Digestive gas, also called flatulence, can involve sharp, painful spasms and a feeling of bloating. Many factors can cause gas, including swallowing too much air when you eat or drink, eating too many high-fiber foods, being lactose intolerant, using antibiotics, or poor digestion. Gas may also be a symptom of an underlying disorder, such as diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease. Herbs may help to reduce gas, but check with your doctor before starting herbal therapy.
Herbal Actions
Herbs that reduce digestive gas are called carminatives. They contain volatile oils that relax stomach muscles and stimulate your intestines to move food through your system, thus preventing poor fermentation by bacteria that leads to gas. Since there can be many reasons for gas attacks, consult a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about herbal dosage and preparation before using carminatives for gas.
Peppermint
Peppermint, or Mentha piperita, is an aromatic herb with purple flowers. Herbalists use the leaves and essential oil to treat a wide range of disorders, including irritable bowel, gallbladder problems, upper respiratory infections and herpes virus infections. The oil contains menthol, which stimulates bile flow and aids digestion, thus reducing gas. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend peppermint to relieve gas and nausea associated with gas. Do not use this herb if you have heartburn or reflux.
Fennel
Fennel, or Foeniculum vulgare, is a perennial herb used in cooking and medicine throughout the Mediterranean. The seeds contain a volatile oil that's a traditional remedy for flatulence, upset stomach, intestinal cramps and menstrual disorders. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that fennel oil has anti-spasm and carminative actions, and promotes gastrointestinal motility, thus relieving gas buildup in your intestines. Do not use this herb during pregnancy.
Ginger
Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is a perennial herb native to India. The rhizomes are rich in essential oil and are a traditional treatment for stomach problems and nausea, especially travel sickness. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster note that ginger increases bile flow and tones the intestines, thus reducing bacterial fermentation and gas. Ginger is also anti-spasmodic, and may help relieve gas pains in your stomach and bowels. Discontinue or lower the dosage if you experience stomach irritation.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
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