Colic: Not much help found in alternative therapies

Colic is a nightmare -- for baby and parents. The condition, in which an infant cries inconsolably, is poorly understood and there is no surefire treatment. That's why parents often turn to complementary and alternative medicines for help. But a study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics finds evidence is lacking that CAM therapies are effective.

Researchers in England pooled the results of 15 studies that looked at CAM therapies for colic. All of the studies were randomized, controlled trials, but all also had flaws in design or methodology.

Overall, the studies suggested that some therapies may help soothe colicky babies. These include fennel extract, mixed herbal tea (containing chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel and balm-mint) and sugar solutions. But, the authors of the paper said, "all trials have major limitations" that make it hard to verify benefits.

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