Infants with colic cry more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week for a period of at least three weeks. The condition usually starts about the time a baby is 3 weeks old, and typically goes away on its own by the time the baby is 3 months old. While no one is really sure what causes colic, suspected causes include food allergies or sensitivities, intestinal gas and an immature nervous system, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Although the condition is temporary, many parents seek treatments instead of waiting for it to disappear on its own. One treatment option consists of giving the baby fennel. Fennel, a perennial herb, is available in a fluid extract, as an oil or as part of an herbal tea.
Theory
Fennel is reputed to act as an intestinal anti-spasmodic, decreasing cramping and spasms of the digestive tract. It may increase the movement of food through the intestines. Using fennel may resolve the digestive issues contributing to the baby's discomfort and subsequent colic symptoms, but more research needs to be done to prove this theory.
Effectiveness
Some studies have suggested that fennel may be an effective way to reduce colic symptoms in infants. For example, one study, published in the July-August 2003 issue of the "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine," showed that fennel seed oil eliminated colic symptoms in about 65 percent of infants in the treatment group. Infants in the control group of this study were given a placebo, and only 23.7 percent of these infants reported the elimination of colic symptoms. However, this and other studies on effectiveness of fennel for colic have major limitations. These limitations include relying on parent reports, not being double-blinded or having too few patients, notes "HealthDay News."
Considerations
Just because fennel is a natural product, this does not necessarily mean it is safe. While it is true that the likelihood of harmful side effects from herbal supplements is small, adverse reactions can occur. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that fennel may cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, asthma, breathing difficulties and even seizures. The safety of using fennel over a long time is unknown. Herbal products, including fennel products, do not have to undergo the same scrutiny and testing procedures and medications. These products may contain additional ingredients or substances that may prove harmful. Because of this, discuss potential benefits and risks with a pediatrician or doctor before giving fennel to your infant.
Alternatives
You can try a number of other methods to soothe your colicky infant. Motion may calm a crying infant, so try using a baby swing, taking a car ride, walking around with your baby in a sling or taking your baby for a long walk in a stroller. Sucking, whether through breast-feeding, bottle-feeding or pacifier, may provide temporarily relief from crying. Loud white noise or swaddling the infant in a blanket may also help. In addition, discuss your baby's feeding habits with a pediatrician. The pediatrician can rule out other medical conditions, such as reflux. She also may suggest changing your baby's formula or feeding schedule, or recommend probiotics, in an attempt to improve digestion and thereby ease colic symptoms.
Warnings
Although many infants experience intense bouts of crying, some situations may warrant medical help. If your infant is vomiting or has diarrhea, seems to be sick or in severe pain, has unusually shrill or intense cries or has a temperature of over 100.5 degrees, call a doctor. In addition, some parents find themselves very upset or frustrated when dealing with a colicky infant. Take a break and let a loved one watch your infant if it gets to be too much. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek help immediately.
References
- Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine; "The Effect of Fennel Seed Oil..."; I Alexandrovich et al.; July-August 2003
- HealthDay; No Good Evidence That Folk Remedies Ease Colic"; Jenifer Goodwin; March 2011
- American Academy of Pediatrics; Complementary, Holistic and Integrative Medicine: Colic; Lawrence D. Rosen; December 2009
- American Academy of Family Physicians; Herbal Products and Supplements; January 2011
- University of Michigan Health System; Colic; Kyla Boyse, R.N.; December 2010
