Colic is an unexplained excessive crying by a baby that occurs mostly in the first three weeks and can come up anytime during the first three months of the birth of the baby. The initial symptoms of colic shows cramping and moaning by the baby that can occur due to any perceptible reason.
This problem goes off on its own as the baby grows. But in some babies this problem continues till two to three years of age. The chances of occurrence of the problem of colic are more common in babies who are not breastfed. The pain that occurs in the stomach of the baby can be examined by touching the stomach of the baby .
If the stomach becomes hard then the pain is due to colic. This type of pain occurs more in late evenings. Some of the herbs are useful to get rid of the colic in babies and the mothers who breastfed their babies can take these herbs and it will pass on to the babies from her milk.
Herbal Remedies For Colic
Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and is good for the digestive system.
All types of intestinal cramping can be eased out with the use of chamomile. The mother can drink chamomile tea, steeped chamomile flowers can be kept on the stomach of the baby to ease pain.
Licorice
The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice make it an effective remedy for the relief from colic. The mother of the baby can take licorice in the form of fresh or dried root tea or tincture. But it should be in moderate quantity and not recommended for long term use.
Fennel
The herb fennel helps to improve digestion and reduce the chances of colic. It gives immediate relief from abdominal cramps, bloating and gas.
Breastfeeding mother can eat fresh stems of fennel and the seeds of the fennel can be boiled in baby’s milk to give relief. The mother of the baby should drink fennel tea before feeding the baby to prevent colic.
Peppermint
Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect that gives relief from colic pain and gives instant relief from gas. It is analgesic and cooling herb. You can give this herb to the baby by boiling peppermint leaves in the milk that has to be given to the baby.
The lactating mother can take peppermint in the form of chewing peppermint leaves, using peppermint oil in food or peppermint supplements. The benefits will pass on to the baby by the mother.
Catnip
Catnip is one of the traditional remedies for colic. It helps to reduce the impact of the symptoms of the colic in babies.
One spoon of catnip tea can be given to the baby before giving feed to prevent colic. The mother can take catnip in raw form or can drink catnip tea before feeding the baby.
Some other herbs like ginger,lemon balm, cardamom,yarrow and garden angelica are also beneficial for relief from colic.But they should be used as advised and excessive intake of any herb can be harmful to the baby and the mother.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
