Colic.

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Re: Herb for Colic
From: Jeanne Ross <ross.together.net>
Date: 1 Oct 1995 12:00:14 GMT

>About 6 months ago or so, there were a few posts on an herb that helped a baby with colic. (The herb was steeped in water and used as a tea.) Meant to write it down and, Murphy's law, didn't...so now I need it! My daughter had a baby only two days ago, and while it's too early to determine if this baby has colic, her first little one did. And a miserable time was had by all!

I don't know what was posted regarding colic previously but I can tell you what worked for me. I breastfed both of my children. I avoided gas-y foods, like broccoli, beans, etc, and I drank alot of fennel/catnip tea. I noticed that my children were able to pass their own gas much easier which prevented them from having gas pains. Another herb that is a good addition is chamomille. I hope this works for your daughter.

From: bj3.ix.netcom.com

> and I drank alot of fennel/catnip tea.

That's it! It was catnip tea that was recommended by several folks, but I think a weak solution was given directly to the baby, if I'm not mistaken. Do you think that would be okay? Mom is definitely breast feeding - perhaps she should drink it also like you did?

From: Jeanne Ross <ross.together.net>

>It was catnip tea that was recommended by several folks,

Yes, you can give it directly to the baby as well although I would wait and see if it works with breastfeeding and only give about a teaspoon at a time of diluted tea. I used to make a strong brew of fennel/catnip and sometimes chamomille tea in the morning and put it in the 'frig. I used fresh herbs, about a tbls. of each in a suntea container. If you have one of those metal tea balls you'll find it keeps the herbs from clogging the "tap". If your daughter is nursing she'll want to keep well hydrated. The usual 8 glasses a day plus some.