The Side Effects of Gripe Water

Gripe water is a popular stomachache remedy invented by William Woodward and trademarked in 1876. The original Woodward gripe water solution contained 3.6 percent alcohol, dill oil, sodium bicarbonate, sugar and water. It is still used today in treating discomforts caused by muscle spasms and excess acid that leads to gas and stomach pain in infants.

  1. Gripe Water Today

    • Today's gripe water consists of ginger, dill, fennel and chamomile, all known for their powerful healing values.

    Added Ingredients

    • Herbs such as peppermint, clove, blackthorn and cinnamon are often added to gripe water solutions to relieve to a number of symptoms, including irritability, tension, indigestion, bloating and spasms.

    Side Effects of Gripe Water

    • Side effects are usually caused by contamination, incorrect dosage or poor ingredient selection. Diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps, pain, fever, nausea and vomiting can be caused by drinking contaminated gripe water.

    Parasites in Gripe Water

    • Parasites such as cryptosporidium were found to thrive on some gripe water solutions.

    Sodium Bicarbonate in Gripe Water

    • Sodium bicarbonate is not ideal for use on infants, as it has shown tendencies to deplete and interfere with folic acid and iron absorption.

    Charcoal in Gripe Water

    • The addition of charcoal in some gripe water solutions may compromise the body's absorption of essential nutrients. Charcoal also tends to bind with other drugs, which will reduce their effectiveness.

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