Childhood Indigestion

In addition to the information given for functional dyspepsia in the chapter
on the digestive system, an overiding issue must be taken into account for
children – TASTE! If they don’t like the medicine they won’t take it, and
medicinal plants only really work if they are actually taken. The following
from Ms. Riggs is an example of what can be concocted if taste is taken
into account.

Fennel and Orange Peel Tea

These carminative oils stimulate intestinal peristalsis, the wavelike contractions
that move food through the intestine and promote the expulsion of gas from
the gastrointestinal tract.

1 Tbl. Fennel Seed

1 Tbl. dried sweet orange peel

2 cups water

honey to taste

1. Combine the Fennel seed, orange peel and water in a covered pot.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Strain out the herbs and discard them. The tea is light green in color
   and smells mostly of Fennel.

4. You may see some essential oils floating on the top of the tea. Stir
   the tea to recombine the oils before serving. Keep any unused portion of
   tea in the refrigerator and reheat for each use. Discard any remaining tea
   after 2 days.
   

Application: Serve this tea as warm as is comfortable for the child,
since heat aids the intestines to expel gas. Sweeten it with honey to taste.
Most children enjoy the taste of this tea. Give the child 1/2 cup of tea
every 2 hours whenever he or she experiences stomach pain from gas. If the
child continues to complain of stomach pain after drinking 1 or 2 cups of
the tea, check for other possible conditions, such as diarrhea, constipation,
or gastroenteritis.