If you have ever felt the distress of abdominal pain, you know firsthand the effects of excess gas and bloating. These complaints are symptoms of other medical issues. Common causes include stress, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and a host of other conditions. Whatever the cause, you may be able to find relief taking nutritional supplements containing herbs which act directly on your digestive system.
Peppermint
Peppermint can help relieve your gastrointestinal distress through its muscle-relaxing properties. It causes the involuntary muscles in your digestive system to relax, helping to relieve your symptoms. A 1997 study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that peppermint helped ease the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome including gas, abdominal distension and flatulence.
Peppermint has other gastrointestinal benefits. A 2001 study in the German journal, "Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd," found that peppermint can ease the symptoms of digestive complaints such as gas and bloating by increasing the flow of digestive juices. Your body is better able to digest your food, helping you avoid abdominal distress.
Chamomile
Like peppermint, chamomile can help relax the smooth muscles of your gastrointestinal system, helping you digest your food better. In addition, this herb has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties which can help prevent the onset of gas symptoms and stomach cramps.
Chamomile has other properties which can relieve the causes of your digestive complaints. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, chamomile can act as a mild sedative which can help relieve the stress symptoms contributing to your abdominal pain.
Parsley
Parsley is more than just a decoration on your plate when you dine out. It can also provide relief for your bloating which may occur as a result of what you are eating. According to Whole Health MD, this herb may help control your gas symptoms. It is available as a fresh herb, in liquid form and as a tea.
Fennel
You may be familiar with fennel and its culinary uses. However, in addition to its use as a spice, fennel can act as a digestive aid. Tea made from crushed fennel seeds to relieve your gastrointestinal symptoms is considered safe with no known drug interactions, according to Whole Health MD.
It has other digestive system benefits. A 2010 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found evidence of antimicrobial activity, which may explain its effectiveness. Microbes are disease-causing bacteria which may be the underlying cause of your gas and bloating.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Gas and Gas Pains
- "Journal of Gastroenterology"; Enteric-Coated pPeppermint-Oil Capsules in theTtreatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Prospective, Randomized Trial; J. Liu et al; December 1997
- "Forsch Komplementarmed"; Dyspepsia and Phytotherapy - A Review of Traditional and Modern Herbal Drugs; R. Saller et al; October 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: German Chamomile
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil and Hexane Extract of Florence Fennel [Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum (Mill.) Thell.] Against Foodborne Microorganisms; B. Cetin et al; February 2010
