Gripe water, a traditional medicine mainly used for treating and relieving gas, indigestion and colic problems in babies and infants. It is commonly used from last many generations. It is made using herbal ingredients which are known for their soothing and beneficial properties.
Homemade gripe water are more safer as we know what has been used and how it is prepared. But still making gripe water at home needs to be done under proper supervision and experience person as this is to be given to babies and infants.
Gripe water Ingredients
Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare):
Fennel seeds are the most important ingredient of gripe water as they give digestive benefits. They contain compounds that helps in relaxing the muscles in the gastro intestinal tract, thus reducing the discomfort due to gas and bloating.
Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria chamomilla):
Chamomile is know for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in easing digestive discomfort and gives relaxation and thus it is an excellent ingredient.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale):
Ginger is known for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in soothing the digestive system and gives a relief from discomfort.
Peppermint Leaves (Mentha piperita):
Peppermint has the calming effect on the digestive tract and relieves the digestive system. It provides a refreshing flavor to the along with the therapeutic properties that it provides.
Dill Seeds (Anethum graveolens):
Dill seeds are rich in essential oils that has special carminative properties. This actually helps in getting rid of bloating, gas and flatulence in babies.
Cardamom Pods (Elettaria cardamomum):
Cardamom again being aromatic, also helps in digestion. It reduces gas and bloating.
Lemon Peel (Citrus limon):
Lemon adds a citrus flavor to gripe water. it also contains essential oils that helps easing digestive tract.
Water:
Filtered or distilled water is used as a base for gripe water.
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Homemade Gripe water Recipe
What is in gripe water? The gripe water usually made up of different herbal formulations. One such formulation with most common gripe water ingredients, we are giving here as follows
Ingredients:
- Fennel Seeds – 1 Tablespoon
- Chamomile Flowers – 1 Tablespoon (dried)
- Ginger – 1 Teaspoon (fresh, grated)
- Peppermint Leaves – 1 Tablespoon (fresh or dried)
- Dill Seeds – 1 Teaspoon
- Cardamom Pods – 2 pods, lightly crushed
- Lemon Peel – 1 Teaspoon, finely grated
- Water – 2 cups (filtered or distilled)
- Sweetener (Optional) – 1-2 teaspoons (agave syrup or maple syrup, adjust to taste)
Method of Preparation:
Step #1 Measuring Ingredients
Collect all the ingredients in specified quantity at one place, and keep it ready.
Step #2 Boil Water
Take a clean pot and boil some water. The quantity of water depends on the final quantity or servings you are preparing for. For a small batch, take 2 to 3 cups of water approx. and boil it.
Step #3 Add Herbs and Spices
Once the water started boiling slow down and heat at slow flame and simmer for a minute. Add fennel seeds, chamomile flowers, ginger, peppermint leaves, dill seeds, cardamom pods, and lemon peel to the simmering water.
Step #4 Heat the Mixture
Heat the mixture for around 20-30 minutes. Let the mixture get steep into the water. This extracts the beneficial compounds from the ingredients. This infused mixture has all the therapeutic properties.
Step #5 Strain the Mixture
Use a very fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the mixture and remove the solid waste.
Step #6 Cool and bring down to Room Temperature
Cool down the filtered mixture to room temperature.
Step #7 Sweetening (Optional)
If you want to add a sweetener you can add at this stage. Add sweetener as per your required taste.
Step #8 Storage
Transfer the so prepared gripe water in an air tight container. Store it in a refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each use.
Points to be Noted:
- The quantities provided here are for a small batch. If you want to make in a large quantity, you can scale up the ingredients accordingly.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Ensure that all utensils and containers used are clean and sterilized
- Adjust the quantities based on personal preferences, and feel free to experiment with the ratios to find the flavor profile that suits you and your child.
- Consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate dosage, especially when using the gripe water for infants.
Must Read,
✔️ How long does Gripe water last: Storage Recommendations
✔️ Does Gripe water Help with Reflux in Babies?
Conclusion
Homemade gripe water is a natural remedy for comforting and relieving digestive tracts in infants and babies. By carefully selecting and preparing the gripe water using natural herbs you can create a gentle solution for gassy and bloating tummy in infants. By mastering the art of making gripe water with a well formulated recipe, gripe water can become a trusted remedy in your family’s natural health toolkit.
As this homemade gripe water find its place in your family’s health remedies, remember that it is not a substitute for a professional medical advice. When the baby shows no sign of improvement with the discomfort, and the symptoms are persistent for a long time, you should always consult a health care professional or a doctor.
Some infants and babies, may show a sign of allergy or side effect. Therefore the baby should be kept under observation and monitored after introducing any such remedy, known or unknown.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Gripe water dosage for 1 month baby?
Based on different product, baby’s individual health and weight, a pediatrician will recommend you the dosage of gripe water which also varies from brand to brand.
When to give gripe water to breastfed baby?
Gripe water to breastfed baby is generally given at least 30 minutes after a feeding. The gripe water is given when baby shows indigestive discomfort, or gas and bloating, colic symptoms, etc.
When can babies have gripe water?
Gripe water is generally considered safe for babies of 1month and above. While gripe water should be avoided for newborns below 1 month, as the digestive tracts of such a young baby is still developing.
When to give baby gripe water?
Gripe water should be given to 1 month and older babies. The dosage should be checked on the product packaging before giving to your baby. Gripe water should be given atleast half an hour after feeding.
How often can you give gripe water?
Gripe water should be given with an interval of atleast 2 hours. There should be a 2hour gap between 2 dosages. If the baby shows persistent symptoms you must consider visiting a child specialist.
When can I give my baby gripe water?
If the baby shows discomfort and passing gas and burping, you can give gripe water to ease this discomfort. It helps in relieving gas and bloating, and any discomfort due to indigestion also.
How much gripe water for newborn?
First of all, it is not advised to give gripe water to a new born. The baby should be 1month old and the dosage depends on the severity of the symptoms the baby shows. The dosage and quantity of gripe water depends on the manufacturer and they often mention the dosage guidelines on the product packaging.
How to make gripe water at home?
Gripe water can be comfortably prepared at home. In the above article, a complete Recipe for gripe water preparation is given in detail with all the ingredients and instructions.
