Posted by Ipshita Syal
on September 22, 2026
Your baby is inconsolable after a feed, knees pulled up, crying for what feels like hours, and gripe water isn't cutting it. Colic and gas are among the most searched newborn problems among US parents, and one of Ayurveda's oldest remedies for exactly this is a lot simpler than most modern solutions. Here's what to know, in a straightforward question-and-answer format.
What causes colic and gas in babies?
A newborn's digestive system is still maturing, so swallowed air during feeding, an immature gut, and general digestive discomfort can all contribute to the fussiness, bloating, and crying spells known as colic. It typically peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3 to 4 months as the digestive system matures.
What is hing, and why is it used for baby gas?
Hing, also called asafoetida, is a resin traditionally used in Ayurveda to support digestion and ease gas. In many Indian households, a small amount of hing mixed into a paste is traditionally applied externally to a baby's tummy after feeds, it's a generations-old ritual, not a new ingredient, though it's still relatively unknown to most American parents.
How is hing traditionally used on a baby's tummy?
- Use a baby-safe, pre-formulated hing roll-on rather than raw hing powder, which is far too concentrated for infant skin.
- Apply externally to the tummy, gently massaging in a clockwise motion, after feeding, not before.
- Use it once or twice daily, or during a known fussy window, rather than constantly throughout the day.
- Pair it with gentle tummy massage and bicycle-leg movements, which also help release trapped gas.
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5Always do a small patch test before regular use, especially for very young or sensitive-skinned infants.
Does this actually help, or is it just a tradition?
The external application is generally considered gentle and low-risk compared to oral remedies, and the combination of warm massage, gentle pressure, and a calming routine is itself soothing for a fussy baby, regardless of the specific ingredient. Many parents find the ritual itself, consistent timing, gentle touch, helps as much as the remedy.
How does this compare to gripe water or simethicone drops?
- Applied how: Hing is external, on the skin; gripe water and simethicone are given orally
- What it's traditionally used for: Hing for general digestive discomfort; gripe water for gas and hiccups; simethicone specifically for gas bubbles
- Best for: Parents wanting a topical, non-ingested option may prefer hing; oral remedies act more directly on gas already in the gut
- Should be discussed with a pediatrician first: Yes, for all three, especially for infants under 6 weeks
What are the most common mistakes parents make with natural colic remedies?
- Using raw, undiluted hing powder instead of a baby-safe formulated product.
- Applying it before feeding instead of after, when gas is more likely to be forming.
- Expecting it to eliminate colic entirely, when it's meant to ease discomfort, not cure an age-related digestive phase.
- Skipping the patch test on a newborn's especially sensitive skin.
- Not looping in the pediatrician, especially if crying is severe, prolonged, or paired with other symptoms like fever or vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hing safe to use on a baby's skin?
A properly diluted, baby-safe hing formulation applied externally is generally considered gentle, but always patch-test first and check with your pediatrician, especially for newborns.
How old does my baby need to be before using hing?
Many traditional practices use it from the first few weeks of life externally, but always confirm timing and suitability with your pediatrician first.
How is this different from gripe water?
Hing is applied externally to the tummy, while gripe water is given orally. They're traditionally used for a similar goal, easing digestive discomfort, through different methods.
When should I call the pediatrician about colic?
If crying is unusually severe, prolonged, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in stool, or poor feeding, contact your pediatrician promptly rather than relying on home remedies alone.
The Takeaway
Colic and gas are a normal, if exhausting, phase of early infancy. A gentle, externally-applied hing ritual paired with tummy massage is a generations-old approach worth knowing about, alongside your pediatrician's guidance, not instead of it.
*This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your pediatrician before trying any new remedy on your baby, especially for newborns or infants with underlying health conditions.*
