How to Make Gripe Water: Home Made Recipes

Below are a few homemade gripe water recipes. These gripe water recipes worked some times for my colicky baby (he had problems with gas and infant reflux). Gripe water is also believed to help with hiccups and upset stomachs. There are a few different cominations you can try and play around with to see which works best for you. It may save you some money by making these on your own.

Note: If you are going to buy gripe water, you should take into consideration that many of them have sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in them, which is not usually recommended for children under 12.

Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before giving any of these recipes to your child. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days, please contact your health care professional.

1. Boil about 2 cups water and 1 Tablespoon of Anise Seed for about 10 minutes. (or just boil water...see next step)

2. Strain out the seeds, stir, and allow water to cool to room temp. (or, using a strainer, steep anise seed for about 5 mins.)
3. Feed to baby as needed at room temp or slightly warmed. Some recommend 2 oz. given in a bottle or syringe. I only gave it to baby in 1/2 teaspoon doses. Either way, dosage can be given every 15 mins-30 mins. as needed, for no more than 3 doses in an hour.

Store remaining tea at room temp or in the fridge. Discard homemade tea after 24 hours. It doesn't keep it's potentcy and may start to turn.

Fennel seed or Dill seed can be used in place of Anise seed.

If the Anise Seed Tea does not seem to be working try adding some of the following ingredients to the gripe water recipe. All of these, or a combo of some may be needed for an effective tea. If you find one that works, jot down your recipe so you remember what you used.

Again, please consult a pediatrician before giving anything to your child.

• 1 peppermint tea bag
• 1 ginger tea bag
• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Balm
• 1 Tbsp Blackthorn
• 1 Tbsp Aloe
• 1 Tbsp Caraway
• 1 Tbsp Cardamom

1. After making the Anise tea (see above - remeber you can also try dill seed or fennel seed instead, or all 3 together) add tea bags. If you would like to you can try adding any of the optional additional ingredients, or a combo of them.

2. Let steep 5 minutes.

3. (Optional) Add a pinch of organic sugar.

4. Let cool and store (see above)

Of course, if you don't want to go through the hassle of making your own gripe water, Colic Calm is a safe, great, FDA approved, homeopathic alternative.