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The Use of Chamomile for Infantile Colic

The joy of new parenthood is often tinged with the stress of caring for a baby who cries inconsolably at the breast or bottle, in a loving caregiver's arms, in the cradle and at any hour of the day. All babies cry, but a colicky baby is really suffering. The cause of the trouble may be an immature digestive system, and a parent can do some things to ease the discomfort.

  1. What is Chamomile?

    • Chamomile is an herb whose flowers are used as an antispasmodic to ease abdominal and intestinal cramping, and a carminative for expelling excess air in the digestive tract, which is important in colic care. Common wisdom suggests that one possible cause of colic may be digestive upset. Furthermore, chamomile is prized for its soothing, calming properties, which can certainly help a hysterically crying infant.

    Dosage

    • Chamomile can be given orally or topically. The standard dosage is 2 to 8 grams three or four times daily, usually in tea prepared by steeping dried flower heads in boiling water for five to 10 minutes and then straining. Alternatively, you can purchase chamomile tea in convenient teabags in any supermarket. You can also get chamomile as a liquid extract in 45 percent alcohol, which you can give as 1 to 4 mL, three times a day. You can also buy baby lotion that contains chamomile, and use it to give your baby a gentle massage.

    Using Chamomile

    • Chamomile can be given to a baby in tea, which should be warm (body temperature) but not hot. You can administer the tea with an eye dropper by slipping the dropper into the corner of baby's mouth alongside the nipple while nursing, or alone in the bottle. Chamomile tea can also be given at regular feedings as preventive care. If you are nursing, you can drink chamomile tea anytime, and the baby will still receive its goodness through the breast milk.

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