Once a baby is separated from its mother’s placenta, the digestive system and excretory organs must get to work quickly to digest and excrete substances coming into the gut. It can take time for an infant’s gut to function properly as, prior to birth, all nutrients were delivered via the placenta.
Breast milk contains digestive enzymes to make up for the reduced number of enzymes in an infant’s digestive system. Organs in the digestive system are immature, and it can take some months for them to work efficiently.
For example, a baby spitting up regularly is not because it cannot absorb the milk it receives, but simply that it has a very small stomach, and a sphincter at the base of the esophagus which, due to its weakness and immaturity, may not close properly once the stomach is full.
Infants are more vulnerable to infection prior to six months of age because they do not have a thick mucosal lining that covers their intestinal wall, as do older babies, children, and adults. This lining is to trap food contaminants and microbes present in the food and drinks we consume. Breast milk is able to provide antibodies until that mucosal lining is present and fully mature and the infant can produce his own antibodies.
This is why no solid food is recommended before six months of age: the digestive system is simply not ready, not mature enough to deal with solid foods.
From four to six months of age, infants have an “open gut,” meaning that proteins can pass directly from the small intestines into the infant’s bloodstream. This allows antibodies to pass from breast milk directly into the bloodstream, but food molecules from solids can pass through too, and this can cause illness or allergies.
Essential Oils can help support an infant’s gut while it is developing and getting used to new foods. Obviously, this can cause instances of mild diarrhea or vomiting, and babies can become distressed if digestion is causing them discomfort. Therefore, Essential Oils must be well diluted when used topically on infants, and Essential Oils are NOT recommended for internal use with these little ones.
The DIGESTIVE BLEND is one of our Essential Oils that is also available in a roller bottle, prediluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil, and safe to use on newborns and babies. These are conveniently packaged in a 9ml roller bottle so they can be applied at times when gentle digestive support is needed.
The DIGESTIVE BLEND PREDILUTED ROLLER BOTTLE can also be used on adults and those with sensitive skin. The Essential Oils of Anise, Peppermint, Ginger, Caraway, Coriander, Tarragon, and Fennel are known for their ability to ease the effects of motion sickness and stomach upset when inhaled or applied topically.
PRACTICAL USES
• Take on a road trip to ease the effects of motion sickness.
• Apply to the stomach or bottoms of feet after eating a large meal.
• Have on hand when flying or traveling.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Apply to desired area. See additional precautions below.
CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
QUESTION – HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU KNOW WHO HAVE EITHER A BABY, OR SENSITIVE SKIN, AND WOULD FIND THIS PRE-DILUTED DIGESTIVE BLEND HELPFUL?