Herbal cure for baby colic

Colic is a common problem in infants and an even more frustrating condition for parents to deal with. Approximately 10 to 30% of all infants born have colic. If an infant is going to experience colic in its life, it will typically appear within the first few weeks of life and will subside by the time the infant is four months old.


Babies with colic grow and develop normally and it is rarely a factor in later physical or behavioral problems.

The tem colic refers to a condition in which an infant will cry inconsolably from one to four hours at a time. A typical spell is typified by a high pitched loud cry that is continuous.


The child may pull its legs up toward their stomachs as if in abdominal pain or their legs may be extended straight out. Often the infant’s hands are clenched. They may hold their breath or grimace. Frequently their faces become flush, while their feet remain cold. These episodes can occur at any time, but often begin in the late afternoon or early evening.

Currently, there is no identifiable cause for colic, but doctors have identified a number of factors that classically make colic symptoms worse. These include rapid eating or overfeeding, swallowing excessive air, intestinal gas, lack of burping, or food allergies. Doctors also recognize that an environment filled with anger, frustration or even excitement can play a role in this disorder.

Please note: It is critical that all parents consult their child’s pediatrician at the onset of colic like symptoms. It is important to rule out other health complaints such as ear infections, allergies, intestinal blockage, a hernia or even a scratch in the infant’s eye. If your child does have colic, here are some alternative health ideas you can try to support your baby naturally.

Recommendations For Wellness

If you are breast feeding:

• Watch your intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and soda.
• Stop eating milk products for one week to see if the infant is reacting to milk protein you have consumed.
• Reducing or eliminate gas producing foods such as orange juice, cabbage (and other foods from the cabbage family), beans, broccoli and onions.
• Drink soothing herb teas such as chamomile tea to calm yourself as well as the infant.

If your baby is formula fed:

• Change the type of formula or type of water being used. You can also try changing to a low-allergy formula or switch to a soy based one.
• Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. Check the hole size of the nipples you purchased. If the holes are too small, enlarge it.

Additional Ideas for all infants:

• Burp your baby after each ounce of formula or every few minutes.
• To reduce the possibility of your child swallowing air, have him or her sit up rather than lie down when eating.
• Gentle, repetitive movements will soothe some babies. Try taking them for a ride in the car or a walk in the park. Rock them in a rocking chair or rocking swing, or try leaning their infant seat against a running clothes dryer or dishwasher.
• Sounds can also help calm a colicky infant. Many parents have found relief by playing soothing music, running their vacuum cleaner or even their clothes dryer.
• Applied heat can also help. Lay your baby over a warm hot water bottle that is covered with a towel or trying giving him or her a hot bath. Add a few drops of chamomile or marjoram essential oil to the water to help them to relax further.
• Herbal chamomile has a long history of calming an infant and easing intestinal cramping.
• Teas made of licorice root, catnip or fennel have also been found to help.

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Dr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a Naturopathic Physician, founder of the Institute Of Applied Energetics and the host of Just Energy Radio. Author of the books “Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4” and “The Power Within”, it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and professional clairvoyant that enlivens her work. Let Dr. Rita assist you bringing health, healing and wholeness back into your life. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or listen live online to Dr. Rita on http://www.JustEnergyRadio.com.

The first thing you might want to try is massage. There are several colic release techniques that you can learn on the Internet or through books that you buy at a local bookstore. These are usually simple movements and techniques that you can learn and apply on your own. These techniques are thought to treat the cause, not the symptoms of colic, so you might find them very helpful in reducing the amount of pain and discomfort your child is feeling overall, not just temporarily. Parents have varying amount of luck with massage but it usually helps to get bowels moving, release gas, and reduce cramping which is important in reducing the pain of colic.

The second thing that you might want to try is herbal tea. Many people don't realize that you can safely administer up to four ounces of herbal tea to infants a day, and your doctor may clear an even larger amount for your child. Some of the best herbs for colic are chamomile, ginger, catnip, and peppermint. All of these herbs can safely be given to your child, but remember not to replace meals with it or your baby can suffer from inadequate nutrition.

One often-overlooked home remedy is burping. You should try burping your child before, after, and even during feedings to reduce the amount of air that is going into the stomach and intestines of your baby. When you are feeding you should stop every few minutes and burp your child for a minute or two, and then continue with the feeding. Your baby may not take kindly to this at first, but his or her cries about an interrupted feeding are better than an inconsolable colicky baby.

Another great home remedy is a warm water bottle or other warming device that won't get too hot for your baby. Sometimes, warm water will help relax the intestines calming cramping and allowing gas to pass if needed. It seems a little too easy, but many parents are shocked at just how well it does work. A warm bath usually works just as well as a warm water bottle, provided your baby usually enjoys a bath.

Home remedies often work for babies suffering from colic, although you might have to work to find what will work for your baby. Colic isn't fun, but some of these simple remedies can get you and your baby through these trying times in one piece!