Gripe Water is an herbal remedy for infants and children who suffer from colic and stomach upset. It is widely available and can be purchased over-the-counter at drug and health food stores under several different brand names, including Little Tummys, Wellements, Woodward's and Baby's Bliss. Gripe Water is a natural and safe alternative to traditional colic medications.
Natural
Gripe Water is simply water enhanced with time-proven tummy soothing herbs. There are many different versions of Gripe Water. Commonly used herbs include ginger, fennel, catnip, dill, peppermint and chamomile. In addition to purchasing the remedy, recipes are also readily available to prepare the solution at home.
Safe
Gripe Water was developed in Europe and has been used there for centuries. According to the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine," the original Gripe Water remedy contained alcohol and sucrose, ingredients which have since been removed from formulations in most countries. There is no danger of overdose or side effects from the homeopathic herbs and extracts commonly used in Gripe Water. It can be administered by itself via a dropper or mixed into the baby's formula. Consult a pediatrician if there are questions or concerns regarding dosage, preparation or components.
Effective
Commonly prescribed medications for colicky babies often only target one symptom or problem. Simethicone, sold under the brand name Mylicon, is used to treat gas and the pain associated with it. Ranitidine, more commonly known as Zantac, reduces stomach acid that causes reflux. The herbs in Gripe Water work to soothe the entire digestive tract, providing relief of gas, reflux, hiccups and other gastrointestinal ailments. According to the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine," no formal evaluation has been conducted to study the benefits of Gripe Water on infant colic.
