Gripe water is thought to work in a few possible ways, depending on its ingredients:

• Ginger, fennel, dill, or peppermint may help relax the digestive tract and reduce gas or intestinal spasms.
• Sodium bicarbonate (found in some formulations) can neutralize stomach acid, although it is generally not recommended for routine use in infants.
• The sweet taste and the act of swallowing may have a soothing effect that calms some babies temporarily.