Herbs can help ease the discomfort associated with abdominal gas, or flatulence. The American College of Gastroenterology states that flatulence is the release of excessive amounts of flatus, or intestinal gas through your anus, and that the average person releases flatulence about 10 times per day. If you are considering taking herbs to help reduce excessive flatulence, visit your doctor to discuss proper procedures, alternatives and risks.
Intestinal Gas
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that intestinal gas is comprised of carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, methane and sulfur. There are numerous factors that influence your level of intestinal gas, including the amount of air that you swallow, the ease with which your gastrointestinal tract moves and expels air or gas and the volume of gas produced by your colon's bacteria. One of the most common signs or symptoms associated with intestinal gas is abdominal discomfort.
Carminatives
Certain herbs have long been used to help treat intestinal gas. According to Dr. William Mitchell, a naturopath and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," a carminative is a substance that dispels stomach or intestinal gas and decreases pain or discomfort associated with the build-up of gas in the intestinal tract. Herbs with known carminative action include peppermint, sweet flag, fennel, ginger, anise, caraway and staranise. Other herbal carminatives include angelica, cinnamon, chamomile, elecampane and juniper.
A Commonly Used Herb
One of the most popular carminative herbs is peppermint. Peppermint, states the American Cancer Society, is a plant indigenous to Europe, although it is now cultivated throughout North America. Herbal medicine is made from the peppermint plants' leaves and flowering tops and contains two main active ingredients: menthol and menthone. Peppermint helps to treat flatulence, colic, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, vomiting, common cold and flu. Peppermint is a member of the mint family.
Warning
Herbs, including carminatives, can have powerful effects on your body. You should treat herbs with the same caution afforded pharmaceutical agents, as both can cause significant side effects, especially when taken inappropriately. You should avoid some herbs if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. Before taking carminatives to treat your intestinal gas, talk with your physician about the benefits, risks, side effects and possible drug interactions and what herbs may be best for your specific condition.
References
- American College of Gastroenterology: Belching, Bloating and Flatulence
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gas in the Digestive Tract
- "Plant Medicine in Practice;" William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- American Cancer Society: Peppermint
