Colic is long bouts of crying in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. It affects up to 1 in 5 babies, usually starts at around 2 weeks old, peaks at about 6 weeks and is gone for most babies by 3 to 4 months. It isn’t caused by anything you did, and it doesn’t harm your baby, but it can be exhausting.

Signs of colic

Doctors often use the “rule of 3s”: crying for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks, in a baby who is otherwise healthy and growing well. Colicky crying often:

• Happens at the same time each day, often late afternoon or evening
• Sounds intense, like screaming, and is hard to soothe
• Comes with a red face, clenched fists, arched back or legs pulled up to the tummy

What causes it?

No one knows for sure. Likely factors include an immature gut, swallowed air, sensitivity to stimulation and, in a small number of babies, cow’s milk protein allergy or reflux.

Soothing techniques that help

• Hold and rock your baby, or carry them in a sling
• White noise, such as a fan, a white-noise app or a gentle “shhh”
• Motion: a walk in the stroller or a drive in the car seat
• Swaddling in a light blanket, keeping the hips loose
• A warm bath, followed by a gentle tummy massage in clockwise circles. Some parents use a mild baby massage product such as Himalaya Baby Tummy Roll On; patch-test first and avoid broken skin.
• Feeding tips: burp often, keep baby more upright during feeds, and check the bottle teat flow isn’t too fast

What about remedies?

• Simethicone gas drops are safe, but studies haven’t shown they work better than a placebo.
• Probiotic drops (Lactobacillus reuteri) may reduce crying time in breastfed babies. Ask your pediatrician.
• Diet changes: if your pediatrician suspects cow’s milk protein allergy, they may suggest a special formula or a dairy-free trial for a breastfeeding mother. Don’t switch formulas repeatedly without advice.
• Gripe water and herbal teas have little evidence. Never give honey to a baby under 1 year old.

Look after yourself too

Hours of crying are hard on any parent. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s OK to put your baby down safely in their crib and step away for a few minutes. Ask a partner, friend or family member to take over. Never shake a baby. If you’re struggling, talk to your pediatrician or a helpline.

When to call a doctor

Call your pediatrician if your baby:

• Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Vomits often, or the vomit is green, bloody or forceful
• Has blood in their stool, or diarrhea
• Isn’t feeding well, has fewer wet diapers or isn’t gaining weight
• Has a weak, high-pitched or unusual cry, or seems floppy or very sleepy
• Has crying that starts after 4 months, or follows a fall or injury

Call 911 if your baby has trouble breathing, turns blue, or can’t be woken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does colic last?

It usually peaks at around 6 weeks and stops by 3 to 4 months of age.

Is colic caused by gas?

Babies with colic often seem gassy, but gas is more likely a result of crying and swallowing air than the cause.

Can colic harm my baby?

No. Colic itself doesn’t cause lasting harm, but always check with a doctor to rule out other causes of crying.

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This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your pediatrician.

Seeing pink in the sink after brushing is common, and it’s usually an early warning from your gums rather than something serious. The good news is that the most common cause, gingivitis, can usually be reversed within 2 weeks with better daily care.

Why do gums bleed?

• Gingivitis: plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline and inflames the gums. Inflamed gums are red, puffy and bleed easily. This is by far the most common cause.
• Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled brush
• Starting to floss, which can cause light bleeding for the first week or so
• Pregnancy, when hormone changes make gums more sensitive
• Medicines such as blood thinners and aspirin
• Smoking, which damages gums and also hides the bleeding, so gum disease can go unnoticed
• Less often: vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency, diabetes, or a blood disorder

What to do at home

• Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with a soft-bristled brush, angled at 45 degrees towards the gumline. Gentle circles work better than scrubbing.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Toothpastes made for gum care, such as Himalaya Gum Care toothpaste or Himalaya Complete Care, are fine to use as long as you keep brushing well.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or small interdental brushes. Keep going even if your gums bleed at first. The bleeding usually stops within 1 to 2 weeks as the gums heal.
• Try an antiseptic mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils for a few weeks. Rinse with warm salt water if your gums feel sore.
• Stop smoking, which is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease.
• Eat well, with plenty of fruit and vegetables for vitamin C, and cut back on sugary snacks and drinks.

When it becomes gum disease

If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form, and the bone holding the teeth in place is slowly lost. This can’t be reversed at home and can eventually loosen teeth. Nearly half of US adults over 30 have some periodontitis, often without knowing.

When to see a dentist

• Your gums still bleed after 2 weeks of good brushing and flossing
• Your gums are receding, or your teeth look longer or feel loose
• You have bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
• You see pus, or have swelling or pain in the gums
• You’re pregnant or have diabetes, as gum problems need closer attention

See a doctor promptly if your gums bleed without brushing, or you also bruise easily, have nosebleeds, or feel unusually tired, as this can point to a blood or clotting problem.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stop flossing if my gums bleed?

No. Light bleeding when you start flossing is common and usually stops within 1 to 2 weeks as the gums get healthier.

Can bleeding gums heal on their own?

Gingivitis can reverse in about 2 weeks with good brushing and daily flossing, but it won’t improve without that daily care.

How often should I see a dentist?

Most people should have a check-up and professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months.

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This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a dentist, doctor or pharmacist.

About 1 in 10 people get a kidney stone at some point, and once you’ve had one, there’s roughly a 50% chance of another within 5 to 10 years. The good news is that a few everyday habits lower that risk a lot.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when minerals in your urine become too concentrated and crystallize. Most are calcium oxalate stones. Others are made of uric acid, calcium phosphate or, less often, struvite or cystine. Knowing your stone type helps your doctor tailor advice, so ask for any stone you pass to be tested.

1. Drink enough water

This is the single most important step. Aim to drink enough to pass at least 2 to 2.5 liters (around 8 to 10 cups) of urine a day, which for most people means drinking 2.5 to 3 liters of fluid. Your urine should be pale yellow. Drink more in hot weather or when you exercise.

2. Add some citrus

Citrate in lemons, limes and oranges helps stop stones from forming. Adding fresh lemon or lime juice to water is an easy habit. Avoid sugary lemonades and sodas, which can raise risk.

3. Cut back on salt

Salt makes your kidneys pass more calcium into the urine. Keep sodium under 2,300 mg a day by limiting processed foods, canned soups, takeaway meals and salty snacks.

4. Don’t cut out calcium

It sounds backwards, but eating enough calcium from food lowers the risk of calcium oxalate stones, because calcium binds oxalate in the gut before it reaches the kidneys. Have dairy or other calcium-rich foods with meals. Calcium supplements are different: take them only if advised, and with food.

5. Watch oxalate-rich foods if advised

If you’ve had calcium oxalate stones, your doctor may suggest limiting very high-oxalate foods such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts and nut butters, beets and black tea. Pairing them with a calcium-rich food helps too.

6. Moderate animal protein

Large amounts of red meat, poultry, eggs and seafood raise uric acid and lower urine citrate. Keeping portions moderate and eating more vegetables, fruit and beans helps.

7. Keep a healthy weight

Obesity and type 2 diabetes raise the risk of stones. Avoid crash diets, which can increase risk. See how to lose weight safely.

Medicines and herbal products

If you keep getting stones despite these changes, your doctor may test your blood and urine and prescribe a medicine matched to your stone type, such as a thiazide diuretic, potassium citrate or allopurinol.

Herbal products: Himalaya Cystone, available as tablets and syrup, is an Ayurvedic formula traditionally used to support urinary health. A few small studies suggest it may help, but the evidence isn’t strong enough to say it prevents or dissolves stones. If you try it, use it alongside the habits above and your doctor’s advice, never instead of medical care.

Symptoms of a kidney stone

• Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, which may spread to the lower belly or groin and come in waves
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pink, red or brown urine
• Needing to urinate often, or passing only small amounts
• Nausea and vomiting

Get urgent medical help if you have pain with a fever or chills, pain so severe you can’t sit still, vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down, or you can’t pass urine. A stone with infection is an emergency.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best drink to prevent kidney stones?

Water is best. Water with fresh lemon or lime juice adds citrate, which also helps.

Does coffee cause kidney stones?

No. Studies link moderate coffee and tea drinking with a slightly lower risk, as long as you also drink plenty of water.

Can kidney stones come back?

Yes. Around half of people get another stone within 10 years, which is why prevention habits matter.

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This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Most sore throats are caused by the same viruses that cause colds and flu. They usually get better on their own within a week. Antibiotics don’t help a viral sore throat, but plenty of simple remedies can make you feel better while your body clears the infection.

What causes a sore throat?

• Viruses such as colds, flu and COVID-19 cause most sore throats, often with a runny nose, cough or hoarse voice.
• Strep throat, a bacterial infection, causes around 1 in 10 sore throats in adults and up to 3 in 10 in children. It needs a test and antibiotics.
• Dry air, allergies and acid reflux can irritate the throat, especially first thing in the morning. See allergies or cold: how to tell and heartburn relief.
• Smoking and shouting can also leave your throat raw.

Home remedies that help

• Salt water gargle: dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle and spit. Repeat several times a day.
• Honey: a spoonful on its own or in warm water or tea soothes the throat and can ease coughing. Never give honey to babies under 1 year old.
• Warm and cold drinks: warm tea or broth, or cold drinks and ice lollies, whichever feels better.
• Rest your voice and get plenty of sleep.
• Humidify the air with a humidifier or a steamy shower if the air is dry.
• Stay hydrated so your throat doesn’t dry out.

Over-the-counter options

• Pain relievers: acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen ease pain and fever. Follow the label and check other cold medicines for the same ingredient.
• Medicated lozenges and sprays: lozenges with menthol, or with numbing ingredients like benzocaine, give short-term relief. Don’t give lozenges to young children because of the choking risk.
• Herbal lozenges: honey and herbal lozenges such as Himalaya Koflet lozenges soothe and keep the throat moist.
• Cough syrups: if a cough is keeping your throat sore, a soothing herbal syrup such as Himalaya Koflet-EX linctus may help. Read the age guidance on the pack.

Is it strep throat?

Strep is more likely if you have:

• A sudden, severe sore throat and pain when swallowing
• A fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
• Swollen, tender glands at the front of the neck
• White patches or pus on the tonsils, or tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• No cough or runny nose

A doctor or urgent care clinic can do a quick swab test. If it’s strep, antibiotics help you recover faster and prevent complications.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if:

• Your sore throat lasts longer than a week, or keeps coming back
• You have signs of strep throat, listed above
• You have a high fever, a rash, or ear pain
• You have a weakened immune system

Get urgent help if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, are drooling because you can’t swallow, can’t open your mouth fully, or have swelling on one side of the throat or neck.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a sore throat last?

A viral sore throat usually improves within 5 to 7 days. Strep throat improves within a day or two of starting antibiotics.

What is the fastest way to soothe a sore throat?

A salt water gargle, a spoonful of honey, a lozenge and a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen usually bring relief within an hour.

Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?

Only if a test shows a bacterial infection such as strep. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses and can cause side effects.

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This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Cracked heels (heel fissures) are very common, especially in dry weather and for people who stand a lot. Most cases heal within 1 to 2 weeks with a simple daily routine.

Why heels crack

• Dry skin, especially in winter or hot, dry climates
• Standing for long periods, particularly on hard floors
• Open-back shoes and sandals, which let the heel fat pad spread
• Long hot showers and harsh soaps
• Extra body weight, which adds pressure on the heels
• Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, eczema, psoriasis and athlete’s foot

Nightly routine to heal cracked heels

1. Soak your feet in warm (not hot) water for 10 minutes.
2. Gently rub thick skin with a pumice stone or foot file. Don’t cut hard skin yourself.
3. Pat dry and apply a thick foot cream to the heels, such as Himalaya FootCare Cream.
4. Put on cotton socks overnight to help the cream soak in.
5. Moisturise again in the morning.

Ingredients that help

• Urea (10 to 25%) softens hard skin and holds in moisture
• Salicylic acid or lactic acid gently remove thick, dead skin
• Petroleum jelly, glycerin or shea butter seal in moisture

Prevent cracks coming back

• Moisturise your feet every day
• Wear closed-back, supportive shoes
• Drink enough water and avoid very long hot baths
• Check your feet for athlete’s foot, which can cause cracking. See athlete’s foot treatment.

When to see a doctor or podiatrist

• Cracks that bleed, are deep or very painful
• Redness, warmth, swelling or pus, which can mean infection
• No improvement after 2 weeks of daily care
• If you have diabetes or poor circulation: see a doctor or podiatrist about any crack or sore, as foot wounds can become serious quickly

Frequently asked questions

How long do cracked heels take to heal?

Mild cracks usually improve within a week of nightly care. Deeper cracks can take 2 to 3 weeks.

Is Vaseline good for cracked heels?

Yes. Petroleum jelly seals in moisture, especially under socks overnight. A cream with urea works faster on thick skin.

Can I use a razor to remove hard skin?

No. Cutting can cause deep cuts and infection. Use a pumice stone or foot file instead.

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This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.