DIY Gripe Water Remedy To Soothe Colicky & Teething Babies

It’s been over 20 years ago, but I distinctly remember how stressed we were over all three of our colicky babies.

How helpless I felt with our twins both being colicky babies at once. Was it me, I wondered? Was I a bad or clueless mother?

I wanted to make their discomfort go away, but nothing I tried worked! I changed everything I was eating, even going to a soy formula for a time until I figured out that wasn’t good. I was as miserable as they were, I think.

Normally, I had some help from my husband in the evenings, but numerous times during the day, I felt I had to put one or both down and walk run out of the room for 5 minutes to collect my wits and my emotions!

Wish I’d Known

What I would have given to have known about some of the tried and true old-fashioned herbal remedies (below) for my colicky babies back in my young Mommie days.

I didn’t even know about old-fashioned Gripe Water because, as an RN, I was so into allopathic system of medicine and using medicine or drugs. This one is the only one I would consider using because all the others have “natural flavor.” Natural flavors are excitotoxins.

It is estimated that 40% of all infants have colic. I learned as a nurse that it could last until the 4th month. Our babies’ colic lasted until the 6th month!

If your baby seems to be unusually fussy or seems in pain, run through a common-sense mental checklist to see if:

• she has a dirty diaper
• is hungry
• is too hot or too cold
• or simply in need of sleep

Once you’ve ruled out those things, go outside if at all possible and enjoy the wind, birds, colors, and sun flickering through the leaves of the trees. Walk briskly. It is good for both of you to have a bit of fresh air.  If that is not possible, you can always try the white noise from a fan or sit holding your babe on a big, bouncy workout ball!

Sticking in there with your baby during these difficult times builds trust and deepens the bonds between you two.

There are many suggestions out there when it comes to relieving colicky babies: giving a massage, swaddling, and bicycling the legs (my favorite way with bottom higher than the tummy), to name a few.

Make your own “Gripe Water” – Wonderful Help For Tired Parents:

Mothers have been using a tea of Fennel and Catnip for generations to stop colic in babies and to help with sleep! It does not ‘always work’ but will in many cases.

The two herbs together can bring comprehensive relief.

Fennel Seed:

Fennel Seed tea is a safe, mild, and natural herbal remedy. I know many who have used it with success, but each baby is different.

Fennel is known to relax the intestinal tract and relieve gas. It is also acts as a mild laxative. These benefits make it a wonderful choice for babies that are generally fussy or gassy.

Making fennel tea is quite simple; just add 1 teaspoon of fennel seed to 8 ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 15-30 minutes. Strain. You can also crush the seeds to lessen the steeping time by 10 minutes or so. Make sure your seed is organic and not from a sprayed source.

There are many medicinal benefits of Fennel, but it also wonderful in multi-grain bread and delicious in homemade summer sausage.

The second herb that works in conjunction with Fennel Seed is Catnip (not just for cats!).

Catnip Herb:

Owing to its gentle nature, Catnip Herb is highly prized in the treatment of infants and children’s ailments. Catnip helps them to sleep better, settles the stomach, and is calming and soothing to the nerves.

Parents may want to drink some, too, during a colicky time.

It is also very helpful for adults with insomnia or whose mind races at night; I’ve used catnip tea right before bed to promote a peaceful sleep after a stressful day. Catnip tea can help soothe menstrual cramps and help with premenstrual tension (PMS).

While herbal remedies are not regulated by the FDA, is is always recommended that you check with your baby’s pediatrician before using any herbal remedies to help your baby’s condition.

Directions: Catnip-Fennel Tea For Colicky Babies

Prepare this brew by pouring one cup of boiling water over:  2 teaspoons dried Catnip Herb and 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds.

Let it steep for 15 – 20 minutes. Strain thoroughly.

How Much?

For Mother: Drinking this brew 20-30 minutes before nursing passes the benefits on to the baby (an added benefit is that fennel also promotes lactation).

For Baby: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon may be added to a bottle of breastmilk, formula, or water.

Other organic herbs that many of our grandmothers used safely to calm babies include:

• Ginger
• Cardamom
• Chamomile
• Dill
• Peppermint
• Lemon Balm
• Anise

Buy equal amounts of each organic herb at Whole Foods and mix for a bulk blend:

• I keep a dry batch at the ready in a sealed tub at all times to make into a tea.

• Steep a tsp. or 2 in boiling water for 5 minutes and strain off herbs.

• You can drink it yourself and it goes into your milk or give it directly to baby/child.

• It’s very effective and the chamomile helps them fall asleep.

Some Thoughts From An Older Mother

One other tip for colicky babies: 

Burping your baby right after nursing helps reduce the chance of trapped air bubbles which can cause gassiness.

Besides, there is something settling and calming to taking that time with your little one, making for a calmer baby. Be sure your little one has burped before moving on to something else.

And finally, please understand that YOU are NOT causing it; your infant having colic doesn’t make you a bad mother. Please cut yourself some slack! Call your mom or an understanding friend; actively seek a support network for a little time away or a nap for yourself.

Cheer up, dear Mama, this too shall pass!

***For the Full Spike Protein Protocol to protect from transmission from the “V” and to help those who took the “V”, go here.

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