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Eucalyptus Oil for Babies - Is It Safe?
Essential oils have been used for treating various ailments for a long time now. They are used widely now as they possess various medicinal properties. One such essential oil, which is used as a home remedy for respiratory problems, is eucalyptus oil as it possesses antiseptic and antibacterial properties. For the various benefits it offers, you might be tempted to use it on your baby if he suffers from a cold or congestion, but should you use it on your baby? It is important that you understand whether it is safe for babies or not.
What Is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus oil is obtained from the leaves of eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus oil is used in medicines, as a perfume, and also has some industrial uses too. It is a colourless liquid and has a sweet and strong woody smell. More than 700 species of eucalyptus are found in the world, of which only 500 odd species are used to produce the essential oil.
Are There Any Benefits of Using Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus oil is used as a natural therapy to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, cough, cold, and other respiratory diseases. It helps strengthen the immune system too. It improves respiratory circulation and has antioxidant properties. Cineole present in eucalyptus oil is an organic compound which offers a lot of benefits like lowering pain and inflammation.
Eucalyptus oil offers a cure for the following:
Cold and flu – The essential oil cleans the body of harmful microorganisms and the toxins that cause common cold and flu.
Hair damage – Eucalyptus oil is used with olive and coconut oil to moisturise the hair and treat dandruff and itchy scalp. Eucalyptus oil helps nourish the hair.
Allergies – Eucalyptus oil helps treat sinus and allergies and is also used as a room freshener. The anti-microbial properties of eucalyptus oil also help kills germs.
Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe for Babies?
A common query among parents is whether eucalyptus oil is safe for babies or not. While it is true that eucalyptus oil has many beneficial properties, using eucalyptus oil for a baby suffering from cold may be unsafe because of the following reasons:
Eucalyptus oil may have very high cineole content which can lead to breathing problems and nervous system issues in young children. The amount of cineole will depend on the chemotype or the species of the plant.
Even if the variety of essential oil you use does not have high cineole content, it may still have compounds that can harm children. These compounds may cause irritation or a burning sensation on your baby’s skin.
Eucalyptus oil, if ingested, can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and other side effects like breathing problems and wheezing. Its application may also lead to extreme cases of coma and seizures.
This oil can also trigger asthma attacks in some babies.
Using Eucalyptus Oil for a Cold
If you do want to use eucalyptus oil on a baby’s blocked nose, it is important to know the right and safe way of using it. Plus, you should also know what type of eucalyptus oil is safe for babies. You should avoid using Eucalyptus globulus for children, as it is not safe for kids under the age of 2. Eucalyptus radiata can be used, but even this should be used only after consulting with a paediatrician.
How to Use Eucalyptus Oil for Babies
You can use eucalyptus oil to soothe and open the airways of your baby’s nostrils if you follow a few precautions.
To use eucalyptus oil for a cold, put two drops of the oil on a tissue or cotton ball and keep it at a safe distance from your baby.
For a blocked nose, add three drops of oil to a bowl of boiling water and place it under the baby’s crib. The rising steam releases the essential oil and can provide comfort to your baby.
The oil should not be applied near the child’s mouth or nose as it may cause respiratory problems to him.
Although eucalyptus oil may be used with some precautions, it is still not recommended for babies because of its side effects. So here are some alternative methods you can try instead of using eucalyptus oil.
Alternatives to Eucalyptus Oil for Treating Baby’s Congestion
Instead of using any essential oil for treating congestion, you can follow the methods mentioned below to put your baby to ease. These include the following:
1. Nasal aspirator
A nasal aspirator can be used to clear mucus from the baby’s nose. It can also be used to clear the baby’s airways so that the child can breathe easily.
2. Hot water compress
Using a hot water compress can loosen the thick mucus blocking your baby’s nose, throat, or his chest. Take a small cotton cloth dipped in hot water and squeeze out the excess water. Apply the hot water compress on the affected area to treat congestion. Remember, that you should not put the hot cloth directly on your baby’s chest. Furthermore, the cloth should be warm or else your baby may get hurt.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Eucalyptus Oil on Your Baby
No doubt, eucalyptus oil offers a number of benefits, but it is not suitable for children, particularly for kids who are below 10 years of age. Using eucalyptus oil on babies can lead to side effects, which could range from mild to severe. If you do use eucalyptus oil on your baby, and he experiences any breathing difficulties after inhaling the oil, consult a doctor immediately. Some people think that using diluted eucalyptus oil won’t harm the baby, but that’s not correct. Even the diluted eucalyptus oil can harm the baby. Remember: eucalyptus oil is not safe for babies. Hence, you should refrain from using this oil for babies and toddlers.
Even small or diluted amounts of eucalyptus oil can lead to serious reactions in babies, and it is advisable to steer clear of it. Use one of the recommended alternative solutions to clear your baby’s congestion. Read more
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Is Eating Neem During Pregnancy Safe?
For over 2000 years, Neem has been the highlight of South Asian medicine because of its wonderful medicinal properties. All parts of the Neem tree provide us with several benefits, and are thus used in making medicines. The leaves can be used to treat skin problems and diseases; chewing them is very popular among Indians as they help boost the body’s immunity. The oil extracted from the seeds is used in making cosmetics, medicines and now also as an organic pesticide.
The twigs are used to ensure dental hygiene while the bark and the roots can be powdered and used to treat different diseases as they have healing and purifying properties. The fruits and flowers both can be consumed; they provide benefits as well.
Neem is very popular in Ayurvedic medicine as a herb, and it has played a considerable role in traditional medicine for centuries. It has more than 130 different active biological compounds and is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and also stimulates the immune system. It provides many benefits to the body by purifying the blood, removing toxins and treating ulcers among many others. Using Neem during pregnancy, however, is a cause of concern.
Are There Any Benefits and Uses of Neem During Pregnancy?
Consuming Neem leaves during pregnancy is not advisable, but using Neem for external benefits is alright. Thus, enjoying the benefits of Neem's healing properties without ingesting it is a great way to make use of this medicinal herb during pregnancy. Here are some ways you can benefit from Neem during this delicate time:
Applying a paste of Neem leaves or Neem - based creams on the stomach will help reduce the effects of stretch marks during pregnancy.
Neem juice is said to reduce vaginal pain during pregnancy, and massaging with it can also reduce pain during labour.
A soothing Neem bath is considered to be an essential way of caring for yourself during the monsoon season. It will help you fight bacteria and germs and keep your skin rash free. Mosquito bites are a big problem during this season, and the neem bath will help to heal and disinfect any bites you might get.
Neem bath can also help with PUPPPs (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques), a common pregnancy rash that most often takes place during the later stages of pregnancy that spreads to the arms, buttocks and legs.
A gentle and soothing Neem oil massage can be beneficial during pregnancy. It will relieve the itchiness that generally accompanies pregnancy due to the stretching of the skin, and it will reduce the appearance of stretch marks if done regularly. Remember to mix this with your choice of carrier oil.
Applying Neem products will also help any skin problems that tend to occur during pregnancy such as acne and cholestasis of pregnancy.
Does Neem Cause a Miscarriage?
In Ayurveda, women are advised not to consume any Neem during the first five months of pregnancy as it tends to generate a lot of heat in the body. This is dangerous as the body may then treat the baby as a foreign object and will try to force it out, causing a miscarriage. This causes many pregnant women to worry about Neem causing miscarriages.
There is no concrete scientific research done on this subject; the only research that has been done was done on mice and primates where extremely high doses from Neem seed extracts seeds caused baboons to have miscarriages.
While ingesting a little Neem accidentally is alright during pregnancy, it is better not to do it intentionally to avoid any unforeseen complications as there is no guideline on how much can be harmful to you and your baby. After all, primates are very closely related to humans, and it is just not worth the risk.
Cautionary Tips
Here are some cautionary tips for you to keep in mind:
Neem should not be used in large amounts, especially in the form of concentrated extracts.
Regular intake of Neem is said to be good for health, but this may also cause problems in conceiving.
Ingesting a small quantity of Neem now and then will most likely not harm your baby, but it is best to avoid it.
It is alright to use Neem cosmetic and skin care products for topical uses.
Do not use any concentrated Neem extracts inside the vagina, as this can be dangerous for the baby.
As long as you do not ingest it in large amounts, Neem can be used to relieve the different problems you can face during pregnancy. It is best to consult with your doctor if you feel like you may want to consume Neem for health reasons.
Also Read: Eating Papaya in Pregnancy Read more
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Occupational Therapy for Children
When a child grows up, he undergoes a lot of physical, mental, a sociological development that helps him navigate the real world and interact with others. The initial years are the crux of brain development since a lot of growth occurs during this time. Certain kids, unfortunately, do not reach these development stages as needed, and their maturity does not match the level of other kids of their same age. In such a dilemma, occupational therapy comes to their rescue.
What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational therapy is a set of exercises, techniques and activities that assist children in developing the skills and forms required to start living their lives independently. Many kids need a lot of help with basic daily routines such as brushing teeth, wearing clothes, or schooling related activities such as noting down what’s written on the blackboard or making use of simple tools. Their motor responses and sensory nodes do not respond and process at the level as that of other children. This causes them to be slower, to make more mistakes than others, and can affect the child quite a lot.
With occupational therapy, your child will begin to carry out most of the activities by himself gradually over time.
When Does a Child Need OT?
You might wonder 'Does my child need occupational therapy to live his life?'. Some kids might bloom later than others and they may not require any therapy as such. However, there are certain cases when occupational therapy might be considered for a child:
Suffering from birth-related defects
Problems processing sensory receptions
Have faced injuries immediately after birth
Failing to learn new things easily
Having arthritis, bone-related disorders or so
Developmental disorders such as autism or behavioural issues
Has suffered extreme level burns
Kids suffering from cancer, palsy, or other debilitating illnesses
Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Kids
Introducing your kid to occupational therapy can have the following benefits.
1. Handling the Daily Routine of Life
Certain kids face issues in carrying out activities that are essential in the daily routine of life. These include brushing their teeth, going to the toilet, holding a pencil to write or draw something, wearing their own clothes, buttoning a shirt, and so on. These are activities kids should start doing by themselves independently. Occupational therapy helps them achieve that independence.
2. Resolving Issues of Sensory Perception and Processes
When children have issues with their sensory organs, they encounter trouble in seeing things correctly, finding sounds to be too quiet or too loud, not understanding touch, failing to recognize smells, having different taste perceptions and so on. These could result in an extreme behaviour at school or lethargy and apathy too. With occupational therapy, these kids can be taught to bring back control over their senses and assess them accordingly.
3. Bringing Better Movement Possibilities to Kids with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a condition that pretty much restricts any physical movement, depending on the severity of the condition. Most kids also suffer from dystrophy in the muscles, rendering them unable to move and resorting to using a wheelchair. Since their lives revolve around it, occupational therapy helps them cultivate their activities by teaching them to use it properly, and make the necessary adjustments to turn it into an integral part of their life.
4. Helping Kids with Autism Communicate and Interact Better
Although kids suffering from Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) might be clubbed with autism, the problems both suffer are different. Autistic kids do show tendencies similar to that of kids with SPD but not vice versa. These kids have trouble conversing with people, do not engage in play, and stay aloof from any activities. Each child’s behaviour needs to be handled separately and occupational therapy for children with autism helps out a lot in that regard. By addressing only those problems that are necessary, it does not become a generalized solution and helps kids overcome their issues sooner.
5. Stabilising the Lives of Kids with Motor Skill Issues
Some children have issues with the muscles in their limbs as well as fingers or so. This can cause trouble while learning to walk, or ride a bicycle and so on. Occupational therapy works on this problems individually and either helps them adapt to it, or even remove the condition altogether.
6. Relearning What They Know Already for Kids with Injuries and Burns
These kids might have led normal lives right from the beginning until an incident rendered them unable to do so. For such kids, the problem is forgetting what they already knew and doing it differently. Occupational therapy helps them get perspective in understanding different ways of carrying out previously known activities and get good at it.
Difference Between Occupational & Physical Therapy
Occupational therapy for children with special needs and physical therapy for children with disabilities might seem like the same thing. However, physical therapy primarily focuses on reducing pain, improving physical movement and strength, and deals with limbs and joints. Occupational therapy includes that along with a focus on cognitive and perception skills, behavioural disorders, and relearning abilities.
Occupational Therapy Activities for Children
Here are some occupational therapy activities that are suggested for kids.
1. Activities that Improve Quality of Sleep
Certain children face trouble sleeping properly through the night. By making use of activities like pre-sleep baths, body massages, therapies involving connecting with sand and water, special objects that reduce the effect of sounds and lights, making use of certain smells to induce sleep, are all used in a combination to tackle the problem.
2. Activities that Help Integrate Various Senses
Children may face problem responding to all the stimulation and triggers of the environment. These can be combated by making use of techniques that create a deep calming pressure in the presence of the child. Even use of a bean bag creates a softness in the environment that immediately calms everything down. Making use of stress balls, chewy toys, soft blankets, is good occupational therapy for ADHD child, too.
3. Activities that Improve Limb Coordination
Some kids might not be able to judge their limb movements with eyes or fail to use a particular side. With hand-eye coordination activities, children are encouraged to use bats and balls to try and hit it successfully, or catch a ball by judging it well. For kids that cannot use either left or right side of the body in a decent manner, bilateral activities like rope pulling, dough kneading, using a rolling pin and so on can be quite helpful.
4. Activities that Help Improve Visual Perception
Many children have trouble perceiving shapes of three-dimensional spaces. This can be handled by making clay shaped objects and letting them examine it. Baking cakes in various alphabet shapes, using moulds to match them, can help further. Jigsaw puzzles of a simpler level can work wonders in that regard.
5. Activities that Build on Motor Skills
If a child has a problem using his hands or feet properly, many exercises are focused on twisting the wrists, bending the fingers, and so on. Special scissors can be used to help him cut paper properly. For movement related problems, undertaking supervised swimming, or balancing while walking on a thin platform, can be useful as well.
6. Activities that Encourage Cognitive Thinking
These kids need encouragement in trying out things in a different way. This could be attained by letting them paint something with a cloth instead of a brush, or flipping coins in a box from a distance, or undertaking craft related activities that help with visual as well as limb improvement skills.
Occupational therapy exercises for children are a dime a dozen. But their application needs a proper understanding of your child and his issues. Moreover, maintaining your kid’s self-esteem as he resolves these issues is extremely important and plays a vital role in turning him into a successful individual ahead. Read more
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Stay Fashionably Forward With These 7 Winter Looks
Winter is one of those seasons that raises a lot of special requirements, for a very limited period – especially when it comes to fashion. You can’t possibly wear winter clothes at any other time of the year. But buy them, you must! How else are you going to survive the cold?
However, wanting to feel warm and cosy is no excuse for you to dress up shabbily! Fashion need not take a back seat in your bid to feel comfortable. There are a lot of clever ways in which you can doll up for winter, without looking boring. Here are 7 looks you can try this winter to look chic while keeping the chills away!
7 Winter Looks To Stay Fashionably Warm
From Monday through to Sunday, we have you covered for the entire week with 7 unique winter looks you can do with great comfort and ease. Best part – you don’t need to buy anything extra to pull these off. Ready? Here we go!
1. Back To The 90s!
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The skirt-with-leggings look is very reminiscent of the 90s. It is so comfortable to wear that we are indeed grateful that it’s back in fashion! This look is very versatile because you can swap individual garments in the look to feel warmer, or cooler. On really cold days, you can wear thermal leggings under the skirt. On the slightly warmer winter days (at the beginning and end of the season) you can switch to thinner-fabric leggings, or even stockings. The top need not always be turtle neck; however, you can throw on an extra layer in the form of a jacket to feel extra snug!
2. Boss Lady
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Winter is the perfect season to wear a pant suit. If you want to add a flair to your look, you can swap your regular fitted pants for a wide-bottom pallazo. Wear a legging inside to add an extra layer for the colder days. As for the top, keep it snug and short if you’re wearing pallazos. For a more trim look, wear the pants with a full-sleeved t-shirt, and throw on an elaborate scarf. Complete the look with a duster coat to add panache to your look.
3. Fusion Saree
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Dreading that wedding or reception in December? Worry not! One way to warm up your saree is to team it up with an elaborate jacket or a sweater. You can wear a sweater in place of the blouse. You can also opt for a warm crop-top depending on how cold it is. However, if you want to wear your saree the traditional way, you can add a chic blazer to give your look an edge. You can even throw on an elaborate woollen cape to crank up the style quotient of your saree look. Finally, don’t forget to keep your legs warm – consider wearing Long-Johns inside if attending an evening ceremony.
4. Glow With Flow
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Dark colours retain heat better. However, if you like light and bright colours, opt for them in natural fibres, to get a light and warm look. Most natural fibres – except silk – are great for winters. You can go for a completely Indian look. The more flowy your garments are, the better they will circulate air, allowing your body to adapt to temperature changes. Pair a khadi skirt or wide-bottom cotton pants (preferably one that has an inner cotton-lining for extra warmth) with a long flowing kurta, and layer it up with an embroidered pashmina shawl or simple a dark coloured dupatta. You can even go for a poncho, wearing a snug camisole or a sleeveless warm crop-top underneath..
5. Shirt + T-Shirt
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No need to pack away that favourite t-shirt dress just because it is cold outside now! You can use it as a base layer, and throw on a long plaid shirt. Make sure the shirt is either as long as the t-shirt dress, or longer, but never shorter than the dress. Dress your legs appropriately, depending on how cold or warm it is. This is a great look for day-time fun outdoors, when the sun warms things up a little.
6. ‘Fun’jabi Kudi
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This one is for the days when it seems like too much effort to go through your wardrobe to work up a look! All you have to do for this one to work out is ditch your duppatta and instead find a long sleeveless cardigan to pair with your kurta. You can add an element of ‘fusion’ to this fun look by using a broad belt to hold the cardigan in place. If you want to opt for something more practical, go for a Nehru jacket or a multi-coloured quilted jacket.
7. Back To Basics
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As the week comes to an end, you can go back to the basics with a well-fitted pair of jeans, and a nice comfy sweatshirt. Wear sports-shoes for a casual look, and pumps for a more feminine look.
One general thumb-rule that applies for all the above looks is – you can wear close-toed footwear. For the Indian looks, you can try jutis or mojdis, whereas for the Western looks, you can opt for ankle-boots or just regular pumps teamed with leg warmers.
Also Read:
Things Not to Wear in An Office Party
Tips on Looking Magical in Black Dress
What to Wear for a Weekend Party Read more
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Some Products That You Must Use and Try for Your Little Ones
Since I was pregnant, I've been doing a lot of research into which products I should use when my baby comes into this world. I've done a lot of research because we had only heard of some limited brands until then, but I decided to use some natural products for my baby that are non-toxic and healthy for tender skin. I had planned to use some foreign brands, but they were too expensive to fit into my budget. I suggest you learn more about the products, including what they do and how they do it.
I ordered some excellent natural body wash, body lotion, shampoo, stomach roll-on, vapourising rub, mosquito roll-on, mosquito patches, wet wipes, hair oil, and massage oil during my 9th month of pregnancy. I ordered everything and set it aside for my baby. When he was born, he took his first bath with these products, and believe me, my baby's skin has become so smooth, nourished, and healthy. You can really feel the softness in your baby's skin, and the mosquito roll-on is super magical. Also, the shampoo is good too. Remember to buy the products that should be paraben-free, and I would recommend these natural products to all moms for their babies.
There are many fantastic items for moms as well, such as onion hair oil, face serum, and onion hair mask, which you will need to maintain your post-pregnancy glow and prevent hair loss. Moms, you can also use some items; I give them a thumbs up.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. ninth month mein kab tak delivery ho sakti hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. anytime after full term ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. my last period date Dec 26 pregnancy test date January 31 check panen apom 37 days ipom enaku evlo weeks and days what ?..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. I don’t understand your language can you please post your question once again in English or Hindi whatever language you are more comfortable with because anybody on this only we can give you response on that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. which good formula milk or baby food for 4 months old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. no complementary foods below 4 months can use any branded formula milk. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. Iam 9month pregnant and having very painful condition due to constipation and gastric issues
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. during pregnancy better not to take medicines for constipation take lot of water green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits you can try suppository if the problem is more o k o k
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
4 hours ago
Q. hi Doc,
eating raw mango, chapathi or any heat producing foods cause miscarriage during first trimester?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. no relation ok c. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
4 hours ago
Q. Hi Doc,
I'm getting cramps on my right side of lower stomach. is this normal or do I have to visit doc?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. without examination it is difficult to tell proper treatment as well as advice so you should visit the doctor5 for health assessment as well as examination.
whether any investigations is required or not will be told by the doctor5
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