3 Spices to Safely Soothe Teething Discomfort in Babies
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Teething can cause all kinds of discomfort for babies and parents alike. Read about three natural remedies that can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort for your little one.
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Many cultures around the world believe that herbs have healing effects and start to introduce them to their little ones early on.
Fennel, for instance, is widely used as a tummy ache remedy for babies, and turmeric is a well-known antiseptic with anti-inflammatory properties.
Spices have been shown to increase the taste of vegetables.
The healthiest nations in the world, like the Italians or the Japanese, introduce their children to spices early on.
Western culture tends to condition young children to eat soft foods from the beginning, such as white pasta, and it is not surprising that a good part of them later become picky eaters.
As for adults, spices can also be used as natural remedies for common ailments, such as the daunting teething pain, but with some reservations.
Here I will show you the best way to use spices to soothe teething discomfort in babies.
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Spices to Soothe Teething Discomfort in Babies
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices with many health benefits, including amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon are crucial in reducing the painful swelling of the gums.
Eating dried cinnamon is dangerous, especially for children and people with bronchopulmonary diseases.
Some parents give their baby a cinnamon stick to gnaw on, and others rub the powder on the child’s gums, but it’s better to add it to a fruit puree to avoid choking.
Cinnamon can also increase learning abilities.
A study done on mice showed that cinnamon can turn slow-learning mice into fast learners.
Turmeric
As with cinnamon, turmeric is rich in pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory agents, which can prevent your baby from getting sick after removing viruses/bacteria from dirty items that they constantly put in their mouth due to their teething discomfort.
The Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine suggests that turmeric has impressive health benefits, including healing swollen gums.
Cardamom
The essential oils in cardamom prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses.
Like the close relative of cardamom, turmeric, cardamom offers analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help with pain and swelling, especially in the mouth and mucous membranes.
This spice used primarily in Indian cooking is also believed to thoroughly cleanse the mouth.
Why You Should Avoid Clove Oil For Teething Pain
Throughout history, clove and clove oil have been used for different types of toothaches, including teething pain.
Some companies are selling clove oil specially made for teething pain, which is known for its strength and numbing effect.
The numbing sensation in clove oil comes from eugenol, a chemical compound often found in insecticides and mosquito repellents.
A study published in the Journal of Dentistry showed that clove worked just as well as benzocaine for toothache relief, but its effects on a baby’s organisms are still unknown.
Furthermore, high doses of eugenol are toxic to the liver, and no one can be sure what the correct dose is for a baby.
Despite dried cloves being highly praised and are considered one of the healthiest and most antioxidant-packed spices when used by adults, and often take place in the top five with the highest levels of antioxidants among dry spices, I would not advise it when it comes to teething pain in kids in general just to be safe.
You know, safety first!
Contraindications
I would not recommend any of the spices on this list for younger babies.
If your child is over a year old, then most adult foods are safe to eat, but if you have a four-month-old baby who is getting his first tooth, you can try gum massage or a teething ring instead of anything from this list of natural remedies for teething.
Furthermore, love and care is the most powerful pain reliever. Really!
Hugs and kisses produce endorphins, or “the happiness hormone,” a chemical known to reduce our perception of pain.
RELATED:
ARE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFE FOR BABIES? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Final Thoughts
Being part of different cultures and generations also brings different approaches when it comes to teething remedies.
Everything is fine as long as we do not endanger our children.
Foods that are too salty or too spicy can bother your child because the tissue around the slowly emerging tooth is sensitive and painful.
Be sure not to go overboard with these as sometimes less is more.
There is a difference between aromatic and hot spices, and the aforementioned spices are all from the aromatic category.
Wait until the child is a little older to introduce hot spices.
Make sure your spices are fresh; if these are a few years old, there may be living inside insects or other things you don’t want around your child!
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FAQs
At what age can I introduce these spices to my baby?
It’s recommended to wait until your baby is at least one year old before introducing these spices. For younger babies, other remedies like gum massage or teething rings are safer options.
Why should I avoid using clove oil for teething discomfort in babies?
Although clove oil has numbing effects due to eugenol, it is not recommended for babies because high doses can be toxic, and the correct dosage for infants is uncertain. It’s safer to avoid using clove oil for teething.
Can I use hot spices to soothe teething discomfort in babies?
No, it’s best to avoid hot spices for babies. The spices recommended—cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom—are aromatic and gentle. Hot spices may irritate the sensitive gum tissue.
Can these spices cause allergic reactions?
Some babies may be sensitive to certain spices, so always introduce new foods, including spices, gradually and in small amounts. Consult your paediatrician if you have concerns about potential allergies.
What are other natural remedies for teething discomfort in babies?
Besides using spices, you can try gum massage, chilled teething rings, or offering cold, soft foods like applesauce or yoghurt. Love, care, and cuddles also help release endorphins, which can naturally soothe your baby’s pain.
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