If you have an infant in the house or you recall the days you did – perhaps when your sibling was really young, then you might recall the misery of hearing them wail over this seemingly invisible pain inflicting force. You might have found it to be an excruciating annoyance, but your mother would have known it was probably colic and not something to be taken lightly.
Colic or more specifically infantile colic is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or displays symptoms of distress frequently and for extended periods, without any discernible reason. And since an infant can’t talk and tell you what’s wrong, the only thing he knows to do is cry. For a first time mother…her baby in constant pain without any visible cause is just absolute distress for her.
Colic is essentially a sensation of sharp pains in the bowels and traditionally Gripe Water was the instant proven solution. There are many good brands on the market and Woodward’s is probably one of the oldest trusted ones. But the fact is, gripe water is a traditional preparation that you can make for yourself right in your own kitchen if you are worried about the safety of a commercially prepared bottle for your young infant as some contain alcohol.
Recipes of gripe water varies but basically you’ll find that the main ingredients are ‘stomach soothing’ herbs such as anise seed, dill or fennel seed mixed with chamomile or lemon balm and some organic sugar. Specific recipes with clear instructions can be found easily over the web.
Of course before you try any of them with your baby; it’s advisable to first check with the pediatrician to see if it is safe. And the great thing you need to remember about gripe water is how it’s not just for babies. It works for adults and even pets! Whenever anyone is feeling all gassy and bloated, just whip up a batch of homemade gripe water and watch as the miracle takes place.
I know for fact that gripe water is something every household needs to keep at least a bottle handy. I remember taking it as a kid and frankly today…I give it to my dog to help his digestive system and it works!
