Colic
Colic is most common in babies. It appears to cause intermittent spasms in the intestines which make the babies scream, pull up their legs and pass wind.
Colic may be triggered by a baby swallowing air, or by overfeeding, dehydration, food sensitivity or the mother’s tension.
Cranial osteopaths believe stress at birth can cause colic, and osteopathy therapy has proved successful in many cases.
Dietary Advice For Colic
Breastfeeding mothers of babies with colic should avoid citrus fruit, cabbage, caffeine, spices and wheat. Cows’ milk formula can also be to blame. Babies may benefit from 5 ml of water in which a sliced onion has been infused for 5 to 10 minutes and cooled. Adults should try a cup of peppermint tea, or 1 to 2 peppermint oil capsules for quick relief.
Complimentary Natural Remedies For Colic
Chamomilla 6c can help an inconsolable baby who stops crying only when walked around. For a baby who pulls his knees up to his chin, try Colocynthis 6c. For colic only relieved by arching the back, try Dioscorea 6c. These remedies should be crushed between two small spoons and placed on the baby’s tongue every 5 minutes for up to 6 doses.
Adults may benefit from using a warm compress. Put a folded cotton cloth into a bowl of 600 to 1200 ml warm water containing 4 to 6 drops of one of these oils: lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, clary sage or German or Roman camomile oil. Place over the abdomen and cover with a towel. If pregnant, avoid peppermint, clary sage, rosemary and marjoram oil.
