to worry as some essential oils for acid reflux in babies may relieve the symptoms.
This condition occurs when food backs up from the stomach to your mouth, causing you to spit. It can happen to anyone regardless of their age.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is another name for acid reflux. GER is rarely severe. It gets less common as a baby gets older. Infant reflux usually decreases after the baby is 18 months old.
Healthy infants often get acid reflux multiple times a day. Although it is very unusual, sometimes infant reflux can be a sign of a medical problem. It is always better to seek advice from your doctor before jumping to any conclusions. [2]
You can also try some safe essential oils to reduce symptoms of acid reflux in babies. These aromatic oils have potent and safe therapeutic components that may be effective as complementary remedies.
Read on to learn the efficacy and uses of essential oils for acid reflux in babies, along with its symptoms, causes, and prevention tips.
8 Essential Oils for Acid Reflux in Babies
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a hybrid mint, which is a cross between watermint and spearmint. It has this minty flavor that can soothe your nerves.
It is great for sinus and stomach issues. The highly concentrated oil soothes digestive issues and tummy aches.
Things you need:
- 2 drops of peppermint oil
- A teaspoon of honey
- A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients mentioned above and rub the oil on your baby’s chest and neck area.
- You can also make a drink concoction and make your baby drink it. It will work like a miracle!
READ MORE: 12 Uses and Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil
2. Ginger Oil
Ginger essential oil is known as, “the oil of empowerment.”
In Chinese medicine, the ginger essential oil is considered one of the most potent and effective medicines. You can rely on ginger oil for a number of illnesses
It is used in aromatherapy, and it gives a person feelings of courageousness and self-assurance.
It can prevent ulcers and block acid production by suppressing bacteria production. Ginger oil is known to treat upset stomach, nausea, inflammation, and respiratory conditions.
Things you need:
- 2 drops of ginger essential oil
- A cup of warm water
Directions:
- Add two drops of the oil to a cup of warm water. Blend the mixture and rub it on your baby’s chest and neck.
- If you could make your baby drink the mixture 10 to 15 minutes before a meal, that will work as well.
READ MORE: 10 Health Benefits of Ginger Oil That You Should Know About
3. Lemon Oil
Lemon is a natural detoxifier. Lemon oils do a great job of regulating the body’s systems.
Lemon oil can easily alleviate nausea, avert vomiting, and can make your baby feel a lot better.
It can ease heartburn which comes from the excretion of digestive acids in our body. The antibacterial properties of lemon help to fight the bacteria in the stomach.
Things you need:
- 2 drops of lemon essential oil
- A glass of ice water
Directions:
- Take a few drops of oil to a glass full of ice water.
- Apply the oil externally to your baby. It will soothe your baby’s stomach.
- Drinking it will also be of great help!
4. Orange Oil
Another way to relieve stomach anxiety is with sweet orange oil.
It is a very safe oil to be used on babies. It works great for bloating and constipation. The citrus oil can help acid reflux and detoxify your body.
Things you need:
- 2-3 drops of orange essential oil
- Honey
Directions:
- Massage the oil on your baby’s chest and upper back region.
- If you want, you can also make a drink with honey and cold water. It will alleviate acid reflux.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil has numerous health benefits. It has been used as a medicine for treatments since the ancient Egyptian era. It was so tremendously popular in ancient times that it was known as ‘Liquid Gold.’
This oil can stimulate the nerves which control the digestive and respiratory systems.
Things you need:
- Olive oil (as per requirement)
Directions:
- Keep your baby in a lying position. Massage the oil on the stomach of your baby.
- Massage in long strokes to prevent acid reflux.
6. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile has been used in ancient medicinal herbs for a very long time.
Chamomile oil has the ability to calm the mind, relieve digestive issues, treat skin conditions, and reduce inflammation.
Chamomile has sedative and antispasmodic properties which reduces acid reflux.
Things you need:
- 1-2 teaspoons of chamomile oil
- Dried chamomile flowers
- A cup of hot water
Directions:
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of chamomile oil with hot water. Cool the mixture and make your baby drink this after it gets cooled. Providing your baby with this drink once a day would be sufficient.
- If you don’t have chamomile essential oil in with you, then there is another way. You can mix a half teaspoon of dried flowers of this plant with hot water. Then make your baby drink the mixture. It will work too!
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties which makes it an excellent oil to deal with acid reflux. Coconut oil is a natural lubricant and helps to keep the efficiency of the digestive system.
Things you need:
- 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil
- A warm drink (like milk)
Directions:
- Add half to one teaspoon of virgin coconut oil to a warm drink.
- Provide the drink to your child. Make your baby drink this mixture at least three times a day.
RELATED: Coconut Oil for Acne Treatment: 6 Natural Remedies
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a natural detoxifier. It may help the body to excrete any toxic materials.
Things you need:
- Castor oil (as per requirement)
- Cotton balls
Directions:
- You can massage castor oil on your baby’s belly several times a day.
- Or you can also make a castor oil pack treatment. Take some cotton balls and dip them in the oil.
- Apply the soaked cotton balls to your baby’s belly and use a plastic wrap to keep the cotton on the belly.
- Cover your baby with a blanket. If possible keep the plastic wrap on for about 30-60 minutes.
- Then remove the cotton balls and give your baby a warm bath.
- You can also add some other oils, like lavender to the bath. It will soothe and calm your baby.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
There are many symptoms of acid reflux. Here are some symptoms which you can look for:
- If your baby fails to gain weight
- If your baby cries after eating
- Coughing or regularly choking while eating
- Refusing to eat
- Arching back after eating
- Resistance to laying on back
- Unhappy or uncomfortable
- Wheezing, or breathing difficulties (respiratory infections)
- Sour breath, burps, and hiccups
- Throwing up, usually projectile vomiting [3]
Some Factors That Cause Acid Reflux
There are some of the factors that contribute to acid reflux in infants.
These factors are:
- Lying flat most of the time
- Having a full liquid diet
- If the babies are prematurely born
All of the above factors are common in most babies and very difficult to avoid.
Some Tips to Prevent Acid Reflux
Below are some tips mentioned that you can follow. Along with essential oils, these may help in reducing acid reflux.
- Hold your baby upright while feeding
- Try to keep the baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feedings
- Burp your baby after feedings
- Reduce the portion of feedings and increase the number of feedings
- Change the type of milk formula you feed your baby
RELATED: 5 Best Essential Oils for Postpartum Depression Remedies
Precautions
Babies have a different immune system than adults. Adults can deal with any pain and side effects, but babies might have a lot of difficulties in dealing with the adverse effects of any essential oil. Although the oil mentioned above are harmless, it is better to consult your doctor before using any of the essential oils on your baby.
You might not know, but your baby might be allergic to some of the oils.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a blockage in the digestive system.
It can cause extreme discomfort in adults, imagine how babies feel!
The essential oil remedies mentioned above may help you to deal with many of the acid reflux symptoms in babies.
READ NEXT: Nausea After Eating: Reasons And Remedies
