Colic

Why it works: Antispasmodic effects on the gut. Chamomile’s flavonoids (e.g., apigenin) can relax gastrointestinal smooth muscle in animal and human tissue preparations, which plausibly reduces...

Instructions: Always talk with your pediatrician first. Most pediatric bodies advise exclusive breastmilk or formula only before ~4–6 months, and are cautious about herbal teas in young infants....

Warnings: Age & feeding guidance: Major pediatric sources advise breastmilk or formula only before ~4–6 months...

Studies: Herbal tea mix with chamomile (J Pediatr, 1993): Double-blin...

Why it works: Antispasmodic on gut smooth muscle. Laboratory work shows lemon-balm preparations relax intestinal smooth muscle (reduced ileal contractility), a plausible way to ease colicky cram...

Instructions: Standardized drops (ColiMil® combination: chamomile + fennel + lemon balm). • Dose in the RCT: 2 mL/kg/day, split into two doses given before feeds (around 5 pm and 8 pm) for 7 day...

Warnings: Use only pediatric-tested preparations (e.g., the combination drops) and avoid essential oils: conce...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Italy, 2...

Why it works: Antispasmodic action on gut muscle. Peppermint oil and its main constituent menthol relax intestinal smooth muscle by blocking calcium channels, which can reduce cramping—one of th...

Instructions: Important: Major health bodies do not recommend peppermint oil for young infants as a routine, at-home treatment due to safety concerns. If a pediatric clinician specifically advis...

Warnings: Infants and toddlers: Major pediatric sources warn against peppermint oil use in children under ~30...

Studies: RCT: “Effectiveness of Mentha piperita in the Treatment of I...

Why it works: Traditional actions that could matter for colic. Vervain is a bitter, “nervine” herb with iridoid glycosides (e.g., verbenalin, hastatoside) and phenylpropanoid glycosides (e.g., v...

Instructions: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) herbal tea. Ingredients: German chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel, and lemon balm.. Dose: Up to 150 mL per colic episode, ≤3×/day for 7 days (g...

Warnings: Pregnancy: Avoid. Multiple references warn of uterine-stimulating activity; vervain has even been in...

Studies: Weizman et al., J Pediatr 1993 (double-blind RCT) – Herbal t...

Why it works: Antispasmodic activity (theory): Several licorice constituents (e.g., isoliquiritigenin, licochalcone A) relax gastrointestinal smooth muscle in lab and animal models, which could,...

Instructions: For infants: Major authorities do not recommend licorice for infant colic. There are no evidence-based dosing instructions for licorice alone in infants, and safety is a concern (s...

Warnings: Infants: Avoid giving licorice to babies. Safety data are lacking, and some gripe waters/teas can ca...

Studies: Herbal tea combo including licorice (1993 RCT): In 68 infant...

Why it works: Strain-specific effects on the gut–brain axis. The best-studied strain is Limosilactobacillus (Lactobacillus) reuteri DSM 17938. In breastfed infants with colic it has repeatedly r...

Instructions: Choose the right strain & dose.. • L. reuteri DSM 17938: 1×10^8 CFU once daily for at least 21 days (used in most trials/guidelines). ESPGHAN. • Alternative (if advised by your cli...

Warnings: Use only in healthy, term infants unless your clinician says otherwise. Major pediatric bodies warn...

Studies: IPD meta-analysis (most decisive):L. reuteri DSM 17938 reduc...

Why it works: Antispasmodic & carminative effects. Fennel seed contains volatile oils (e.g., anethole, fenchone) that relax smooth muscle and reduce intestinal spasms and gas, which are frequent...

Instructions: Because safety organizations do not recommend giving teas to young infants, there is no widely endorsed, standardized dosing for “fennel tea” given directly to babies. What we do k...

Warnings: Do not give herbal teas routinely to young infants. AAP guidance emphasizes exclusive breast/formula...

Studies: Fennel seed oil emulsion RCT (2003). Alternative Therapies i...

Why it works: May move gas along the bowel. Gentle, clockwise strokes follow the natural direction of the large intestine and are widely taught to help wind/constipation—which can also accompany...

Instructions: Setup. • Wait at least 30–45 minutes after a feed so you’re not massaging a full stomach. (Common clinical teaching in infant-massage programs.) infacol.co.uk. • Warm your hands; u...

Warnings: Do not massage if your baby is unwell (fever, vomiting, lethargy), has bilious (green) vomiting, blo...

Studies: Randomized and controlled studies2025 Pediatric Nursing RCTs...