A successful pharmacist in Nottingham, England formulated Woodward’s Gripe Water, in 1851. It is the very first effective remedy for infantile colic to take on the name Gripe Water.

Woodward’s Gripe Water was derived from the recipe a group of Nottingham doctors were using at that time to treat fen fever common as malaria in which children were fretful. The doctors discovered the preparation not only treated the fen fever, it also was an effective in soothing crying babies and provided relief from gastrointestinal problems in newborns. It is not clear about the origin of name of gripe water, but it is thought that Woodward was influenced by the 19th century name for gastroenteritis, “watery gripes.”

The words “gripe water” was registered as a trademark in 1876 by William Wood wards. He sold gripe water to the public by the ounce and to doctors and hospitals by the gallon. Wives of British servicemen endorse the product and took it with them to the far flung areas of the British Empire.

Woodward’s Gripe Water has spawned many imitators, but none have proven to be as popular in Europe. It is true; the original formulation of Woodward’s contained 3.6% alcohol but in 1992, due to public pressure, the alcohol and sucrose was removed from the recipe of Woodward’s gripe water. The active ingredients in Woodward’s today are Terpeneless Dill Seed Oil and Sodium Bicarbonate. It is still alcohol free and sugar free.

Marketing literature shows that the Dill Seed Oil warms and relaxes your baby’s intestine which breaks down the trapped air bubbles and sodium bicarbonate neutralizes acidity in your baby’s stomach, thus preventing acid reflux. The usual dose of gripe water is 5ml and immediately after giving this dose the child tummy has a gurgling sound and the colic is gone. Although it is fast working but it is seen that it has a bad shelf life, so it is usually discarded after two weeks of opening. In infants under 1 month of age it should be used cautiously.

Parents who have used Woodward’s Gripe Water sing its praises insisting every parent should include a bottle in their grocery items. It is also given as a baby show gift by some people.

Although it is a global hit for the centuries to come but it is very much necessary that before using Woodward’s gripe water one must seek complete advice from a pediatrician because sodium bicarbonate and dill seed oil which are important constituents of Woodward’s may be harmful.