Colic (also known as infant colic, three-month colic, infantile colic and baby colic) is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams frequently and for extended periods without any discernible reason. Typically, they draw up their legs and tense up their bellies and their faces turn red.

The condition typically appears within the first three weeks after birth and almost invariably disappears, often very suddenly, before the baby is three to four months old. It is more common in bottle-fed babies, but also occurs in breast-fed infants. The crying frequently occurs during a specific period of the day, often in the early evening.

Since the cause is not conclusively established and the amount of crying differs between babies, there is no general consensus on the definition of "colic". Having ruled out other causes of crying, a common rule of thumb is to consider a baby "colicky" if he or she cries intensely more than three days a week, for more than three hours, for more than three weeks in a month. By this definition, about ¼ of all babies will have colic.

Many essential oils support healthy digestive function and promote stability and comfort of the stomach and intestines. Great care must be taken when giving essentuial oils to babies and they must never be given to babies younger than 2 weeks old. It cannot be stressed strongly enough to thoroughtly dilute the blends given. Peppermint and Caraway, Fennel, and Cardamom have been shown in scientific studies to alter muscle tension during bowel spasm. Roman Camomile has been shown to modify irritated bowel associated with diarrhea. Massaging your child’s stomach with chamomile or peppermint in a clockwise direction. These same essential oils have been used for thousands of years to relieve symptoms associated with gassiness and bloating.

Do not ever punish a child with colic. If you feel you cannot cope, leave someone else with the child for a few moments while you relax calm yourself.

If you suspect your child has colic, call your doctor or medically trained professional. After ruling out possible medical causes of prolonged crying, most doctors recommend simple remedies you can perform at home and the above Essential Oils will complement this.