Occasional bloating and gas usually do not cause serious health problems, and the condition typically passes on its own. According to the Mayo Clinic, everyone experiences gas, and most people pass gas at least 12 times a day. Some people may have excessive gas, however, and this can result in intense abdominal pain. While you can't stop bloating and gas completely, several home remedies may help reduce the frequency and severity of the problem. Consult your physician if gas pains become intolerable or do not improve after using home remedies.
Fennel
Healers in China have used fennel as a "wind-dispelling" herb for centuries, and it was a popular digestive aid in Medieval Europe. In the book "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies," Joe Graedon recommends taking fennel to stop gas and bloating. It works as a preventative and treatment for painful gas. Make fennel tea by steeping 2 to 3 tsp. crushed fennel seeds in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, and then straining out the seeds. Drink immediately just before meals or during an episode for the best results. Drinking a cup of this tea each day may also help prevent chronic flatulence.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint, a widely used herbal digestive aid, may help stop bloating and gas while soothing the intestines and bowels, according to Asa Herschoff in his book "Herbal Remedies." The herb has antispasmodic properties and improves the digestion process. Make peppermint tea by steeping 2 tsp. of the dried leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, and then straining out the spent herbs. Sweeten with honey if you like, and drink immediately after meals, or any time you experiences gas pains, for fast relief.
Baking Soda
Baking soda may help neutralize stomach acid and relieve bloating and gas. In the book "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems," the Reader's Digest Association suggests stirring 1 tsp. of baking soda into a glass of water and drinking it during a bout with gas pains. In rare cases, baking soda may explode in the stomach and even tear the stomach lining. For this reason, it is recommended that you add four or five drops of lemon juice to the solution before drinking to dispel some of the gas before it reaches your stomach.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile, a tension-easing herb, may also help dispel gas and increase bile flow, which improves digestion. The herb's flavanoids relax the intestinal muscles and decrease spasms. Linda B. White, author of "The Herbal Drugstore," recommends using chamomile as an after-dinner tea to stop bloating and gas. Steep 1 tsp. dried chamomile flowers in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, sweeten with honey and drink immediately. Drink up to four cups a day, as needed. If you have allergies to ragweed, avoid chamomile, as it may cause a similar allergic reaction.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Gas and Gas Pains
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, Teresa Graedon; 2000
- "Herbal Remedies: A Quick and Easy Guide to Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff; 2001
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 2004
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, Steven Foster; 2000
