Description:

Auntie Mary’s Gripe Mixture 150ml is a traditional Ghanaian herbal syrup widely used to relieve colic, gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and griping pains in infants, babies, and young children. It is a popular, gentle, over-the-counter remedy in Ghana for soothing tummy troubles, aiding digestion, reducing flatulence, and calming crying spells associated with wind or indigestion in babies. It is one of the most recognized and trusted local gripe water brands in Ghanaian households.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC) herbal product. No prescription required in Ghana; freely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, herbal shops, and markets.

Therapeutic Category:

Traditional Herbal Carminative / Digestive Aid / Gripe Water (Oral herbal syrup for infant colic, gas, and tummy discomfort relief).

Active Ingredients/Composition: A traditional herbal blend (typical formulation):

• Dill oil / Dill seed extract (Anethum graveolens) – main carminative to relieve wind and colic
• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) – mild antacid to neutralize stomach acid and reduce gas
• Other common traditional ingredients: Ginger extract, fennel, peppermint oil, caraway, or local herbs (e.g., Anise, Chamomile) in varying small amounts Other ingredients: Purified water, sucrose or glucose syrup (sweetener), ethanol (small amount as preservative/solvent), flavoring (e.g., dill or anise), and preservatives. The syrup is clear to pale yellow with a mild herbal/aniseed taste.

Vitamins: None (unless trace from herbs; no added vitamins).

Minerals: Yes – Sodium (from sodium bicarbonate – small amount as antacid; not a nutritional mineral supplement).

Variant:

• Auntie Mary’s Gripe Mixture 150ml (standard bottle size). Related variants: Smaller bottles (e.g., 100ml or 60ml trial size), Auntie Mary’s Gripe Mixture in different flavours or with added herbs, or other local gripe waters (e.g., Woodwards Gripe Water, local brands like Baby Tonic). The 150ml bottle is the most common family size.

Consume Type:

Oral – Syrup (liquid; shake well before use; measured with provided spoon or dropper).

Directions/Usage: Shake bottle well before each dose.

• Infants from 1 month to 6 months: 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) 3–4 times daily or as needed.
• Babies 6 months to 1 year: 5 ml (1 teaspoon) 3–4 times daily or as needed.
• Children over 1 year: 5–10 ml (1–2 teaspoonfuls) 3–4 times daily.
• Give directly from spoon or mix with a small amount of cooled boiled water.
• Best given before feeds or when discomfort occurs.
• Do not exceed recommended dose or give more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
• Use only for short periods (e.g., a few days) unless advised by a doctor.

Common Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated; mild/rare:

• Loose stools or mild diarrhoea (if overused).
• Mild stomach upset.
• Allergic reaction (very rare – rash, itching if sensitive to herbs). No major documented side effects at normal doses.

Package Type:

Amber plastic bottle of 150ml (with child-resistant cap and measuring spoon/dropper; labelled with dosage chart, ingredients, and manufacturer details).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed after use. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For oral use only; not for injection or other routes.
• Do not use in infants under 1 month without medical advice.
• Consult a paediatrician if baby has persistent crying, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, blood in stool, or no improvement after a few days (may indicate serious condition).
• Avoid if known allergy to any ingredient (e.g., dill, sodium bicarbonate).
• Do not exceed recommended dose or use continuously long-term.
• If rash, swelling, severe vomiting, or unusual symptoms occur, stop use and seek medical advice.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar gripe water / colic relief syrups in Ghana include:

• Woodwards Gripe Water (classic brand)
• Auntie Mary’s variants (other sizes/flavours)
• Baby Tonic or local gripe mixtures
• Generic dill water or sodium bicarbonate-based syrups
• Alternatives: Infacol (simethicone drops), Dentinox Colic Drops, or herbal teas (chamomile, fennel). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for options.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Ernest Chemists Limited (ECL; Ghana-based pharmaceutical company; produces Auntie Mary’s Gripe Mixture as part of its paediatric and herbal range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by ECL (headquartered in Accra).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Ernest Chemists Limited/ECL; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).