Colic in infants can be a distressing time for both bubs and parents alike, but homeopathy can provide some sound relief.
Typically manifesting as prolonged bouts of inconsolable crying and visible discomfort in infants during the first few months of life colic occurs most commonly in response to gastrointestinal discomfort. When signs and symptoms are recognised and differentiated the most appropriate remedies can be selected that support bub and provide prompt and lasting relief.
Because homeopathy treats the individual and not the disease the correct remedy selection is vital. Babies are unable to tell us the cause of their discomfort so by recognising the signs and symptoms and becoming aware of the subtle physical responses is critical in selecting the correct remedy. Remedy pictures as explained below help us to correctly find the similinum.
Other considerations that may trigger colic include mums diet. Are the foods being consumed by mum passing onto bub in the breast milk? Common foods include; eggs, onion, garlic, chilli and ferments such as sauerkraut. Sometimes eliminating these from your diet can reduce bubs susceptibility and improve symptoms. Some medications given during pregnancy, labour and early on can affect the gut microbiome, so supporting bubs GI system can improve digestion and aid motility and absorption. This can also be supported using homeopathic remedies and detox protocols but will likely require a 1:1 consult with a qualified homeopath to discuss issues further.
Common homeopathic remedy suggestions:
Belladonna: Restless, flushed red skin and warm to touch. Tender, swollen, warm abdomen, flatulent colic. Cramping pain. Better by arching back. Worse from touch, pressure and lying down.
Chamomilla: Intense irritability, fussiness and constant inconsolable crying. Babies appear in obvious pain and distress due to abdominal bloating and distention, drawing up knees in response to the discomfort. Bubs prefer to be carried, symptoms worse 9am-9pm and at night or whilst sleeping and/or teething
Calc phos: Child suffers from colic after every meal. Flatulence and diarrhea. Helpful due to poor digestion of milk. Better after passing wind or stool. Worse during denitition. Consider as tissue salts and in combination with Mag phos., Nat sulph and/or Nat phos.
Colocynthis: Knees drawing up and twisting in pain. Hands clenched. Miserable and irritable. Better when passing wind, bending double and/or applying heat or pressure.
Dioscorea: Pain radiates and causes back to arch and stretch. Gassy with hiccups and wind. Worse from pressure and whilst bending over.
Ignatia: Colic due to emotional grief, abandonment and feeling unloved. May present if mother has experienced any form of grief or disappointment.
Nux vomica: Irritable, constipated and arching back in pain due to bloating and pressure in the stomach. Worse due to overfeeding.
Tissue salts:
Mag Phos – colicky pains, cramping, hiccups
Nat Phos – acidity including heartburn, belching after eating, generally sensitive and easily disordered digestive tracts
Nat Sulph – elimination of metabolic waste products, both constipation and diarrhoea, as well as colic and general digestion
Other remedies to consider if symptoms match: Arg Nit., Bryonia, Carbo Veg, China, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla and Staphasagria.
Remedies can be given in low dose potencies at 15-60 minute intervals until symptoms show improvement. If no change occurs after 3 doses consider a different remedy or potency. If symptoms return, continue to dose the chosen remedy.