Gas, also known as flatulence, occurs when air in the intestines passes through the rectum. Gas forms naturally in the intestines as food is digested, but excessive gas can cause discomfort and even pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, avoiding foods that commonly cause gas, such as beans, cabbage and carbonated beverages, can help prevent excess gas. Several herbal and home remedies may help get rid of gas once it occurs. Although gas typically does not require medical treatment, consult a doctor if you experience abdominal or rectal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation in addition to gas.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint, an old-fashioned remedy for gas, helps improve digestion and prevents flatulence. In her book “Herbal Home Remedies,” Jude C. Todd recommends drinking a cup of peppermint tea after meals to avoid gas buildup. You can also drink a cup anytime you begin to feel gas pains to stop them from progressing. To make peppermint tea, steep 1 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves in one cup of boiling water for 15 minutes in a covered, heatproof container. Strain, sweeten with honey if desired, and drink hot or cold. Although considered safe for consumption, always consult a doctor before taking peppermint if you currently take prescription medications.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have been used for hundreds of years to treat digestive upsets, including gas and flatulence. In the “Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide,” Harvard Medical School reports that chewing fennel seeds after meals alleviates gas. For best results, chew about 1/2 tbsp. of the dried or fresh seeds each time, or sprinkle them on your food. Fennel seeds have a pleasant licorice flavor. You can also drink fennel tea after eating to prevent gas. Steep 1 to 2 tsp. of crushed seeds in one cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and drink. Do not consume excessive amounts of fennel if you are pregnant or nursing.
Ginger Tea
Ginger, another common kitchen herb, can help reduce gas and gas pains, according to the Reader's Digest Association in the book “1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems.” Ginger stimulates digestion so food doesn't linger in the intestines, which contributes to gas. To make ginger tea, steep 1/4 tsp. powdered ginger in a cup of hot water for about five minutes, stir well and drink immediately. Alternatively, you can take powdered ginger in capsule form if you don't like the taste. Do not take more than three cups of ginger tea daily, as excessive doses can cause mild heartburn and diarrhea.
Chamomile Tea
In addition to relieving tension, chamomile also helps dispel gas and increases the flow of bile, which aids digestion. In her book “The Herbal Drugstore,” Linda B. White explains that chamomile contains flavanoids, which help relax the intestinal muscles. As an after-dinner tea, chamomile can reduce and prevent gas. To make, steep 1/2 to 1 tsp. of dried chamomile flowers in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, sweeten as desired and drink just after eating. You can also purchase chamomile tea bags at most grocery stores. Prepare according to the instructions on the package. Do not consume chamomile if you have allergies to ragweed or chrysanthemums.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gas Flatulence
- “Jude's Herbal Home Remedies”; Jude C. Todd; 2002
- “Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide”; Harvard Medical School, Anthony L. Komaroff; 2004
- “1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems”; Reader's Digest; 2004
- “The Herbal Drugstore”; Linda B. White, Steven Foster; 2000
