Colic
Definition
Spasm in any hollow or tubular soft organ accompanied by pain. Usually refers to the colon, but can be biliary (associated with gallstones), infantile, intestinal (may occur throughout the abdomen), lead poisoning, menstrual, renal (pain in the kidney region), uterine (menstrual cramps). Here we will deal with the infantile only. Babies between birth and one year of age may be prone to colic.
Causes
In infants; eating too rapidly, excessive air swallowing, indigestion, improper food, constipation.
Symptoms
Sudden loud crying spells, pulling knees up on the stomach, red face, distended stomach, clenched fists.
Treatment
Warm catnip tea given in a bottle, and also a catnip tea enema may be beneficial. Sometimes the colic may be avoided if the crying spells come at regular intervals or it can be predicted (after eating, etc.). A very warm bath given an hour before the colic pains start, may prevent an episode. Training the baby to eat more slowly or not allowing the baby to become too hungry, may help in the long run.
Herbal Medicine Formulas and Recipes
Herbs
TB
- Angelica
- Anise seed
- Arsesmart
- Asafetida
- Ash, prickly
- Balm
- Balm, leon
- Barberry
- Bee-balm
- Bergamot, wild
- Blazing-star, rough
- Blue cohosh
- Buck bean
- Buckthorn bark
- Bunchberry
- Celery seeds
- Capsicum
- Carrot, wild
- Castor bean
- Catnip
- Chamomile, wild
- Colic-root (stargrass)
- Colombo root
- Dill
- Dragon root
- Fennel seeds
- Feverfew
- Flag, sweet
- Fringe tree
- Ginseng
- Gumweed
- Horseredish
- Indigo, cream wild
- Jambul
- Mint, wild
- Mugwort
- Mullein
- Nutmeg
- Onion
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Pine, longleaf
- Pineapple-weed
- Pleurisy root
- St. Andrew's cross
- Shepherd's purse
- Spicebush
- Squaw weed
- Star grass
- Stoneroot
- Thyme
- Valerian, fragrant
- Walnut, black
- Wintergreen
- Yam, wild
Suggestions
One source recommends a mixture for the colic, (not given if for adults or for children and infants).
Camomile, balm, fragrant valerian, and buck bean mixed in equal parts. Steep 1 tbsp. in 1 cup boiling-hot water for 10 minutes. Drink warm.
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