Occurring in one out of five infants, the true definition of colic follows the ‘rule of three’. the baby’s crying starts at around three weeks old, lasts more than three hours at a stretch, occurs at least three days a week and persists for at least three weeks in a row. It usually starts a few weeks after birth and often improves by the age of three months. Underlying causes of colic are not fully understood, but some experts believe colic manifests due to an immature digestive system, infant acid reflux, food allergies or sensitivity or tobacco exposure. It is generally less common in breastfed babies.

Researchers found that fennel seed oil can reduce pain and increase motility in the small intestine, making it an excellent natural remedy for colic.