Rickets is a disease which occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin D, phosphorous and calcium. It occurs commonly among infants between 6 to 36 months old. Deficiency of vitamin D renders bodies of infants incapable of absorbing calcium and phosphorous from food. And, this leads to weakening of bones, which manifests as skeletal deformities.
Infants develop rickets when they are not exposed enough to sunlight, and their diets are deficient in vitamin D. And, because of their underdeveloped immune systems, they tend to fall prey to such diseases more. Rickets can be treated at the early stages of the disease using natural remedies.
1. Ample Sunlight
Vitamin D is synthesized by human skin when exposed to sunlight, as the human skin contains the precursor of vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight is the best way of combating vitamin D deficiency. It is essential for us, as it helps in absorption of calcium and phosphorous to make our bones stronger and skeletal system sturdier.
You can allow your infant to soak up the morning sun daily for 15-20 minutes. Morning sun rays contain less UV rays compared to the harsh afternoon sun. Make sure your infant is wearing clothes that expose their legs for soaking up ample sun. Apply sunscreen lotion generously before exposing your kids to the sun.
2. Calcium
Apart from deficiency of vitamin D, rickets can also develop due to deficiency of calcium and phosphorous. And, when our bodies are deficient in calcium and phosphorous, hormones steal away even more from our bodies, leaving bones even weaker. So, make sure that you are feeding your child enough calcium-rich food. Dairy products like yogurt, milk, cheese, soybeans and other soy products, green leafy vegetables like cabbage, and fish like sardines are good sources of calcium.
3. Fish Oil / Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil has been used to treat rickets from ancient times. Cod liver oil contains immunity enhancing vitamins like vitamin A and D, and essential fatty acids like omega-3 to improve immunity. Consult a doctor about the dosage before trying this out.
4. Horsetail Beverage
Horsetail is an important medicinal fern. It contains plenty of important elements like manganese, magnesium, silica, potassium etc. After consumption, silica is converted to calcium in our bodies. It promotes healthy skeletal system by supporting healthy bones and muscles.
Horsetail beverage can be prepared by putting one teaspoon of horsetail herb, along with two cups of boiling water in a pan. Let the concoction steep for 10 minutes. Strain and pour it in a cup. Give this to your kid after meal. You can divide one cup into two to three portions and give your kid after every meal.
5. Dandelion Tea
Dandelion is a very effective herbal remedy for rickets. Dandelion leaves and roots provide an excellent source of great many vitamins like vitamin D, A, C and B, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, calcium, boron and various other trace elements. Hence, it is incredibly effective in treating rickets in infants.
You can make dandelion tea by putting one teaspoon dried leaves of dandelion in a cup of boiling hot water. Allow the concoction to steep for 5 minutes. Strain and give the tea to your child. Continue this once a day for a few months to see positive results.
6. Nettle Herbal Tea
Nettle is a rich source of calcium and magnesium. Also, it contains many other minerals like selenium, potassium, iodine, manganese etc. This herb can improve bone health and overall immunity.
Add one ounce of dried nettle herb in a jar containing one quart of hot water. Let this mixture steep for 5-9 hours. Strain and give this to your child. Daily consumption of two cups is required for treating rickets.
Rickets in infants can be cured in the initial stages using herbal remedies and abundant care. So, start with any of these treatments today to see significant improvement in your baby’s condition.
