When an infant suffers from reflux, symptoms you may note are fussiness, weight loss, loss of appetite and frequent spitting up during mealtimes. Pediatricians typically advise burping, breast-feeding and acid reflux medications to treat reflux. Speak to your doctor before using the herbal treatment gripe water as a home remedy.
History
During the 19th century, William Woodward first introduced gripe water in Britain to treat gastrointestinal distress in infants. Woodward's Gripe Water is still sold today along with brands from Colic Calm, Baby's Bliss and Little Tummies. The indications for current varieties of gripe water are tummy upset, gas and teething pain.
Types
Although versions differ, gripe water is likely to include a variety of herbal extracts. Active ingredients you are likely to come across are sodium bicarbonate, chamomile, fennel, ginger, lemon balm, cinnamon, clove, dill, licorice, peppermint and yarrow. Additionally, some varieties include alcohol and sugar. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends avoiding these versions and only purchasing brands produced in the United States.
Prevention/Solution
You administer gripe water as an oral solution. You should use the product on an as-needed basis when your baby is showing signs of discomfort. A typical dose would be 1/2 tsp. every couple of hours until symptoms go away.
Effects
The sodium bicarbonate and fennel are included in gripe water to treat acid reflux symptoms. Sodium bicarbonate decreases the amount of acid found in the stomach. Fennel aids the digestive process and decreases symptoms associated with indigestion.
Warning
The sugar and alcohol ingredients are believed to be what actually makes gripe water effective, according to the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine." The sweet taste of the sugar soothes the distressed baby while the alcohol acts as a relaxant. However, the society states that alcohol and carcinogenic sugars should be removed from gripe water formulas due to the adverse effects the ingredients can have on infants.
