Evidence supporting the use of: Ghee
For the health condition: Colic (children)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Ghee, a form of clarified butter, has a long-standing role in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine, including pediatric care. In the context of childhood colic, there are references in Ayurvedic literature to the use of ghee as an internal and external remedy—either given orally in small amounts or used for abdominal massage. The rationale stems from ghee's reputed properties: it is considered soothing, lubricating, and believed to balance digestive fire ("agni"), which is thought to alleviate digestive disturbances like colic. However, there is minimal scientific research or clinical evidence to support the efficacy of ghee for treating colic in children. Modern pediatric guidelines do not recommend ghee for colic, and there are safety concerns with giving fats or oils to infants, especially those under six months. Most contemporary medical recommendations focus on behavioral interventions, feeding adjustments, or, rarely, pharmaceuticals. Overall, the use of ghee for colic is based on traditional practice rather than scientific validation, and the evidence supporting its effectiveness is extremely limited. Caution is advised, especially for infants, due to potential risks such as aspiration or intolerance.

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