Babies who cry inconsolably for hours may have colic, a type of gastric upset believed to be caused by a still developing digestive system. Infantile colic affects about 20 percent of babies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Check with your baby's pediatrician before using any over-the-counter products and to rule out serious medical conditions that could be causing your baby's colic symptoms. Gripe water is available from different manufacturers; choose a product without substances that might harm your baby, such as alcohol or baking soda.
Relieve Stomach Cramps
Homeopathic gripe waters may contain ingredients that lessen muscle spasms. These ingredients may include fennel, caraway and blackthorn. Gripe water may relieve stomach aches in babies with colic or adults with irritable bowel syndrome.
Relieve Gas and Bloating
Gas pains can be severe, especially when gas bubbles become trapped. Bloating can also be very uncomfortable. Some ingredients in gripe water are known to help relieve gas pains and help the body expel gas naturally. According to the website Colic-Baby-Bootcamp, these ingredients may include caraway, fennel, peppermint, aloe, lemon balm and blackthorn. Dill seed is another popular ingredient in gripe water, known for relieving flatulence and improving digestion, according to the UCLA Biomedical Library.
Reduce Nausea
Ginger is noted for its ability to relieve nausea, especially gripe waters that contains ginger. The manufacturer of Colic-Ease gripe water notes that its product has been used successfully by adults undergoing chemotherapy to relieve nausea and other gastric side effects.
Ease Teething Pains
Gripe water can also be used to sooth and calm teething babies. Chamomile is often used to help babies relax as well as relieving pain. Fennel and lemon balm, commonly found in gripe water, also have soothing properties.
Reduce Hiccups
When hiccups are uncomfortable or caused by swallowing too much air while eating, try using gripe water to relieve your baby's symptoms. The same ingredients which help relieve gas pains and stomach cramps may relieve hiccups.
