It is true that usually infants are affected by colic, but it can affect adults as well. Although this problem is not life threatening it can be quite painful and uncomfortable especially for an infant. The reasons for colic include parasites, especially roundworms, food allergies, improper digestion, overeating, a foreign object in the digestive tract etc.
Although a baby screaming with pain can unnerve any parent, the idea is to not lose your cool and use some safe herbal remedies for colic to soothe the ailing child. Some remedies for colic are useful for both adults and children while others can be used only by children or adults.
Herbal Remedies For Colic
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has a combination of anti spasmodic and sedative properties. Hence it relieves intestinal cramping and induces relaxation. The best way to administer chamomile is to make a tea of the flowers. For this take 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers and add one cup boiling water to them.
Cover the vessel and let the tea steep for ten minutes. Strain the tea and let it cool down to room temperature or a temperature that is comfortable for a child. Chamomile is also safe for nursing mothers and is one of the best herbal remedies for colic for both children and adults.
Basil
Basil is an aromatic herb which is rich in the compound eugenol, which is anti spasmodic and sedative in nature. The best way to administer basil is in the form of a tea. For making this tea, take 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves and pour one cup boiling water on them.
Let them steep for 10 minutes and strain. Let it cool down to room temperature and give to the infant. This remedy is useful for adults as well and safe enough for nursing mothers.
Mint
Mint has strong anti spasmodic properties which helps to reduce the intestinal spasms in infants suffering from colic and hence is one of the effective herbal remedies for colic. As with chamomile and basil, mint should also be consumed in the form of a tea for best results.
Take 1 teaspoon of dried mint leaves and pour one cup boiling water on it. Let it steep for 10 minutes and then strain the tea. This tea should be administered warm and is also useful for adults suffering from colic. It is quite safe for nursing mothers.
Peppermint Water
Water flavored with peppermint is an age old remedy for colic. According to some research, there is an active ingredient in peppermint oil which blocks calcium channel hence reducing intestinal distress. You can also soak a peppermint stick in water and administer this to the baby, but keep in mind that some peppermint sticks have sugar.
Do not use peppermint oil to make a tea for an infant as it may be too potent for it. However, this can be done in case of adults as one of the herbal remedies for colic.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is also considered as a great remedy for colic. Moreover, it is very easy to take this remedy. Just take some crushed ginger and steep it in boiling water for 5 minutes. When this tea is prepared, consume a cup of it. It works as an effective remedy for colic in adults, although it may be unsuitable for infants.
