Flatulence, or intestinal gas, is a common health complaint. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that most people generate approximately 1 to 4 pints of gas per day. Flatulence is composed of many different gases, including carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen and methane. Before using herbal remedies to help treat your excessive flatulence, visit your physician to review your treatment options and their associated risks and benefits.
Flatulence
The Mayo Clinic states that intestinal gas can develop in your large intestine. In most cases, this occurs due to bacteria breaking down undigested food particles. Intestinal gas that is passed out of the body through your rectum is known as flatulence. Certain foods are known to encourage the formation of intestinal gas, including beans and lentils, dairy products and some fruits. Certain medical conditions can also cause intestinal gas and flatulence. These include celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcers.
Useful Herbal Remedies
According to William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician, master herbalist and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," there is an entire category of herbs known as carminatives that helps prevent or reduce intestinal gas and flatulence. Examples of herbal remedies with carminative action include peppermint, calamus, fennel, ginger, anise, caraway, angelica, cardamom, cinnamon, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, turmeric, wild yam and yerba santa. Carminatives help relieve the pain that accompanies gas accumulation in your gastrointestinal tract.
Featured Herbal Remedy
Fennel is one of the most commonly used and effective herbal remedies in the treatment of flatulence. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," fennel has been used to treat gas, gastrointestinal tract spasms and abdominal pain. Fennel may help suppress your appetite, encourage the proper functioning of your kidneys, liver and spleen and help treat colon disorders. The fruit, roots, leaves and stems of the fennel plant are used in herbal preparations.
Disclaimer
Before taking herbal remedies for your flatulence, it is important to review all your treatment options with your doctor. A qualified health care professional -- especially a naturopathic doctor or a medical doctor with advanced training in herbal medicine -- can make helpful suggestions about what herbs might be best for your particular ailment. Fully understand the risks, potential side effects and dosage instructions before using herbal remedies to treat your intestinal gas and flatulence.
References
- National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse: Gas in the Digestive Tract
- MayoClinic.com: Intestinal Gas
- "Plant Medicine in Practice;" William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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