Does Colic Tea work? | Everything you need to know
If you have a little baby that is crying and fussing for apparently no reason and you have fed, changed and ensured all the usual steps have been taken care of, you might have a baby experiencing colic.
Often babies from a few days to a few weeks old can spend long stretches of time crying and upset, and while parents might have done everything they can to calm them, a baby with colic often needs a simple treatment to ease the discomfort and relieve symptoms commonly associated with colic.
What is Colic Tea?
Colic tea is a herbal tea specifically designed to help ease colic symptoms in babies. Colic is a common condition characterised by prolonged periods of crying and discomfort in infants, often due to digestive issues or gas. Colic tea typically contains a blend of herbs known for their digestive soothing properties. The idea behind colic tea is to provide a natural remedy to soothe the baby's digestive system and alleviate discomfort. Breastfeeding mothers drink the tea, and the beneficial properties are then passed to the baby through breast milk.
Our Colic Tea was developed when our Founder Jordana’s daughter had terrible wind and discomfort, she reached out to her Mother who is a naturopath and medical herbalist to help create a tea blend to ease her discomfort. This “Colic Tea” was the first of it’s kind and has gone on to sell to over 50,000 mothers
Colic tea typically contains a blend of herbs known for their digestive soothing properties. The ingredients in our Colic Tea include:
Aniseed - The actions of this herb are carminative and anti-spasmodic, and it is also a galactagogue that supports normal lactation. It is used to ease griping, intestinal colic and flatulence (wind). Its major indications for use are for colic, especially in children, indigestion and lack of appetite. It has other health benefits, containing a range of minerals, including iron. It is high in antioxidants and so can reduce inflammation. (1)
Caraway- Caraway’s actions are carminative, anti-spasmodic and galactagogue. It is a calming herb that is used to ease flatulence and colic, especially in children. Like Aniseed, it can also stimulate the appetite. Great for irritable bowel. It also has beneficial flavonoid antioxidants and a wide range of minerals. The seeds are a storehouse for Vitamins A, E, C and B vitamins (2)
Nettle- nettle is often included in a herbal blend because of its long history of use as a ‘tonic’ or strengthening herb, especially after childbirth, and for its iron content. Nettles are a widely applicable plant to use for strengthening and support. It also has traditional use as a galactagogue. (3)
Fennel- Fennel’s actions are carminative, anti-spasmodic and galactagogue. Its major indications for use are for relieving colic and flatulence, especially in infants, with the added benefit of stimulating digestion and appetite. All parts of the Fennel plant are rich in powerful anti-inflammatory polyphenol antioxidants which benefit health, as well and other important nutrients like Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese. (4)
Commonly used for Colic relief is Fennel Tea, a single-ingredient herbal tea made from fennel seeds. Fennel has been traditionally used to support digestive health and is known for its carminative (gas-reducing) properties. It helps in:
- Reducing gas and bloating.
- Easing digestive spasms.
- Improving overall digestion.
Studies have shown that herbal teas like those containing fennel can be beneficial for reducing colic symptoms in infants. For instance, a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that fennel seed oil significantly reduced the intensity of colic symptoms in infants compared to a placebo (Mommy Labor Nurse). However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially when breastfeeding, to ensure safety and appropriate use.
Both Colic Tea and Fennel tea can be helpful for breastfeeding mothers looking to alleviate their baby's colic symptoms. The choice between them depends on whether you prefer a blend of multiple herbs for broader relief or a single ingredient focused on digestive health. The blend of herbs in Colic Tea work together - called synergy - to help safely relieve the distressing symptoms of colic in your baby.
Does Colic Tea Work?
Often experienced from newborn stage and lasting up to 4 months in some cases, colic is pain or discomfort in the digestive system.
Colic in babies can cause the little ones to cry for long periods of time for no known reason, clench their fists, scream in pain and generally appear to be really upset when they should be otherwise happy and healthy.
Some of the reasons why medical professionals believe colic occurs in babies include issues with an immature digestive system, sensitivity to milk, and possibly indigestion
Some real reviews from our real mums:
"It works! I find a huge difference in my baby if I miss my daily tea. I have 1-2 cups a day and it makes a huge difference to her being much more settled and able to pass her wind naturally." Sally
"I swear by this tea, as soon as I forget to drink it my daughter becomes fussy in the afternoons. Noticed a difference within 3 days" Camilla
"I have definitely noticed a difference in my Bub since drinking the tea. He is able to get his burps and gas out a lot easier. THANK YOU!" Jaie
What are some of the other benefits of Fennel Tea
- Galactagogue Effect: Fennel is believed to enhance milk production due to its phytoestrogen content. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that mimic estrogen in the body, which can help stimulate the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production (Verywell Family) (MomJunction).
- Improved Milk Flow: The relaxing effects of fennel on smooth muscles not only benefit digestion but also facilitate the flow of milk through the milk ducts, potentially making breastfeeding more comfortable and efficient
- Nutritional Support: Fennel provides essential nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which support overall health and well-being of both mother and baby, contributing to a more robust breastfeeding experience (MomJunction).
Why does Fennel help with Colic and Breastfeeding?
- Digestive Aid: Fennel helps alleviate gastrointestinal issues that contribute to colic. Anethole, along with other compounds in fennel, has antispasmodic properties that help relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing cramps and discomfort (Verywell Family) (MomJunction).
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Fennel has anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe an irritated gut. This can be particularly beneficial in reducing the symptoms of colic, such as excessive gas and bloating (MomJunction).
- Antimicrobial Effects: Fennel also has antimicrobial properties that can help balance the gut microbiome, potentially reducing the incidence of colic by addressing underlying bacterial imbalances (Verywell Family).
Can you drink fennel tea while pregnant?
Drinking fennel tea during pregnancy can be beneficial, but it should be done with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Check out the Science / Benefits of Colic Tea
If you’d like to see the research and science behind the ingredients that go into Colic Tea, check out our references below for more information. There are some fantastic global resources gathered to keep consumers up to date on all the latest herbs and organic ingredients to help mother and baby on their breastfeeding journey.
References provided by our consulting naturopath and medical herbalist:
Aniseed - an anti-spasmodic and carminative, Aniseed eases griping, intestinal colic and flatulence. Traditional use in Western Herbal Medicine to relieve flatulence and abdominal bloating
Ref: 1. Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal 2.. Mediherb
Caraway - a carminative and anti-spasmodic, Carraway eases flatulence and intestinal colic, especially in children.
Ref: 1. Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal
Nettle - a tonic herb with a long history of use for this purpose.
Ref: 1. Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal
Fennel - traditional use for flatulence and colic - especially in infants. It is a carminative and anti-spasmodic.
Ref: 1. Mediherb 2. Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal
To find out more about Colic Tea or what foods to avoid when breastfeeding and assist with colic symptoms in breastfed babies, check out this blog.
Jordana is a seasoned entrepreneur and the mastermind behind The Breastfeeding Tea Co. Australia's leading brand in the industry. Over the past 11 years, she has built two seven-figure businesses, including her previous venture, Clean Tea. The Breastfeeding Tea Co, launched in 2020 during the pandemic, has supported over 70,000 breastfeeding mothers across Australia with simple, effective, and natural teas and lactation hot chocolates. Recognized for her business acumen, Jordana was named the National Ausmumpreneur of the Year in 2022 and holds 13 Ausmumpreneur trophies. She has also been honored at the Women’s Small Business Champion Awards, Roar Awards, Clean & Conscious Awards, and the She-Com awards. In addition to her business achievements, Jordana is a dedicated board member and volunteer event organizer for a homeless charity. She organizes the annual Heart of Women Awards, raising over $30,000 annually to support the homeless. Jordana's dedication to helping others extends beyond her professional life, as she is also a full-time carer for her father with Alzheimer's and a mother of three. Her journey from a small tea stall in Byron Bay to a multimillion-dollar global brand demonstrates her passion for empowering women through natural products and business mentorship.