What Are Star Ratings?
Our proprietary "Star-Rating" system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Supplement |
Why |
3 Stars
Probiotics
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner
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Research suggests probiotics may benefit babies with colic who are breast-fed or fed milk-based formula.
In a double-blind study of infants, supplementation of a standard milk-based formula with probiotic organisms (Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus) significantly reduced the frequency of colic, compared with the same formula without the probiotics. Another double-blind study found that the probiotic preparation, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, was an effective treatment for colic in exclusively breast-fed infants. In another study, L.reuteri DSM 17938 taken once a day was significantly more effective than simethicone, a drug frequently used to treat colic. Other double-blind research has confirmed the benefit of probiotics (particularly L.reuteri DSM 17938) in infants with colic.
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2 Stars
Chamomile
1/2 cup (118 ml) of tea three to four times daily
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Chamomile is a carminative herb with long history of use as a calming herb and may be used to ease intestinal cramping in colicky infants.
Carminatives are a class of herbs commonly used for infants with colic. These herbs tend to relax intestinal spasms.
Chamomile is a carminative with long history of use as a calming herb and may be used to ease intestinal cramping in colicky infants. A soothing tea made from chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel, and lemon balm has been shown to relieve colic more effectively than placebo. In this study, approximately 1/2 cup (150 ml) of tea was given during each colic episode up to a maximum of three times per day.
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2 Stars
Chamomile, Vervain, Licorice, Fennel, and Lemon Balm
1/2 cup (118 ml) of tea up to three times daily
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A soothing tea made from chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel, and lemon balm has been shown to relieve colic more effectively than placebo.
Carminatives are a class of herbs commonly used for infants with colic. These herbs tend to relax intestinal spasms.
Chamomile is a carminative with long history of use as a calming herb and may be used to ease intestinal cramping in colicky infants. A soothing tea made from chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel, and lemon balm has been shown to relieve colic more effectively than placebo. In this study, approximately 1/2 cup (150 ml) of tea was given during each colic episode up to a maximum of three times per day.
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2 Stars
Fennel
1 to 4 teaspoons of a water emulsion of 0.1% fennel seed oil, up to four times per day
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In one study, supplementing with fennel seed oil relieved colic in 65% of cases, compared with 24% of infants receiving a placebo.
In a double-blind study of infants with colic, supplementation with an emulsion of fennel seed oil relieved colic in 65% of cases, compared with 24% of infants receiving a placebo, a statistically significant difference. The amount used was 1 to 4 teaspoons, up to four times per day, of a water emulsion of 0.1% fennel seed oil.
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1 Star
Caraway
Refer to label instructions
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Caraway relieves intestinal cramping and, in this way, may ease symptoms of colic.
Caraway relieves intestinal cramping and, in this way, may ease symptoms of colic. One tablespoon (15 grams) of caraway seed is mixed with 8 oz (240 ml) of just-boiled water and steeped in a closed container for at least 10 minutes. Three ounces of vegetable glycerin is added, and the resulting mixture is stored in a bottle in the refrigerator. Up to 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of the liquid may be given every 30 minutes to a colicky infant or given 15 minutes before feeding.
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1 Star
Cinnamon
Refer to label instructions
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Cinnamon is a gas-relieving herb used in traditional medicine to treat colic. It is generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant.
Several gas-relieving herbs used in traditional medicine for colic are approved in Germany for intestinal spasms. These include yarrow, garden angelica (Angelica archangelica),peppermint, cinnamon, and fumitory (Fumaria officinalis). These herbs are generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants and young children, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol.
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1 Star
Fumitory
Refer to label instructions
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Fumitory is a gas-relieving herb used in traditional medicine to treat colic. It is generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant.
Several gas-relieving herbs used in traditional medicine for colic are approved in Germany for intestinal spasms. These include yarrow, garden angelica (Angelica archangelica),peppermint, cinnamon, and fumitory (Fumaria officinalis). These herbs are generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants and young children, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol.
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1 Star
Garden Angelica
Refer to label instructions
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Garden angelica is a gas-relieving herb used in traditional medicine to treat colic. It is generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant.
Several gas-relieving herbs used in traditional medicine for colic are approved in Germany for intestinal spasms. These include yarrow, garden angelica (Angelica archangelica),peppermint, cinnamon, and fumitory (Fumaria officinalis). These herbs are generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants and young children, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol.
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1 Star
Hyssop
Refer to label instructions
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Hyssop has mild sedative properties and may also be helpful in relieving colic, but research is lacking.
Hyssop has mild sedative properties and may also be helpful in relieving colic, but research is lacking. Though no definitive information on hyssop supplementation is available, 1 teaspoon of hyssop herb steeped in 1 cup of just-boiled water in a closed container for 15 to 20 minutes, then given in sips from a bottle over a period of 2 to 3 hours may help calm colic.
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1 Star
Peppermint
Refer to label instructions
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This gas-relieving herb is usually given to the infant as a tea. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol.
Several gas-relieving herbs used in traditional medicine for colic are approved in Germany for intestinal spasms. These include yarrow, garden angelica (Angelica archangelica),peppermint, cinnamon, and fumitory (Fumaria officinalis). These herbs are generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants and young children, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol.
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1 Star
Yarrow
Refer to label instructions
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Yarrow is a gas-relieving herb used in traditional medicine to treat colic. It is generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant.
Several gas-relieving herbs used in traditional medicine for colic are approved in Germany for intestinal spasms. These include yarrow, garden angelica (Angelica archangelica),peppermint, cinnamon, and fumitory (Fumaria officinalis). These herbs are generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants and young children, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol.
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