Did I miss a lactnet post or where did this reference in a recent message come
from?

<< LLLL swears by gripe water, >>

I am not aware of any LLLI publication that endorses the use of gripe water or
any other herbal substance with babies, or that supports making such a
suggestion to mothers.

A lot of interesting posts on gripewater are in the archives.  Dill is member
of Umbelliferae or Apiaceae family, noted for it's allergenicity ( as is the
Daisy family).  Dill (oil) has caused documented allergic reactions and should
be used with caution.  Would avoid giving directly to young babies even when
in the familiar form of gripewater, alcoholic or otherwise.

Although I am certainly no expert on essential oils, I would be very leary of
applying any essential oils to nipples or even breasts as they will probably
end up being taken into the baby's mouth one way or the other.

Engorgement treatment: Wearing a lime in the armpit for hours is totally new
to me - I love new information!!!  Perhaps placement in armpit is far enough
from nipple to not worry about spread of oils released from the lime reaching
baby, maybe not...Perhaps limes work by rendering the mother unable to get up
and move around ( or so I would imagine), so she stays in bed with baby, who
then proceeds to nurse frequently, thus relieving the engorgment!

Found this:  Jim Duke lists lemon peel as helpful for varicose veins, noting
that the peel contains flavenoids, including rutin, that reduce permiability
of blood vessels, especially capillaries ( Green Pharmacy).  Ody's book notes
use of lemon (juice, peel or diluted oil) as an anti-inflammatory and reputed
nerve tonic useful in neuralgia.  She also notes that lemon oil can be
irritating to the skin.

Sheila Humphrey
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