The origin and medicinal use of gripe water is backed from 19th century, where the parents uses gripe water as a remedy for discomfort in babies due to gas, colic and teething. It has been claimed to be a successful traditional medicine as a remedy for digestive ailments in newborns and babies as it efficiently soothes gas, colic and discomfort due to teething.
It is available in chemists and medical shops in form of water like liquid medicine. Our earlier generations, claims that it gives quick relief from tummy related ailments in babies and newborns, like gas, colic, bloating, fussing etc.
What is Gripe water?
Gripe water was initially a combination of alcohol, sugar and herbs. But due to usage of alcohol based gripe water for newborn babies was regarded as unsafe and so alcohol-free gripe water was introduced.
Nowadays, popular brands like Woodwards, Mommy’s Bliss, Dr. Chase KOLIK, Little Remedies, have came up with alcohol-free gripe water. This new alcohol-free gripe water is a water based supplement or a mixture of Sodium Bicarbonate and some selected herbs like fennel, ginger, chamomile, licorice, cinnamon, peppermint, agave, lemon balm, etc.
This gripe water has become very popular and been used in many countries, as a trusted remedy among many parents and households for generations.
An individuals culture and experience passing on through generations have emphasized and proved as a quick remedy for comforting babies from gas and colic problems. Many parents continue to use gripe water as proper remedy for minor digestive issues in babies.
Gripe water is widely used today as a traditional remedy and a successful product for newborn gut related ailments and discomfort, however due to cultural differences the formulations may vary. While the usage and popularity of gripe water based on its effectiveness and results cant be ignored, but the scientific research for the efficacy of some ingredients is still going on.
The regulatory standards and availability of gripe water in different countries varies. In some part of the world, gripe water is considered as a dietary supplement. While in many other parts, it is considered as over-the-counter medication.
While in the U.S. the Food and Drug Association (FDA) has its own guidelines for manufacturing and selling of gripe water.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Traditional: Alcohol, water, sodium bicarbonate, dill seed oil, sugar. Modern: Fennel, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, agave, lemon balm. |
| Common Uses | Relieving colic, gas, teething discomfort and general fussiness in infants. |
| Regulatory Status | Varies by country. In the U.S., gripe water is subject to FDA guidelines as a dietary supplement or over-the-counter medication. |
| Alcohol Content | Modern formulations are mainly alcohol-free due to concerns about alcohol consumption in infants. |
| Effectiveness | Limited scientific evidence; reports from parents suggest varying degrees of success. |
| Safety Considerations | Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised, especially for newborns or infants with pre-existing health conditions. |
| Variability in Formulations | Different brands may have diverse ingredient lists and concentrations. Always read product labels carefully. |
Must Read,
✔️ Top 10 Best Newborn Baby Cradles online in India
✔️ How long does Gripe water last: Storage Recommendations
Purpose of using Gripe water for Babies and Infants
The primary purpose of using gripe water is to relieve babies suffering from common digestive ailments like gas, fussiness, colic and discomfort with teething. Parents use to give gripe water to babies to make them calm and relieve the discomfort within, which causes bloating, gas, tight belly and burping, etc.
Usage and Dosage of Gripe water
Giving gripe water to infants and babies in proper amount is very crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of gripe water. Based on age and weight of babies, pediatricians gives recommendations on usage and dosage of gripe water. Especially for newborns and just born babies, parents must consult with their doctor before introducing gripe water.
Different forms of Gripe water
Gripe water is available in diluted ready to use liquid form, and also ready-to-use drops. Sometimes a powdered mixture is also used which helps in adjusting the dosage. The liquid form is the most widely used and recommended form of gripe water although.
What does Gripe water Do?
Gripe water is a common remedy for relieving discomfort in babies due to digestive and teething issues causing gas, burping, farting, colic, etc. Gripe water does provide relief to the ailing babies in following ways:
- Relieving from Digestive discomfort
Gripe water usually contains herbal ingredients like fennel, ginger and dill, etc. which has carminative properties and thus helps in relieving flatulence by expelling gas. Thus, eases bloating and gas which helps in comforting babies.
Colic discomfort in babies which usually makes unstoppable crying in babies, is caused due to gastrointestinal issues. The gripe water soothes the intestinal tract and minimizes formation of gas and bloating, and thus make them calm and quiet. - Improves digestion
The herbs in the gripe water promotes healthy digestion. Any minor digestive issues are relieved quickly with the help of these natural herbal ingredients. - Relieving teething discomfort
Chamomile, a herbal ingredient in gripe water is anti-inflammatory in nature. This can provide relief from the irritation and discomfort to the babies during the teething period. - Provides relaxation and sleep
The herbal ingredients present in the gripe water also has mild-sedating effects which promotes sense of relaxation in babies and makes them easier to fall asleep. - Safe and Trusted remedy
Nowadays, the gripe water that comes are all alcohol-free and more safer for babies. These herbal gripe water are an attractive option for parents who always seek for non-medicinal and natural alternatives for their babies.
On an important note, the gripe water is not at always recommended in managing discomforts in babies and infants and also not a substitute for medical consultation. It is always advised to consult a medical doctor or a specialist, before adopting any new remedy for babies. But, the gripe water is continuously preferred in relieving minor discomforts by the parents.
How often can you give Gripe water?
The dosage and intervals or frequency of giving gripe water to babies depends on different gripe water formulations and which can be found on product packaging which is given by the manufacturer. Also, it is advised consulting a pediatrician, for dosage recommendations.
It is always advised not to exceed the recommended dosage or frequency. When given in excess or too frequently at short intervals may not solve the underlying problem with the baby, but may cause severe risk of other health effects.
Must Read,
✔️ Does Gripe water help with Constipation?
✔️ Top 20 Uses and Benefits of Gripe water for Babies
How does Gripe water work?
The gripe water is a well designed formulation of natural herbs. These herbal ingredients provides many benefits to babies by soothing their discomfort and relieving the gas and flatulence. Here are some of the mechanisms by which gripe water generally works:
- Carminative Herbs
Gripe water includes carminative herbs such as fennel, ginger and dill, which relieves gas and bloating by relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract which can easily release gas and flatulence relieving any discomfort associated with colic or indigestion. - Anti-inflammatory Agents
Anti inflammatory agents like chamomile present in gripe water formulations reduces irritation and inflammation due to teething, thus making them calm. - Mild Sedatives
Some of the ingredients like lemon balm and chamomile has sedative effects which helps in calming fussy or baby with discomfort. This ultimately promotes relaxation and better sleep. - Digestive Ingredients
Digestive ingredients like fennel and peppermint makes the digestion healthy in irritable babies. this results in reduced gas, indigestion and colic discomfort.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Gripe water Recipe?
It is important to note that homemade formulations are not standard and safe as the commercial products. the formulations are always different as per the region and culture but there are few homemade gripe water recipes that people still follow at home. The complete recipe and method of preparation is explained in our following article: Gripe water Recipe: Ingredients & Method of Preparation
What is Gripe water used for?
Gripe water is mainly used for colic and indigestion discomforts in babies and infants, which usually causes gas, general fussiness, flatulency and frequent burping.
How long does Gripe water take to work?
The effectiveness of gripe water vary depending on the severity of the problem within the baby. Some babies may calm down with effective and quick relief within 30 minutes and some babies may take some more time. And some babies even don’t respond to gripe water, in that case you must consult a doctor or child specialist.
When to give Gripe water?
Gripe water is given to babies at the early stage of discomfort with common or minor gas or indigestion issues. If the symptoms are not relieved and baby is still showing discomfort, you must stop giving any medication and visit a doctor immediately.
How fast does Gripe water work?
Gripe water usually shows relief in the baby within 30 minutes. Most of the times baby calm down within the first 30 minutes of giving gripe water. If the symptoms are stronger the gripe water may take some more time or it may need a second dose after a few hours. So, around a couple of hours a baby may feel comfortable if the issue is due to gas or flatulence.
What is Gripe water made of?
Traditional Gripe water was made using Alcohol, water, sodium bicarbonate, dill seed oil, sugar. While the modern gripe water is mainly made of herbal ingredients like Fennel, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, agave, lemon balm.
