Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Colic
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Probiotics | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner |  [3 stars] Research suggestsprobioticsmay benefit babies with colic who are breast-fed or fed milk-based formula.
|
Chamomile | 1/2 cup (118 ml) of tea three to four times daily |  [2 stars] Chamomile is a carminative herb with long history of use as a calming herb and may be used to ease intestinal cramping in colicky infants. |
Chamomile, Vervain, Licorice, Fennel, and Lemon Balm | 1/2 cup (118 ml) of tea up to three times daily | [2 stars] A soothing tea made from chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel, and lemon balm has been shown to relieve colic more effectively than placebo. |
Fennel | 1 to 4 teaspoons of a water emulsion of 0.1% fennel seed oil, up to four times per day | [2 stars] In one study, supplementing with fennel seed oil relieved colic in 65% of cases, compared with 24% of infants receiving a placebo. |
Caraway | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Caraway relieves intestinal cramping and, in this way, may ease symptoms of colic. |
Cinnamon | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Cinnamon is a gas-relieving herb used in traditional medicine to treat colic. It is generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. |
Fumitory | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Fumitory is a gas-relieving herb used in traditional medicine to treat colic. It is generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. |
Garden Angelica | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Garden angelica is a gas-relieving herb used in traditional medicine to treat colic. It is generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. |
Hyssop | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Hyssop has mild sedative properties and may also be helpful in relieving colic, but research is lacking. |
Peppermint | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] This gas-relieving herb is usually given to the infant as a tea. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol. |
Yarrow | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Yarrow is a gas-relieving herb used in traditional medicine to treat colic. It is generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.