Ok, there is no fever and your doctor has established that your baby has colic. That is important to know for obvious reasons. Now it is time for you to observe your baby for clues that can lead you to choose the right homeopathic remedy. Below are some common remedies that have been found helpful.

Chamomilla is most often prescribed for babies that have irritability during teething and colic. Yes, all babies may seem irritable in colic but this type of child is very difficult to please. I mean, really difficult to please. They want to be held, but only for a while then they want to be put down. When you put them down they want to be picked up. There may be greenish diarrhea. They are sensitive to noise. They may even be irritable at the breast and pull off or even bite the nipple or strike with their hands.

Nux vomica is the remedy to think of if there is constipation with colic. Grunting and straining does not move out the gas or stool. Their face looks pinched and you can sense tension in the whole body. They may do worse in the morning. They are sensitive to noise and maybe even touch.

Lycopodium is useful when the baby tends to be very gassy with loud burps and toots! It is common for them to have abdominal distention from gas. These babies tend to feel their worse in between the hours of 4pm to 8pm. That's right! Exactly when you are the most busy preparing dinner, or should I say, trying to prepare dinner. These babies can be ravenous nursers that get satisfied quickly. They tend to be cranky in the morning.

Calcarea phosphoricum babies tend to have slow difficult teething and can have large heads with soft spots that do not close on time. They tend to be very discontent and irritable. Riding in a car may sooth them. They feel the need to change position constantly. They may be intolerant of milk which they may vomit.

Silica babies have fine features and may look weak and emaciated. They tend to be constipated and are famous for having "shy" stools. Just when the stool should be satisfactorily pushed out of the body it slips up inside the rectum.
The irritability and sensitivity is lacking in this remedy. Spitting up mother's milk easily and crying are not uncommon. They are sensitive to being vaccinated and tend to develop hard lumps at the site of the injection.

Aethusa cynapium babies can have projectile vomiting after nursing or being bottle fed. They suffer severe stomach pains and are very irritable. If they could articulate they might tell you their esophagus bothers them because of the regurgitation or reflux. There may be perspiration on the whole body. The times when they may feel the worse is in the evening and from 3a.m. to 4a.m. There may be greenish diarrhea of undigested milk.

That's easy. Crush the pellet between two spoons and put a drop of water on the powder and give to the child.

What potency should I use?

6c, 12c or 30c. I have found that if the remedy is correct 6c works just fine but then so does 12c and 30c. The main thing is to get the right remedy.

So, how many doses should be given?

Only one. Wait and see the response. If there is calming and sleep then good! Don't give any more. The remedy has done it's job. If it works for while then wears off then repeat it. The doses will start to space out as improvement sets in.

What if it does not work?

Then it was not the right remedy. Contact a homeopath for a proper work up.

Where can I find homeopathic remedies to buy?

At the health food store or on-line. Aethusa cynapium will most likely need to be ordered or perhaps your local homeopath will have it if they tend to work with a lot of babies. Make sure you keep the remedies away from strong odors, your cell phone, microwave, tv, etc. as that can ruin them.

And lastly, use your common sense. Use this information safely and appropriately. If the problem does not resolve quickly see your pediatrician. Serious illness should never be treated without seeking expert advice.

Anna Strong, RN, CCH, DiHom, DHom
Remedy Works, Inc.
email: remedyworks@yahoo.com