Colic is a medical condition characterized by intermittent crampy pain in the abdomen that occurs and stops suddenly. Spasms of the intestinal muscles are associated with colic and may occur at any age. Infantile colic describes the colic that occurs in babies between the age of 2 weeks and 6 months. Ginger is a medicinal herb that can be used as a spice and supplement to improve digestive problems; however, it is not suitable for children under 2 years old. In all cases when you consider taking ginger to manage colic, you should first talk to your doctor.
About Ginger
Ginger is native to Asia and is widely used in oriental medicine for digestive complaints, arthritis, heart disease, painful menses and even as a remedy for colds and flu. Its key active ingredients are gingerols and shogaols. Ginger is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated supplement. In rare cases if consumed in high doses, it may cause irritation of the mouth and stomach and cause diarrhea. Ginger may also interfere with blood-thinning drugs.
Research
According to a study published in the October 2005 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Sciences," ginger has been commonly used for centuries as a medicinal herb, particularly for indigestion. In this study, the authors found that ginger has the ability to relax intestinal muscles and reduce their spasms, and that therefore it may help conditions like colic and diarrhea.
Ginger Dosage
The daily dose of herbal remedies is usually calculated based on a person's weight, assuming an average weight for adults of 150 pounds. For digestive complaints, an daily adult dose is between 2 and 4 g of fresh ginger root. The daily dose of ginger for a child is also based on the child's weight. For example, if your child weighs 50 pounds, she will need a third of the adult dosage. Ginger should not be used for children under the age of 2, but it can be consumed by older children suffering from digestive cramps or nausea, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health-care provider to find out more about ginger and how this supplement can help your symptoms. If your baby suffers from colic, do not use ginger; instead seek alternative herbal supplements that may help him. Keep in mind that ginger does not replace and should not be used to replace any prescription drugs that you are currently taking. As of April 2011, ginger has not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of colic.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginger; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; November 2008
- "Digestive Diseases and Sciences"; Pharmacological Basis for the Medicinal Use of Ginger in Gastrointestinal Disorders; M.N. Ghayur and A.H. Gilani; October 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Infantile Colic; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 2010
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