Natural Cures For Flatulence

Gas production is normal part of digestion–and a frequent target of adolescent humor. When gas is odoriferous, excessive, or noise-producing, it’s uncomfortable as well as embarrassing. If it builds up, it can contribute to abdominal discomfort.
What causes gas? It’s made by the intestinal bacteria that ferment food in the colon, or large intestine. Generally, the fermentation of most carbohydrate products is odorless, while the fermentation of proteins has an odor caused by hydrogen sulfide. On the other hand, certain foods have reputations as gas-producers, including broccoli, potatoes, dairy products, and beans.
Sometimes it’s not what you eat or drink, but how fast: Swallowing air while eating or drinking too quickly can set the stage for gaseous episodes. Carbonated beverages can cause problems as well.
If you are prone to flatulence, it is important not to overeat. Eat your meals slowly and enjoy your food. Adding yogurt or other fermented foods to your diet can also help by maintaining a healthful level of bacteria in the intestines. Finally, if three are certain foods that seem to give you gas–and you don’t want to give them up–try eating just small amounts of them regularly to build a tolerance.
Gas in not a new ailment. And people have used herbal remedies to cure it for centuries. Agents that prevent or relieve gas formation in the intestines, whether they are pharmaceuticals or herbs, are called carminatives. Conventional medicine has used herbal carminatives for years; doctors still sometimes tell their patients to take a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of warm water to calm excess gas. Mean while, many nonherbal, over-the-counter drugs (and a few prescription ones) are sold to relieve gas–but their effectiveness is questionable.

Herbal Remedies

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Why do restaurants offer these little candies at the door? Because peppermint contains menthol, which stimulates the flow of bile into the intestines, promoting digestion. Peppermint also helps relax the esophageal sphincter, allowing gas to be released from the stomach via burping. Moreover, mint can help relieve the nausea that may accompany excessive gas. If you don’t want to eat candy, a cup of hot peppermint tea is something to enjoy after dinner. Typical dosage: 6 to 12 drops of essential oil in water three times per day; or up to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes);or 10 to 20 drops of tincture in water after meals. Caution: Do not use peppermint if you have heartburn or esophageal reflux.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

This tension-easing herb also helps dispel gas and can increase the flow of bile, which aids digestion. The flavonoids from chamomile have been shown to relax the muscle of the intestines, decreasing spasms. Chamomile is also an anti-inflammatory. It is best used as an after-dinner tea, perhaps mixed with peppermint. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes). Caution: Those allergic to ragweed may be allergic to chamomile.

Aniseed (Pimpenilla anisum)

This aromatic little seed has been shown in human studies to dispel gas. Typical dosage: up to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1/2 teaspoon of dried, crushed seed in 1 cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes).

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

This root’s fame for its ability to quell nausea often overshadows its usefulness for simple indigestion and gas. Ginger also increases bile secretion and tones the bowel. Try pouring boiling water over a teaspoon of fresh crushed root and adding maple syrup for a delicious dessert tea. Drink it after a meal that might upset the stomach. Typical dosage: up to eight 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day; or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon fresh ground root per day; or 10 to 20 drops of tincture in water per day.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Mentioned in most European medical texts, fennel has a time-honored history as a digestive herb. The gas-dispelling qualities of fennel seeds have been known for hundreds of years; additionally they ease bloating and digestive spasms. Typical dosage: up to three 400-or 500-milligram capsules per day; or 1 cup of tea per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 30 to 60 drops of tincture in water up to four times per day.