Catnip Tea for Colic
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Minnie
Posted on: January 18, 2001

My mother, when the younger had colic, would brew one teaspoon of catnip in eight ounces of water and give in does of two ounce bottles. Is this still done? I have a grandson that is really colicky. The Mylacon drops do not work.

According to John Lust’s book, "The Herb Book" (available from Richters), catnip herb tea can be taken for colic and other digestive problems. It is a carminative which acts to reduce gas and the painful associated bloating. It is also antispasmodic, relaxing muscles, and helps to relieve pain. According to Lust, one teaspoon of herb is infused in one cup of water (do not allow to boil; only steep), and one to two cups are taken a day. For infants, this dose should be reduced to one third or less.

Fennel seed extract is also effective, having much the same carminative properties.

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