Abdominal gas may be caused by a variety of conditions ranging from overeating, acid reflux and gallbladder colic. Flatulence may take the form of pain in the abdomen or chest or manifest as hiccups, burping or belching. Choose from a selection of home remedies to treat gas pain, including conventional over-the-counter treatments and alternative therapies. If gas pain does not subside within a few hours of home treatment, medical attention is recommended.
Simethicone
Columbia University's internet health service, "Go Ask Alice," recommends using simethicone or antiacids containing simethicone for relieving gas pain and from trapped gas. This substance is capable of breaking apart large gas bubbles, enabling them to be released more easily. Simethicone is readily available at drug and grocery stores.
Peppermint
Go Ask Alice adds that using peppermint in tea or extract form may help relieve gas pain. A few drops of extract can be added to hot or cold water, or a tea with dried peppermint can be made and sipped throughout the day for relief. To make an herbal tea with peppermint, steep a tea ball or teabag filled with dried peppermint in one cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove the tea ball or teabag and drink. Take the tea at the first sign of gas buildup.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can be taken before and after meals to reduce the incidence of abdominal gas and its odor, according to University of Michigan Health System. This product is considered safe, but may cause mild side effects such as mild constipation or black stools, adds Go Ask Alice. Activated charcoal can be purchased at pharmacies.
Homeopathic Cheledonium Majus
Some gas and abdominal pains are the result of biliary colic or gallbladder disease. The pain is often felt in the upper right side of the abdomen, the right side of the chest and back and the shoulder. Homeopathic Cheledonium may be helpful for these gas pains, according to Dr. William Boericke in his book, "Materia Medica and Repertory."
Cheledonium is especially indicated for people experience gas pains extending to the right side of the abdomen and right shoulder blade. The person may be nauseous and vomit and feel better after drinking very hot drinks. The remedy helps to speed digestion and is indicated for people who feel better while eating during a gallbladder attack. A professional homeopath should be consulted before using this remedy. It can be purchased in health food stores and through online homeopathic pharmacies.
References
- Go Ask Alice: Remedies for Gas Pain
- University of Michigan Health System: Gas, Bloating and Burping
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallbladder Disease
- "Materia Medica and Repertory"; William Boericke; 1987
