Indian Myths Explored

Will gripe water help my baby's colic? Is it safe?

Gripe water is a home remedy that has been used for centuries for babies with colic, gas, or teething pain. Its ingredients vary and may contain ginger, dill, fennel, chamomile, or peppermint. No one is completely sure how gripe water works, but historically, these herbs were thought to calm the digestive tract.

Look at the gripe water ingredients and make sure that the gripe water does not have alcohol which can also be a common ingredient. In general, babies should only have a small amount of gripe water per day -- please talk to your physician about this amount. Don't substitute gripe water for water when mixing infant formula. Also, research the safety record of different brands. One brand of gripe water recently was contaminated with cryptosporidium, a parasite.

Is turmeric (haldi) milk really good for colds?

Turmeric is best known as a spice that gives yellow color and distinctive flavor. However, in India, turmeric has been used for centuries to treat indigestion and other ailments. The active chemical component of turmeric is curcumin. According to Aryuvedic practitioners, one spoon of turmeric boiled in milk can help patients with asthma or productive cough with expectoration of mucous.

While turmeric is safe to take in small amounts, prolonged use of high doses can actually cause stomach upset and GI disturbance. Special precautions should be taken in patients who have gallstones, stomach ulcers, and obstructive jaundice.

Does turmeric help on the skin?

Turmeric has long been used in India to nourish the skin and give it a healthy glow. A common face mask used in India consists of gram flour, pure turmeric powder, and milk. Occasionally, patients with sensitive skin will have allergic reaction to this face mask. Therefore, it is recommended to try the mask on a small patch of skin on the forearm to make sure no reaction occurs before putting on the face.

Can I put kajal in my baby's eyes or on her skin?

Kajal is a castor oil based black paste. For centuries, it has been used along the edge of the inner eyelids of women to enhance the appearance of her eyes. In many cultures, a black dot of Kajal is placed on the chin or scalp of newborn babies to protect them from evil and keep the child pure.

Though kajal has generally been thought to be harmless, some forms of kajal may contain lead, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control). When used, some of the kajal can get onto the hands and lead can be ingested through hand-mouth contact which can be dangerous, particularly in children and pregnant women. So, use kajal with caution!

Is it okay to pierce my baby's ears?

Yes. We usually recommend piercing your baby's ears after her 2 month immunizations so she will have some protection against tetanus.

Is it okay to massage my baby with oil?

Oil massage can be very soothing and is also wonderful bonding time with your baby. Babies are usually massaged with mineral oil or olive oil. To ensure that your baby does not have an allergic skin reaction, test the oil on a small patch of skin on the forearm or leg to make sure no reaction occurs before putting it on the rest of the body. 

Does cold weather make it easier to catch a cold?

This is a myth. Cold weather has nothing to do with catching a cold. Colds are typically caused by viruses. Frequently, people become ill from spending time indoors in close contact with others. Because of the heated close quarters, germs are easily passed from person to person.

Can I bathe my baby when she has a cold?

There is no harm in bathing your baby or washing your baby's hair when she has a cold.

Should dairy foods be avoided during a cold?

The common belief that milk and other dairy products should be avoided when a child is sick with a cold is a myth.

In fact, studies have shown that cheese and other dairy products contain linoleic acid, a natural component of dairy fat, that boosted immune response in animal studies.

Yogurt contains probiotics, which can also strengthen the immune system.
Also, many babies and young children prefer milk to any other fluid, and keeping him/her properly hydrated is very important during illness.

Do ginger and garlic help a cold?

Yes. The juice from garlic boosts your immune system. It can help your body prevent infection.

Fresh ginger root can help you when you are sick by decreasing nausea and diarrhea.

Should cold temperature foods be avoided during a cold?

This is another myth. Cold foods and cold drinks will not harm you during a cold or make a cold worse. Many children lose their appetite during illness, and restricting their diet to only warm foods would be needlessly limiting their diet even further.

Kids with sore throats, especially if they have blisters inside their mouths, may even prefer cool drinks and foods such as ice cream or yogurt to soothe their throats.

Can you catch the flu from getting the flu shot?

No, you can't. The flu vaccine is made from an inactivated virus, so you can not catch the flu from the vaccine. However, you can get some soreness at the injection site and it's not uncommon to feel a bit under the weather for a few days after.

Last reviewed: 2012