Home Remedies and Herbs for Baby Colic

Baby colic is a condition experienced in newborn babies. It is characterized by periods of distress and crying for over three hours a day, three days per week, for over three consecutive weeks. It occurs in babies who are otherwise healthy and well-fed. ¹ Baby colic is a condition that happens in 1 in 5 babies.² For parents, it can be incredibly frustrating and stressful as nothing they do seems to work at calming their baby down and stopping their baby from this consistent crying. Typically there is nothing physically wrong with the baby and so other than sleep-loss, there isn’t much to worry about as it will pass.¹

What Causes Baby Colic?

Baby colic causes are unknown. There are a number of possible baby colic causes, but nothing has yet been identified as a primary and direct cause. Researchers believe it may have something to do with allergies, lactose intolerance, digestive problems, anxious parents, and differences in how a baby is comforted and fed. ¹ Other possible causes may be that the baby in utero was exposed to chemicals such as cigarette smoke. It may possibly be the baby’s reaction to breast milk or to formula and not being able to tolerate certain proteins.² Gas and cramping in the digestive system may also be painful for the baby and so it causes them distress.³

Baby Colic Symptoms

Baby colic has a distinct set of signs and symptoms that set it apart from typical baby fussiness. Here are the baby colic signs and symptoms to be aware of:^2,3

• Crying for more than 3 hours, at least 3 times per week, for at least 3 weeks straight
• Crying despite being well-fed, clean and well cared for
• Kicking and pulling the legs into the chest while making tight fists
• Hardened tummy
• Passing gas and burping frequently
• Crying that seems distressful or painful to the baby
• Sitting up after feeding

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Baby Colic

Baby colic eventually stops over time. However, there are some baby colic natural remedies that can help to relieve the distress for your baby.Here are the top baby colic cures for parents to try:

• Olive Oil - Olive oil has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing health benefits. It is a safe baby colic natural treatment to use as a massage on the baby’s tummy.Coconut oil is a natural remedy to help stimulate hair growth and prevent the further loss of hair. It can be applied topically as a scalp massage.
• Fennel - Fennel is a remedy to help sooth gastrointestinal problems. Breastfeeding mother can drink fennel tea to help benefit their baby.
• Mint Leaves -Mint has natural soothing health benefits that can ease digestive problems in babies experiencing colic.
• Star Anise - Star anise is a baby colic natural remedy that can help improve digestive problems in babies.
• Black Cumin Seeds - Black cumin seeds are a natural digestive aid that can be used to treat baby colic.
• Peppermint - Peppermint is an excellent remedy for digestion problems. It also has natural calming and stress-relieving health benefits that are important for babies suffering from colic.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/basics/definition/con-20019091
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/infantile-colic
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000753.htm