Gripe water contains a mixture of water, baking soda, and herbs. Herbs in gripe water can include fennel, ginger, chamomile, and lemon balm. It may be suitable as a remedy for stomach... Gripe water is an herbal liquid that’s purported to soothe a range of infant ailments, but what exactly is gripe water , and does it actually work? Let’s take a look at the history, ingredients, potential benefits, and risks of this (somewhat unusual) remedy. Gripe water for babies sits on many shelves as a quick fix—but it helps only in specific situations. Below is what you can observe at home, where gripe water fits (and where it doesn’t), and clear steps to try before and after you open a bottle. Gripe water is a liquid supplement that claims to ease gas and tummy troubles in babies, but its effectiveness and safety are not proven. Learn what gripe water is, how it works, what side effects it may have and when to use it with your doctor's approval.