herbal treatment of infantile bloating: a review of the most effective medicinal plants for infantile gas relief

Objective: infantile bloating is among the most prevalent gastrointestinal disturbances in early infancy, characterized by persistent crying, restlessness, and abdominal discomfort. this condition often arises due to immature gastrointestinal function. in search of safe and natural remedies to alleviate these symptoms, traditional iranian medicine alongside other complementary medical systems advocates the use of medicinal plants. the present study aims to review and introduce the key herbal remedies commonly employed in traditional medicine for reducing infantile colic.methods: this review is based on a comprehensive survey and critical analysis of reputable printed and digital sources on iranian traditional medicine, herbal pharmacopoeias, scientific articles, and electronic databases. the most significant medicinal plants demonstrated to ease infantile bloating were identified, examined, and systematically categorized.findings: according to classical texts and pharmacological references, herbal distillates derived from plants such as fennel, thyme, green cumin, ajwain, chamomile, licorice, coriander, lemon balm, anise, celery, savory, dill, ginger, and peppermint are widely used to alleviate infantile colic. additionally, topical applications of plant oils and essential oils including lavender, olive oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and harmala—are commonly utilized in gentle abdominal massages to soothe bloating-related discomfort.conclusion: the findings underscore the substantial potential of iranian traditional medicine in managing infantile colic through the use of herbal preparations. when applied thoughtfully and scientifically, these botanicals offer a complementary, safe, cost-effective, and efficacious approach to symptom relief. nonetheless, it is strongly advised that any oral or topical use of herbal products in infants be supervised by qualified healthcare professionals or traditional medicine practitioners to prevent possible adverse effects.