COLIC
Definition: (Pertaining to the colon) Acute abdominal pain or gas pains, often due to improper combination of food and retention of waste matter in the system. Enemas will usually give immediate (if temporary) relief! [HHH p.50]
Symptoms: Paroxysmal abdominal pain due to smooth-muscle spasm, obstruction by calculi, nervous indigestion, or distention or enlargement of any of the hollow viscera. [SNH p.10]
Cause: In all cases, this is due to improper diet, digestive disorder, and poor elimination. [SNH p.10]
For a more through discussion of colic in very small children see Every Woman's Herbal. [EWH p.99]
Herbal Aids
NOTE: THIS IS NOT JUST THE COLIC ASSOCIATED WITH BABIES. MANY OF THE FOLLOWING FORMULAS ARE MEANT FOR ADULTS AND ARE GIVEN IN ADULT DOSES.
General Instructions: Wild yam, cramp bark, some nervines and antispasmodic tinctures relieve cramping. The bowels should be cleansed with a catnip injection. Hot bran fomentation over the stomach-abdominal area will give ease and comfort. For gassy colic, the following decoction is excellent; dandelion root, fennel seeds, marshmallow root, sweet flag root (with cayenne and ginger added as stimulant carriers). For bilious colic, use a decoction in equal parts of agrimony, barberry bark, centaury, dandelion root, or an infusion of a handful of fresh parsley will decoction in equal parts of agrimony, barberry bark, centaury, dandelion root, or an infusion of a handful of fresh parsley will do the job. [SNH p.10]
Ground Ivy: Lead-colic (from painting). Drink the infusion of the leaves. [SNH p.160]
Boneset: Bilious colic. Give 1 wine glassful (warm) every 1/2 hour until vomiting results; then, after 1/2 hour give a small dose as a tonic (cold), and every 2-3 hours thereafter. [SNH p.225]
General Instructions for Children: A tea or tincture of catnip and fennel [Catnip and Fennel Tincture] is especially helpful for infants. As an infusion, a pint of boiling water (distilled preferred) over a handful of fresh parsley is good.
A good formula for children's colic is equal parts of wild yam, pleurisy root, cinnamon and anise. Mix and use one teaspoon of the combined herbs to a cup of boiling water, cover and steep twenty minutes, strain and add honey, and give dose of one or two tablespoons of tea each fifteen minutes or as needed.
Dr. Christopher's Composition Powder: (Chest Formula) Dosage: Drink the clear liquid as needed according to age. For example, only part of a teaspoon every hour or two for a very small child.
In addition to taking teas orally, give a rectal injection of teas, two ounces at a time, of catnip, catnip and pleurisy root, garden sage and catnip, or catnip and peppermint. It is an advantage to add three to ten drops of tincture of lobelia to the teas per cup and one-half teaspoon or more of the tincture of lobelia to the rectal injection. [HHH p.51]
Dr. Christopher's Stomach Comfort formula: A blessing for infants. A fine combination for colic, biliousness, flatulence, spasms, etc. Use a few drops, or as much as needed, when desired. [HHH p.196]
Papaya and Peppermint: As an aid (after resolving to cut down on the wrong types of foods) start using papaya and/or peppermint tea. [Dr. Christopher's] Catnip and fennel tincture is also an emergency aid in colic and stomach upsets. [NL 3-1]
Juices for Colic: Carrot & celery, papaya. [NL 3-5]
Spices for Colic: Anise, caraway, cardamom, ginger, mint, savory and thyme. [NL 4-12]
Brown Rice: This contains an easily digested starch, is beneficial for stomach or intestinal ulcers and for the relief of diarrhea. A poultice of rice flour can be used to relieve skin inflammations of various kinds. We have seen serious cases of diarrhea respond most effectively to rice water made by boiling one ounce of rice to one quart of water for 20 minutes, strained and drunk. This drink is also used in cases of congestion, acute head pain, nausea, fainting, difficult breathing, stomach cramps, colic, worms, and a sedative. [NL 5-1]
