Herbal Remedies for Gas

Stomach pain with cramping and gas may be caused by any number of factors, including an intestinal virus, spoiled food, gallstone colic, food allergies and irritable bowl syndrome. Abdominal discomfort and pain from flatulence may respond to herbal treatment. However, herbs can produce side effects, so consult a health practitioner or herbalist before using unfamiliar herbal remedies.

Peppermint

The herb peppermint may reduce abdominal gas, according to Columbia University's Internet health service, Go Ask Alice. Add a few drops of peppermint extract to warm water or brew tea with dried peppermint leaves. You can drink either form of peppermint throughout the day when needed to relive gas pain and other related stomach discomfort. If you prefer, use spearmint or basil in place of peppermint, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Both herbs are in the mint family and produce similar results for relieving gas pain. The mint family herbs may produce mild side effects, in particular, the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. If this occurs, you may have mild acid reflux. Consult a health practitioner if you experience symptoms.

Activated Charcoal

Derived from burned vegetation, activated charcoal is often used to relieve a variety of stomach upsets, including poisonings from foods and other substances. In the event you suffer from abdominal gas, activated charcoal may offer relief from odor, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Take a dose before or immediately after a meal to relieve gas buildup and odor.

Although not technically considered an herbal remedy, it comes from herbal sources and deserves to be included in a list of herbs that are useful for the treatment of gas and other gastrointestinal conditions. Activated charcoal may produce mild side effects if you take too much, such as constipation or black stools, according to Go Ask Alice. Buy it at pharmacies and use at the first sign of gas buildup.

Ginger

A culinary herb, ginger has been used for hundreds of years to relieve various stomach and intestinal problems and may still bring relief from stomach upset, nausea and gas, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." It is especially helpful in reducing symptoms you may have because of intestinal flu or motion sickness. It may also help relieve cramping and distention during gallbladder attacks, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

You can make tea from fresh or powdered ginger, drink ginger ale as long as it has real ginger added, or eat candied ginger to benefit from the herb's effects. Do not drink sodas that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners. However, ginger ale sweetened with sugar may relieve gas pain and other stomach conditions. Ginger can thin the blood, so if you take blood-thinning medicines, consult a health practitioner before using ginger.