Gripe water controversy

Yesterday, for the first time, I gave Alex gripe water in a desperate attempt to ease her gas pain. She had been frantically screaming for quite a while; there's not much worse than watching your little one in pain and there's nothing you can do.
I have read several books and articles that suggest gripe water does not work, "studies have shown it's the same as giving your baby plain water." Useless and fills up their tiny stomachs.
Many people have suggested I try to give Alex gripe water. Nurses say not to because her stomach is so small that water would fill up space that could be filled with nutrients. I got a bottle of gripe water at my baby shower so I tried it for the first time.
I gave Alex a teaspoon and shortly after she calmed down to a whimper and then fell asleep. I'm not sure if it worked, but I will try it again in the event I need to. I'm learning that, as long as it's not potentially harmful, everything is worth a try if it makes my baby happy.